Celebrating 25 Years of the X5 with the Ultimate E53
As the first-generation BMW X5 marks its 25th anniversary, there’s no better way to commemorate this milestone than by revisiting the most extraordinary version of the E53. While BMW’s V12 engines were usually reserved for the 7 Series and 8 Series, the X5 Le Mans broke the mold with its twelve-cylinder powerplant.
Introducing the X5 Le Mans: A Concept Like No Other
Unveiled in March 2000, the X5 Le Mans is the focus of an extensive walkaround video that showcases this unique concept. Beneath its vented carbon fiber hood lies the same 6.1-liter V12 engine used in the Le Mans-winning V12 LMR. Remarkably, this super SUV produced over 700 horsepower, compared to the endurance racer’s 580 hp, which was limited by air intake restrictors to comply with racing regulations.
Performance and Design: A Glimpse Inside
The X5 Le Mans wasn’t just about raw power; it also featured impressive performance figures, including 720 Newton-meters (531 pound-feet) of torque, a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of 4.7 seconds, and an official top speed of 173 mph (278 km/h). In June 2001, race driver Hans-Joachim Stuck pushed the SUV to 193 mph (311 km/h) in a lighter two-seat configuration. Inside, the V12 SUV retained its two-seat layout, with even the four-seat version offering bucket seats in the rear. Highlighting its racing pedigree, the vehicle was equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox and exclusive 20-inch BBS LM wheels, and it was lowered by 1.18 inches (30 millimeters) courtesy of the M division.
A Tribute to Engineering Brilliance
Even if you’re not an SUV enthusiast, it’s hard not to admire the engineering marvel that is the X5 Le Mans. Integrating a V12 engine from a Le Mans-winning race car into an SUV was a stroke of genius. Unfortunately, this incredible concept never made it to production.
To put things in perspective, the E53 generation’s most powerful model was the 4.8is, with a naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8 producing 355 hp. It wasn’t until the second-generation E70 that BMW introduced the X5 M, boasting a twin-turbo V8 with 547 hp.
Source: CarRanger / YouTube