Next 5-series in hatchback form being considered

Jason · 05-21-2008, 04:15 PM

An amazing split-boot hatchback version of the next 5-Series is on the cards at BMW.

The "TwinDoor" feature, similar to the one seen on the new Skoda Superb, means you can use the car like a saloon or a hatchback for greater practicality. Set to debut on the all-new evolution of the 5-Series, which is due to be launched in 2010, the system is still officially under review, but is understood to be a key element on the next car.

And while the current saloon model’s 520-litre boot means that storage has never been a problem, the versatility created by the hatchback option will add at least 80 litres to its capacity, making it comparable to the X5 SUV.

Split-folding rear seats will allow owners to easily carry awkward items, too. The hatchback model will slot into the range between the sedan and wagon variants.

Artist's rendering of a current 5-series with hatchback:

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Zeeman · 05-21-2008, 04:23 PM

hmm ....didn't GM make a similar version of the Malibu? It might go over well in Europe, but wouldn't be suprised if they hold it back from the US market.

Malbolge · 05-21-2008, 04:51 PM

i think this would be a perfect shape for a coupe-sedan type of car like merc's CLS and VW CC cars.

I like it actually, since it allows for new shape and if done right, it might be a great looking car. And fastbacks like this are hugely practical. Kinda nice for those who dont want touring, but think sedan is bit too limiting. on RWD car where boot space is taken up by all the mechanical bits in the back, this is good idea.

Nicholas · 05-21-2008, 05:42 PM

Here in Canada, the current Mazda 6 Sport has this. I think its pretty cool.

PIMP "E" · 05-21-2008, 10:21 PM

i dont see the point in that. what about the rear speakers and the sunshade?

sayemthree · 05-22-2008, 12:06 AM

I REALLY love that idea. I like wagons and hatchbacks. this would give the looks of a sedan but the ease of a hatch. bring in on.

Reckamech · 05-22-2008, 07:50 AM

I can't say I don't like it. Kinda on the fence.

Appropriate · 05-22-2008, 09:38 AM

Totally dumb... no point. Doesn't increase storage, just the size of the hole to get into the same storage. FAIL.

ManMachine · 05-22-2008, 10:31 AM

that's how I feel. Is the actual storage volume increased? If not, then there's no point. It's a low volume niche nevertheless.

KL2DC · 05-22-2008, 11:34 AM

Bigger hole means less rigidity

I generally like hatchbacks but I don't think it'll work in this application.

d3l0n · 05-23-2008, 08:55 AM

i say why not!

Seanross · 05-23-2008, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PIMP "E"

i dont see the point in that. what about the rear speakers and the sunshade?

Although I believe hatches are ugly...

Rear Speakers -> Rear doors
Sunshade.... is that truly a necessity?, just get the sedan then

KonigsTiger · 05-26-2008, 12:46 PM

That sucks!! Imagine also what it will do the structural rigidity. Oh well, to each his own.

smack · 05-27-2008, 03:28 AM

its a good idea in general, but not for a 5 series. maybe for the 3 but definatley not the 5 series.

Hula-Hula · 06-02-2008, 10:15 AM

I would really like that, the superb's boot really is superb!

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NO2 VAPORIZER CHARGING INFO

ALPINE6SPD · 06-02-2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Appropriate

Totally dumb... no point. Doesn't increase storage, just the size of the hole to get into the same storage. FAIL.

What are you talking about. Read the ARTICLE you get MORE storage space with the hatch. This is not pointless. Get your facts straight.

ALPINE6SPD · 06-02-2008, 11:25 AM

Great idea. I sold mazdas in the pat and reallt like the hatchback of the 6. More space and great lines. Cant beat it. This would be a nice addition for people that like a hatch and dont really want a wagon (like myself).

Hula-Hula · 06-03-2008, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALPINE6SPD

Great idea. I sold mazdas in the pat and reallt like the hatchback of the 6. More space and great lines. Cant beat it. This would be a nice addition for people that like a hatch and dont really want a wagon (like myself).

Had a Saab 9000 CSE back in the day, almost as practical as a wagon but better looking and better aerodynamics! I hope they make it an option!

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Malbolge · 06-03-2008, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManMachine

that's how I feel. Is the actual storage volume increased? If not, then there's no point. It's a low volume niche nevertheless.

yes, its usually bigger a bit. not like wagon, but still. the ease of use is much much better though. it makes sense if its not REPLACING the sedan but just an extra model donw with X6 type rear end.

BLITZ · 06-17-2008, 03:12 PM

I dont think a hatchback is suitable for a executive car.

05-21-2008, 04:15 PM	#1
Jason Administrator Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: IoT Posts: 14,252 iTrader: (0)	Next 5-series in hatchback form being considered An amazing split-boot hatchback version of the next 5-Series is on the cards at BMW. The "TwinDoor" feature, similar to the one seen on the new Skoda Superb, means you can use the car like a saloon or a hatchback for greater practicality. Set to debut on the all-new evolution of the 5-Series, which is due to be launched in 2010, the system is still officially under review, but is understood to be a key element on the next car. And while the current saloon model’s 520-litre boot means that storage has never been a problem, the versatility created by the hatchback option will add at least 80 litres to its capacity, making it comparable to the X5 SUV. Split-folding rear seats will allow owners to easily carry awkward items, too. The hatchback model will slot into the range between the sedan and wagon variants. Artist's rendering of a current 5-series with hatchback:
	Tweet

