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Kith x BMW Chapter IV Finale: A 2000 X5 Stuffed with a V10 Manual, and a Preview of the 2027 Next-Gen Design

Ronnie Fieg teams up with BMW once again, building two one-of-a-kind X5s that bridge 27 years — one a restored first-gen E53 fitted with an S85 V10 manual swap, the other a not-yet-released fifth-generation 2027 X5.

Yu-Ting Lin, Managing Editor
Kith x BMW Chapter IV Finale: A 2000 X5 Stuffed with a V10 Manual, and a Preview of the 2027 Next-Gen Design

Cramming a 5.0-liter S85 V10 engine and a six-speed manual transmission into a 2000 BMW X5 chassis is ambitious enough on its own — and that alone says a lot about what Kith and BMW are going for with this collaboration. Following Ronnie Fieg's 15th anniversary restoration project and the Chapter IV apparel and accessories collection, the two brands have unveiled the true centerpiece of this collab: two one-of-a-kind X5s, one representing the origin of BMW's first-generation SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), and the other a glimpse of what's yet to come.

Kith x BMW 第四章壓軸:一台塞進V10手排的2000年X5,一台預告2027年新世代設計
Kith x BMW 第四章壓軸:一台塞進V10手排的2000年X5,一台預告2027年新世代設計

The first is a 2000 BMW X5 E53, fully rebuilt over the course of more than a year using rotisserie restoration techniques. The body retains the factory Titanium Silver Metallic paint, keeping things understated on the outside — but under the hood is a custom-integrated 5.0-liter S85 V10 engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The factory all-wheel-drive system has been preserved, but with a custom exhaust, BMW M Sport brakes, and re-tuned suspension, the car's performance has been dramatically elevated. The cabin has been completely redone in black leather upholstery, fully embossed with Kith's monogram pattern, and the dashboard integrates both brands' co-branded logo.

Kith x BMW 第四章壓軸:一台塞進V10手排的2000年X5,一台預告2027年新世代設計

On the Other End: The Not-Yet-Released Fifth-Generation X5

Kith x BMW 第四章壓軸:一台塞進V10手排的2000年X5,一台預告2027年新世代設計
Kith x BMW 第四章壓軸:一台塞進V10手排的2000年X5,一台預告2027年新世代設計

On the other end of the timeline is the 2027 BMW X5 — the fifth generation and the first complete body redesign for this SAV lineup in over eight years. The exterior embraces a minimalist, unified look, with no visible seams or traditional door handles on the body, paired with dual-X-shaped headlights and an illuminated kidney grille. Power comes from an upgraded inline-six B58 engine with a 48V mild hybrid system, finished in an exclusive Frozen Titanium Silver that echoes the color language of the previous-generation E53. The cabin is likewise covered in embossed monogram black leather, complete with K&K Crest embroidery, BMW M Carbon Sport front seats, and a single-pane panoramic sunroof.

Kith x BMW 第四章壓軸:一台塞進V10手排的2000年X5,一台預告2027年新世代設計

Both vehicles are one-off, non-for-sale builds, serving as showcase pieces for the Kith for BMW 2026 collection, which is now available on the Kith website, app, and at flagship stores.

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