The 2010 BMW V5 will be based on the company's 5-Series. The current 5-Series wagon is shown here.

Consumer Guide’s Impressions of the 2010 BMW V5

Having birthed the X6 “sports activity coupe,” BMW’s 5-Series now morphs into a “progressive activity sedan.” The “V” stands for “versatile,” but don’t call it a hatchback.

What We Know About the 2010 BMW V5

A rose might smell the same with a different name, but BMW isn’t down with Shakespeare. Why else would the company insist that its midsize X5 and compact X3 are not SUVs but SAVs, which stands for “sports activity vehicles”? Similar double-speak attends the new all-wheel-drive X6 “sports activity coupe,” which can be viewed as either a sloped-roof X5 with less space or a sloped-roof 5-Series sedan on stilts.

Now BMW planners, apparently unfatigued by all this “activity,” have hit on the “progressive activity sedan” as another conceptual riff on the mid-range 5-Series. But don’t get excited. PAS is simply their name for the 4-door hatchback body style so popular in Europe and so shunned by many Americans as somewhat blue-collar. But because this one will also have wagon-like utility, and because “hatchback” and “wagon” are regarded as sales-killing no-no words in the car biz, it’s getting the new-to-BMW name of V-Series--V for “versatile.” So please remember, the 2010 BMW V5 is no more an ordinary hatchback than the 5-Series Touring is an old-fashioned station wagon. Oh, what tangled webs they weave.

What’s going on here? Several things. First, BMW knows it must keep coming up with new models to keep sales growing and to forestall possible buyer boredom with the usual sedans and wagons. Second, Munich wants to steal thunder from Mercedes-Benz’s strong-selling CLS “4-door coupe,” which is based on the everyday E-Class. The X6 is an opening salvo to that end. It’s also a preemptive strike against Bavarian rival Audi, which is planning its own coupe-like 4-door, the A7. Last but obviously not least, people are still willing to pay extra for look-at-me styling, and automakers love the bottom-line results, as putting a new skin over existing bones is so much cheaper than a clean-sheet effort. So now you know the rationale for both the X6 and the V5.

Sources expect the 2010 BMW V5, a.k.a. PAS, to bow in Europe by mid-2009, which probably means a U.S. debut that fall. It’s reportedly based on the redesigned 5-Series wagons that are due to arrive in calendar 2010, soon after 5-Series sedans. Unlike the U.S.-built X6, the V5 will be sourced from Europe and offered with rear-wheel drive only. It shares the X6’s general “fastback” profile, but the lack of AWD puts it visibly lower to the ground. Proportions differ as well. The V5 will have a taller roofline versus the X6’s “chop-top” to provide greater rear-seat space. One British source says BMW designers claim enough rear headroom to clear a top hat, sure to be appreciated by the white-tie-and-tails set.

By starting out as a 5-Series wagon instead of a 5-Series sedan, the 2010 BMW V5 inherits the beefier aft-body structure needed to support its weighty hatchback lid. That’s important, because instead of a one-piece liftgate, as on the wagon and X6, the V5 is said to have a novel two-way hatch with a separate lower portion that opens like a sedan trunklid for easy stashing of regular-size cargo. For XXL stuff--say, a steamer trunk--the whole hatch raises, rear window and all. We’ll be interested to see how this works. Speaking of weight, the 2010 BMW V5 will reportedly flatten the scales at around 4,200 pounds. It also looks to cast a slightly larger shadow than the X6.

We have conflicting reports about the interior layout. Some sources say the 2010 BMW V5 will carry five with the help of a rear bench seat, while others predict four individual seats. Perhaps the latter will be an option to the former. Whatever transpires, folding rear seats will definitely be included in line with the “versatile” theme. Most other cabin appointments should come from the X6 and/or new-gen 5-Series, including the dashboard and BMW’s much-criticized iDrive infotainment-systems controller.

The 2010 BMW V5 will lift other components off the corporate shelf, starting with powertrains. U.S. buyers should have a choice of three engines: a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder with around 270 horsepower, a twin-turbo version with near 300 horses, and the X6’s available new 400-horsepower twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8. Respective badges should read V530i, V535i, and V550i. All engines will be available with a new 8-speed automatic transmission. A 6-speed manual or a new 7-speed automated-manual may be standard for 6-cylinder models and perhaps the V8 too, appropriate for the “Ultimate Driving Machine” company. Look for all models to offer one or more of BMW’s fuel-saving “Efficient Dynamics” technologies, described below under “Notable Feature.”

Like the X6 and 5-Series, the 2010 BMW V5 will offer most every electronic driving aid this brand can muster. That means standard ABS, antiskid system, and traction control, plus options including BMW’s Active Steering with variable ratio and assist and the company’s Active Roll Stabilization system that counters cornering lean via special suspension members. Another extra-cost prospect is BMW’s Dynamic Drive Control, basically a “one button Sport mode” that re-calibrates suspension, throttle, and transmission responses to suit more-aggressive driving. Spy photos of test prototypes suggest 6-cylinder models will come on 17- or 18-inch wheels, the V8 version on 19- or possible 20-inchers.

Also like its line mates, the 2010 BMW V5 will offer expected options such as a navigation system, front-and-rear obstacle detection, keyless entry and starting, and adaptive cruise control that maintains a set following distance. An available night-vision system with head-up display should be listed. So, too, a lane-departure-warning system, multi-adjustable power front seats, heated steering wheel, and one or more Sport Packages with various handling and interior upgrades.