05-21-2008, 04:51 PM	#3
Malbolge Major General Drives: TiAg Z4C 3.0Si Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Pluto (which is not a planet) Posts: 5,061 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW Z4 Coupe 3 ... [0.00]	i think this would be a perfect shape for a coupe-sedan type of car like merc's CLS and VW CC cars. I like it actually, since it allows for new shape and if done right, it might be a great looking car. And fastbacks like this are hugely practical. Kinda nice for those who dont want touring, but think sedan is bit too limiting. on RWD car where boot space is taken up by all the mechanical bits in the back, this is good idea. __________________ E90 325i Montego Blau - 2011-2012 (SOLD) E90 320d TiAg - 2007-2011 (SOLD) E36 320i Avus Blau Msport - 2007 (SOLD)

05-21-2008, 05:42 PM	#4
Nicholas Second Lieutenant Drives: BMW in the future Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 220 iTrader: (0)	Here in Canada, the current Mazda 6 Sport has this. I think its pretty cool. Attached Images __________________ Nicholas

05-21-2008, 10:21 PM	#5
PIMP "E" Colonel Drives: AW 2011 M3 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: ft. lauderdale fl, in mannheim germany Posts: 2,473 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 328i [0.00]	i dont see the point in that. what about the rear speakers and the sunshade? __________________ MONEY IS THE SAIL TO MY BOAT

05-22-2008, 10:31 AM	#9
ManMachine Lieutenant Drives: 3 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Volcanoes Posts: 481 iTrader: (0)	that's how I feel. Is the actual storage volume increased? If not, then there's no point. It's a low volume niche nevertheless. __________________ 328i

05-21-2008, 04:23 PM	#2
Zeeman Captain Drives: E90 335 SG Join Date: May 2007 Location: Vancouver Posts: 660 iTrader: (0)	hmm ....didn't GM make a similar version of the Malibu? It might go over well in Europe, but wouldn't be suprised if they hold it back from the US market.

05-22-2008, 12:06 AM	#6
sayemthree Brigadier General Drives: bmw Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: usa Posts: 4,844 iTrader: (0)	I REALLY love that idea. I like wagons and hatchbacks. this would give the looks of a sedan but the ease of a hatch. bring in on.

05-22-2008, 07:50 AM	#7
Reckamech Master of Disaster Drives: GLI Jetta (4 now) & Merc R350 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Dallas,TX Posts: 123 iTrader: (0)	I can't say I don't like it. Kinda on the fence.

05-22-2008, 09:38 AM	#8
Appropriate Captain Drives: 2008 BMW E92 335xi Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 669 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 E92 335xi [0.00]	Totally dumb... no point. Doesn't increase storage, just the size of the hole to get into the same storage. FAIL.

05-22-2008, 11:34 AM	#10
KL2DC Moderator Drives: E90 325i, W211 E350, W210 E55 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro Posts: 17,684 iTrader: (22) Garage List 2011 328i (E90 1144 ... [0.00] 2007 E350 Sport 4-M ... [0.00]	Bigger hole means less rigidity I generally like hatchbacks but I don't think it'll work in this application. __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!

05-23-2008, 08:55 AM	#11
d3l0n I love the ///M3, but I want 550hp ///M5 Drives: BMW330iE90 Join Date: May 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 3,234 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i (E90) [4.50]	i say why not! __________________ .::d3l0n::. FS: OEM SG Side Skirts - Sparkling Graphite - PRE-LCI FS: OEM Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser FS: (SG) E90 OEM Rear Bumper - Sparkling Graphite - Pre-LCI 328/330 i/xi

05-26-2008, 12:46 PM	#13
KonigsTiger Racying Dynamics Drives: E92M3 RS46 Club Sport, others Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Dweller Posts: 4,398 iTrader: (0)	That sucks!! Imagine also what it will do the structural rigidity. Oh well, to each his own. __________________ ==================================================

05-27-2008, 03:28 AM	#14
smack Lieutenant Colonel Drives: BMW's/Flex 3401 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Las Vegas/Nellis AFB Posts: 1,532 iTrader: (0)	its a good idea in general, but not for a 5 series. maybe for the 3 but definatley not the 5 series.

06-02-2008, 10:15 AM	#15
Hula-Hula Lieutenant Colonel Drives: ♥ Join Date: May 2005 Location: Nürburgring Posts: 1,969 iTrader: (0)	I would really like that, the superb's boot really is superb! ________ NO2 VAPORIZER CHARGING INFO Last edited by Hula-Hula; 05-09-2011 at 04:41 AM.

06-02-2008, 11:25 AM	#17
ALPINE6SPD Lieutenant General Drives: 2010 BMW 328i Sport Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Highland Lakes NJ Posts: 10,406 iTrader: (2)	Great idea. I sold mazdas in the pat and reallt like the hatchback of the 6. More space and great lines. Cant beat it. This would be a nice addition for people that like a hatch and dont really want a wagon (like myself). __________________ 2010 AW e90 328i: 6 speed, Black Leather, Dark Wood trim, ZPP, ZCW, ZVP,ZSP, Nav, Xenon BMW Performance CF Rear spolier and Gloss black grills 2008 Candy White MKV GTI 2.0T 6 Speed Manul Gone 2008 AW X3 3.0si: 6 speed Returned 2006 AW e90 330i: 6 speed Dinan Stage 1 Returned

06-17-2008, 03:12 PM	#20
BLITZ Second Lieutenant Drives: E34 525i M-Technik Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: London Posts: 221 iTrader: (0)	I dont think a hatchback is suitable for a executive car. __________________

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