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- Kith and BMW reunite for their fourth collaborative vehicle and capsule drop.
- Bespoke 2000 X5 E53 receives a 5.0-litre S85 V10 engine swap.
- Concept 2027 X5 previews fifth-generation styling with mild-hybrid inline-six power.
- Production G65 X5 lineup offers five distinct electrified and combustion powertrains.
- Both one-off vehicles feature custom Frozen Titanium paint and monogrammed cabins.
BMW and Kith have revealed their fourth collaborative project, creating a 5.0-litre S85 V10-swapped 2000 BMW X5 E53 alongside a concept version of the 2027 BMW X5. Built strictly as non-production display pieces, neither custom build will be offered for public sale, though standard 2027 X5 production models open at USD$71,250 (approx. AUD$108,000) ahead of an Australian rollout in Q4 2026.
The project marks the public debut of the fifth-generation X5 body design, introducing a full-width BMW Panoramic Vision windscreen display alongside a platform engineered for petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric, and hydrogen powertrains. Directing the OEM-plus build, Kith founder Ronnie Fieg ordered a full rotisserie rebuild of the original 2000 X5 E53 as the SUV reached a key milestone. Celebrating 25 years of the BMW X5, the release follows a nameplate that has achieved more than 80,000 local sales in Australia, making it the brand’s second-most-popular vehicle line behind the 3 Series.
Because both custom Kith vehicles are non-production display pieces created for the collection debut, buyers cannot purchase them. However, standard fifth-generation X5 combustion variants begin US production at Plant Spartanburg in August 2026, arriving in Australian showrooms in late 2026, with the all-electric iX5 following in early 2027. Local buyers looking to explore the broader production model can read our breakdown of the 2027 BMW X5, while the Chapter IV apparel collection is available through Kith’s online webstore.
| Field | 2000 BMW X5 E53 by Ronnie Fieg | 2027 BMW X5 by Kith (G65 Concept) |
| Engine / Architecture | 5.0-Litre Naturally Aspirated S85 V10 | 3.0-Litre B58 Turbocharged Inline-6 + 48V Mild Hybrid |
| Power Output | 500 hp (373 kW / 507 PS) | 394 hp (294 kW) |
| Peak Torque | 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) | 580 Nm (428 lb-ft) |
| Acceleration | N/A | 0–100 km/h in ~5.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | N/A | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 6-Speed Manual / All-Wheel Drive | 8-Speed Automatic / All-Wheel Drive |
| Price | Bespoke One-of-One | Bespoke One-of-One |
1/7Rotisserie Restoration and V10 Powertrain
Fieg and BMW spent over 12 months completing a full rotisserie restoration of the original 2000 X5 E53 chassis. Underneath the Titanium Silver Metallic bodywork, the factory engine was removed to accommodate a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre S85 V10 engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
Engineers retained the factory all-wheel-drive system while fitting custom exhaust manifolds, upgraded BMW M Sport brake calipers, and recalibrating the suspension geometry to handle the higher rev limit and increased power output.
Inside, the cabin receives black leather upholstery with all-over Kith monogram embossing and custom Kith-branded instrument cluster gauges.
Fifth-Generation Powertrain Options and Neue Klasse Technology
Sitting at the modern end of the spectrum, the 2027 BMW X5 by Kith provides the first look at the fifth-generation G65 architecture.
The concept model uses an updated 3.0-litre B58 turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a gearbox-integrated 48V mild-hybrid system, producing 394 hp (294 kW) and 580 Nm (428 lb-ft) of torque. Beyond the base inline-six, the broader 2027 production lineup expands powertrain diversity to include the 483 hp (360 kW) X5 50e xDrive plug-in hybrid, a future V8 M Performance variant, and the all-electric iX5 60 xDrive.
The electric iX5 incorporates dual motors producing 570 hp (425 kW) and 805 Nm (593 lb-ft) of torque, drawing from a 144 kWh battery pack that delivers up to 845 km (525 miles) of WLTP range on an 800V architecture capable of 460 kW DC fast charging.
Cabin Architecture and Global Deliveries
The 2027 X5 interior introduces Neue Klasse digital tech centred around BMW Operating System X, incorporating a full-width BMW Panoramic Vision display on the windscreen, a 17.9-inch Free-Cut central display, and a new 14.6-inch passenger screen.
Highlighting elemental materials, optional natural slate and glass decorative surfaces debut alongside an ambient light strip spanning door to door. Seating consists of BMW M Carbon Sport front buckets finished in monogram-embossed black leather.
While the Kith concepts remain one-off builds, Plant Spartanburg starts series production of the fifth-generation G65 X5 in August 2026. Australian buyers will see the initial 40d xDrive and 40 xDrive combustion variants arrive in Q4 2026, with local pricing announced in Q3 (US pricing opens at USD$71,250, approx. AUD$108,000), followed by electrified models in 2027.
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