History buffs may wish to note that the 2010 BMW V5 is a “second thoughts” replacement for a planned Mercedes-Benz R-Class challenger rumored as the RFK--German shorthand for “Space Functional Concept.” BMW announced the wagon-like RFK back in early 2005, only to pull the plug some 18 months later in the face of tepid R-Class sales. That’s just as well, as the V5 stands to offer similar room and versatility in a more visually appealing package, and the BMW badge almost guarantees good sales. First, though, BMW will have to convince people that a “progressive activity sedan” is more than the fancy hatchback it appears to be, which probably means heavy overtime for the advertising wordsmiths.

The 2010 BMW V5 should offer a choice of three powertrains. It will be based on the 5-Series (2008 5-Series pictured).

A Notable Feature of the 2010 BMW V5

BMW announced its “Efficient Dynamics” initiative in 2005, and has since put some of these technologies into showroom models to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. Prime examples include direct fuel injection and the company’s Valvetronic variable valve-timing system that uses “by-wire” electronic controls instead of a mechanical throttle. The 2010 BMW V5 will likely offer other elements of the “Efficient Dynamics” suite. The most probable are a fuel-saving engine start/stop system, like that on many gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles, and a so-called Intelligent Alternator Control that de-couples the alternator drive except when coasting and braking to eliminate that drain on engine power. Another possibility is so-called “Active Aero,” a series of inner-body flaps that adjust to smooth airflow and thus reduce gas-eating wind resistance at highway speeds. Serving the same end is a possible “active suspension” that lowers the vehicle slightly at highway speeds--not a new idea, but now quite timely with skyrocketing gas prices. All this promises better-than-expected fuel economy, but it remains to be seen how the V5 will fare in both EPA ratings and Consumer Guide’s real-world testing.

We don’t rule out a diesel version of the 2010 BMW V5. This would likely be a V35d with a twin-turbo 6-cylinder that allegedly makes some 280 horsepower and thumping torque of over 400 lb-ft. Like most European automakers, BMW is high on diesel power for its comparatively greater fuel thrift and lower CO₂ emissions. Indeed, BMW will soon add an “oil burner” option to its 3-Series compact-car lineup. In all cases, the engine is cleaned up for tough U.S. emissions standards with “AdBlue” technology. This uses urea injection into the exhaust stream and a special catalytic converter to leave mainly water vapor and nitrogen at the tailpipe. It’s expensive engineering, and a stiff sticker price could limit the U.S. “take rate” as much as the higher cost of diesel fuel. Again, it will be interesting to see what happens.

The same applies to a possible hybrid V5 using the new Two-Mode gasoline/electric drive developed by BMW in concert with General Motors and the former DaimlerChrysler. Though this idea hasn’t shown up in any of the rumors we’ve heard, a hybrid V5 would lend extra showroom appeal to the “progressive activity sedan,” which could be important if buyers don’t get the PAS idea.

Buying Advice for the 2010 BMW V5

It’s an article of faith in the car biz, born of many marketing studies over the years, that Americans tend to equate “hatchback” with “cheap.” But if any car can change that perception, it’s the 2010 BMW V5. After all, it will be the only such car in the premium midsize car class, bears a much-coveted brand name, and certainly won’t be cheap, partly because it’s a blue-chip BMW and partly because it will be built in the high-cost euro zone. Also keep in mind that the V5 is intended to generate higher per-sale profits than the normal 5-Series wagon, so discounts and other incentives are unlikely even in today’s sour U.S. market. Will the V5 prove popular enough to hang around more than a few years? That’s up to you, as always, but you can bet that if the “progressive activity sedan” catches on, other brands won’t take long to copy it.

Just as BMW pitches the X6 as a more stylish and fun-to-drive alternative to conventional SUVs, the V5 should be similarly positioned against conventional sedans and wagons, not to mention its main target, the Mercedes-Benz CLS. But if flashy styling isn’t a priority, there’s no shortage of “versatile” prestige-brand options. Yup, we mean sporty wagons like the parent 5-Series Touring, the Audi A6 Avant, and the Mercedes E-Class wagon, all of which offer all-wheel drive as well as rear drive, plus a more-practical shape for cargo-carrying. What about one of the sportier midsize crossover SUVs like BMW’s own X5? Some buyers like them for their higher seating position and other attributes, but they offer a different driving experience than car-based wagons, which can be good or bad, depending on your preferences.

2010 BMW V5 Release Date: As noted above, and based on available intelligence, the V5 should reach U.S. showrooms by fall of 2009.

2010 BMW V5 First Test Drive: We’ve heard nothing solid yet, but BMW would likely stage a world press launch in late winter or early spring of 2009, followed by U.S. media previews that summer.

2010 BMW V5 Prices: Despite the 5-Series DNA, V5s could price above comparable X6s, and one source thinks they may cost as much as one of BMW’s big 7-Series sedans. With that in mind, plus the weak dollar/euro exchange and fast-rising prices for steel and other raw materials, we think U.S. prices will start at around $60,000 for the base 6-cylinder engine and run over $70,000 in top-trim V8 guise.

For more inside information on hundreds of new cars of today and tomorrow, check out:

• C­onsumer Guide New Car Reviews and Prices: Road test results, photos, specifications, and prices for hundreds of new cars, trucks, minivans, and SUVs from the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide.
• BMW: Read Consumer Guide's full reports, including ratings, prices, specifications, and fuel economy.
• Premium Midsize Cars: The 2010 BMW V5 will compete in the premium midsize car class. Here's Consumer Guide's roundup of all the premium midsize cars on sale today.
• 2008 Consumer Guide Best Buy and Recommended Award Winners: Check out which cars won our Best Buy and Recommended awards for 2008.
• Future Cars: Step into the automotive showroom of tomorrow with reviews, analysis, pictures, prices, and preliminary specifications on scores of vehicles that will be appearing next year and beyond.