Kith and BMW Build the E53 X5 M That Never Was: V10 and Manual Gearbox Included

BMW's first SUV, the E53 X5, never received a true M version during its production run. 8is, and even a wild V12 Le Mans prototype, none was an official M car. Now, Kith founder Ronnie Fieg has teamed up with BMW to fix that with a custom restomod featuring a V10 engine and a manual transmission.

The one-off started as a 2000 X5 that was stripped to bare metal for a full restoration taking over a year. 0-liter S85 V10 producing 500 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. This drivetrain previously lived in the E60 M5 and E63 M6, but this marks its first installation in an SUV.

The X5 retains its stock fixed-ratio all-wheel-drive system, an early relative of xDrive. BMW M performance elements are included, likely meaning bigger brakes and revised suspension.

8is (2004-2006). " The exterior uses factory Titanium Silver Metallic, the E53's launch color. Build photos suggest a bodykit with wide fenders, side skirts, deeper bumpers, five-spoke wheels, blue brake calipers, and a custom instrument cluster with Kith branding.

Kith and BMW will also reveal a one-off 2027 X5 (G65) in Frozen Titanium Silver alongside the V10 restomod. Both will debut at the BMW Villa in Pebble Beach during Monterey Car Week, joined by two more restomods: a 1972 BMW 3.0 CSi and a 1987 BMW M6 E24, both in Inka Orange with beige interiors.