The BMW X5 is getting an extraordinary retro treatment, as Kith founder Ronnie Fieg has transformed an original E53 X5 with the V10 engine from an E60 M5, a manual transmission and its original all-wheel-drive system.
A New Chapter for the BMW X5
High-performance luxury SUVs have become a major part of the automotive landscape, and the BMW X5 can be credited with helping establish the formula. While it was not the first performance SUV, with models such as the GMC Typhoon and Mercedes-Benz ML 55 arriving earlier, the X5 4.6is played an important role in popularizing the concept in the luxury market.
The 4.6is eventually evolved into the 4.8is, while later high-performance X5 models gained official M car status with the second generation. Today, nearly all luxury marques offer a high-performance SUV.
BMW and Kith Take the X5 in a New Direction
BMW is once again partnering with Kith for a special project. The two companies are preparing to reveal a special-edition 2027 X5, but the more unusual creation is based on an original X5.
Fieg, the founder of Kith and a BMW superfan, used an E53 X5 for his latest retro collaboration with the automaker. Under the hood is the engine from an E60 M5: a V10 inspired by Formula 1 technology that revs to 8,250 rpm.
The build also features a manual transmission while retaining the X5’s all-wheel-drive system.
A Year-Long X5 V10 Build
According to Fieg, the project took more than a year to develop and complete. The work was particularly demanding because the first-generation X5 was never designed to accommodate a ten-cylinder engine.
The crossover received a full rotisserie restoration, along with modifications that were likely required at the front end to accommodate the V10. Combining the engine with the all-wheel-drive system presented another significant challenge.
The project is based on a 2000 X5, meaning it uses the basic all-wheel-drive arrangement rather than the more advanced xDrive system introduced in 2004.
The E60 M5 V10 Keeps Its Factory Output
Fieg described the project as “the most detailed and intensive rebuild out of all the BMW projects I’ve worked on.” So far, Kith has shared only images of the build process on its Instagram page.
The V10 retains its stock output of 500 hp and 384 lb-ft, adding an unusual combination of high-revving performance, a manual gearbox and all-wheel drive to the original X5 platform.
BMW X5 Kith Debut at Pebble Beach
The completed build is scheduled to make its debut at Pebble Beach during Monterey Car Week. It will appear alongside the 2027 X5 by Kith, giving the collaboration two distinct BMW X5 creations to showcase.
