What's Happening?
Kith founder Ronnie Fieg has commissioned a unique restomod of a first-generation BMW X5 (E53), integrating a naturally aspirated V10 engine from an E60-generation M5 and a six-speed manual transmission. This custom build addresses the absence of a full-fledged
M version for the original X5, a vehicle that never received such a high-performance variant from BMW. The project, unveiled during Monterey Car Week, maintains the X5's factory all-wheel-drive system. The 5.0-liter S85 V10 engine, originally producing 500 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque in the M5, was rebuilt by CarBahn with forged pistons and features a custom exhaust system. Extensive custom engineering was required to integrate the engine, manual gearbox, AWD system, and electronics, including bespoke mounts, wiring, software, and hardware. The vehicle's exterior, finished in Titanium Silver Metallic, draws inspiration from BMW's X5 Le Mans prototype, featuring revised aerodynamic elements, a lower stance, and 20-inch BMW Style 87 wheels, complemented by KW-based sport suspension and upgraded BMW M brakes. The interior retains the familiar E53 architecture but includes custom upholstery and leather trim by Kith, with a bespoke gauge cluster extending to 9,000 rpm.
Why It's Important?
This project is significant as it showcases a high-level collaboration between a prominent lifestyle brand, Kith, and an automotive giant, BMW, pushing the boundaries of automotive customization and brand partnership. It highlights the growing trend of 'restomodding'—restoring and modifying classic vehicles with modern performance components—which appeals to a niche market of enthusiasts seeking unique, high-performance vehicles that blend heritage with contemporary engineering. The creation of a V10-powered, manual transmission X5, a configuration BMW never officially produced, demonstrates the potential for aftermarket innovation to fulfill enthusiast desires and reimagine automotive history. For Kith, this collaboration reinforces its image as a brand associated with luxury, exclusivity, and high-performance, extending its reach beyond apparel and accessories into the automotive world. For BMW, it provides a unique marketing opportunity, celebrating its heritage and engaging with a passionate community of car enthusiasts through an unconventional, high-profile build. The project also underscores the enduring appeal of older vehicle platforms, which offer a foundation for extensive customization that newer, more electronically integrated vehicles might not easily accommodate.
What's Next?
The V10-powered X5 is a one-off creation, and there are no current plans for BMW or Kith to offer additional examples or a conversion package for public purchase. Kith founder Ronnie Fieg intends to use this custom X5 as his daily driver in New York, providing real-world exposure for the unique vehicle and the collaboration. This personal use will allow the 500-hp V10 and six-speed manual transmission to be regularly exercised, showcasing the vehicle's performance capabilities in an urban environment. While direct commercialization of this specific model is not anticipated, the success and visibility of this project could inspire future collaborations between Kith and BMW, or other automotive brands, potentially leading to new limited-edition vehicles or exclusive customization programs. The project may also influence the broader automotive aftermarket, encouraging other customizers to undertake similarly ambitious and technically challenging builds that blend different eras of automotive technology. The public's reaction and continued interest in such bespoke creations will likely shape future strategies for both Kith and BMW in their respective markets.
Beyond the Headlines
This project delves into the deeper cultural significance of automotive customization and brand identity. It represents a fusion of fashion, luxury, and automotive engineering, reflecting a consumer desire for bespoke products that express individuality and exclusivity. The 'OEM+' philosophy, aiming to make the custom X5 appear as if BMW itself could have built it, highlights a sophisticated approach to modification that respects original design while elevating performance. This blend of authenticity and innovation resonates with enthusiasts who appreciate both heritage and cutting-edge engineering. The choice of an older X5 model, combined with a high-revving V10 engine, also speaks to a nostalgia for a particular era of BMW performance, before the widespread adoption of turbocharging and increasingly complex electronic systems. It taps into a sentiment among some enthusiasts who prefer the raw, mechanical driving experience of older vehicles. Furthermore, the project demonstrates how lifestyle brands like Kith can leverage their influence and creative vision to transcend traditional product categories, creating unique experiences and objects that blur the lines between art, fashion, and engineering, ultimately enhancing their brand prestige and appeal to a discerning clientele.
