Time to put your Photoshop-detection skills to work. The first image of BMW’s new segment-defying Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) has snuck onto the internet.

Only one low-res image has been leaked at this stage and even though its fuzzy lack of clarity makes it difficult to distinguish the finer details, certain elements seen on early engineering evaluation mules are clearly identifiable.

BMW has already revealed in an official YouTube video that the PAS will occupy the no-man’s-land between a traditional sedan and an SUV - with all the practicality of a wagon, but more dynamic styling.

Ride height will be increased, but still lower than a regular SUV. Rear seating will be adjustable to allow more rear leg-room or more cargo space. The sloping X6-like rear of the car features a hatch which can open either the window and the rear deck section alone, or the entire tailgate.

The PAS will feature a longer wheel-base than the 2010 5-Series on which it’s based, but won’t take the place of the 5-Series wagon. Instead the PAS will occupy something of a unique market segment of its own, although it will find itself competing for market-share with saloons and SUVs, including some of BMWs own.

European journalists will have access to the car from tomorrow so we’ll know for sure if this little hint is the real deal or not. Stay tuned for further developments.

[World Car Fans]