Kith and BMW Unveil V10-Swapped E53 X5 and New G65 Concept at Monterey
Kith founder Ronnie Fieg and BMW unveiled a one-off, V10-powered first-generation X5 restomod at Monterey Car Week. The build swaps the original engine for a 5.0-liter S85 V10 from an M5, paired with a manual transmission. A second one-off, a fifth-generation X5 with a hybrid six-cylinder, was also shown to bridge the brand's 25-year history.
Key points
- The E53 X5 restomod features a 5.0-liter S85 V10 engine producing 500 horsepower, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
- The build took over a year to complete, including a full restoration, custom exhaust, M Sport brakes, and recalibrated suspension.
- Interior modifications include black leather with Kith monogram embossing and a 175-mph speedometer.
- A second one-off, the 2027 G65 X5, was revealed alongside the E53, featuring a B58 inline-six with a 48V mild-hybrid system.
- Both vehicles are exclusive one-offs; the G65 is not intended for production or customer sale.
Background
This collaboration follows previous Kith-BMW partnerships, such as the M4 Competition x Kith. The unveiling occurred during Monterey Car Week, a period marked by record-breaking auction sales for historic and new vehicles, including the Shelby Daytona Coupe and Ferrari Luce.
How outlets are covering it
Top Gear and Car and Driver focused heavily on the E53 restomod, highlighting the novelty of a manual transmission and V10 power in an SUV. Hagerty emphasized the technical feasibility of the swap and the potential for future restomods. BMWBLOG provided broader context by detailing the simultaneous reveal of the G65 X5, noting that the E53 and G65 were designed to visually and thematically bridge 25 years of the X5 nameplate. While Top Gear noted the lack of official performance figures, Hagerty compared the power output to the stock M5 and the previous X5 4.8is.
Why it matters
The project demonstrates the potential for high-performance, manual-equipped SUVs in the restomod market and showcases BMW's willingness to collaborate with lifestyle brands on exclusive, non-production vehicles. It also highlights the evolution of the X5 platform from a luxury utility vehicle to a performance-oriented platform.
What to watch
No production plans or conversion kits are expected for the E53 V10 swap. The G65 X5 will remain a one-off display vehicle. Future Kith-BMW collaborations may continue to explore hybrid and electric powertrains, as indicated by the G65's mild-hybrid system.
- Hang on, was this old V10 BMW X5 the greatest one-of-one at Monterey Car Week? Top Gear
- BMW and Kith Team Up to Build an E53 X5 SUV with 10 Cylinders and a Manual Transmission Car and Driver
- BMW X5 V-10 With a Six-Speed Stick Is the Restomodded E53 of Our Dreams Hagerty
- 2027 BMW X5 by Kith: One-Off G65 Debuts at Pebble Beach bmwblog
- One of One: BMW and Kith Collaborated to Build This X5 for Monterey Car Week MotorTrend
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