by 
A collaboration that bridges the past and the future
BMW and American brand Kith have shown their new joint projects. They include the 2027 X5 and a classic 2000 model. The latter is especially interesting because it combines a 5.0-liter V10 engine with a six-speed manual transmission.
A revived E53 with M5 hardware
The car was built over the course of a year. The E53 underwent a full rotisserie restoration, with the body restored on a special stand that allows the car to rotate around its axis. In addition, the model received a serious powertrain upgrade. Company representatives did not reveal all details, but it is known that the S85 V10 engine was used in the M5 and produced 500 horsepower under the American standard (373 kW, or 507 metric hp) and 520 Nm of torque.
The crossover in Titanium Silver Metallic retains the factory all-wheel-drive system. At the same time, it is equipped with a custom exhaust system, upgraded suspension, and BMW M Sport brakes with blue calipers bearing Kith branding.
Interior of the classic model
Inside, black leather with Kith embossing is installed on the seats, center armrest cover, gear lever boot, and door cards. Metal inserts and a branded speedometer with the Kith logo are also used.
The modern 2027 X5 by Kith
The new 2027 BMW X5 in Kith trim looks more restrained. Instead, it gets Frozen Titanium Silver paint, 23-inch wheels, and signature Kith badges. M Sport brakes and transparent rear lights are also present.
Inside, sport seats with carbon backrests are upholstered in black leather. They feature Kith embossing, and the second row bears a “K&K” crest.
Technical specs and performance
This one-of-a-kind vehicle is based on the X5 40 xDrive. Under the hood is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 394 hp (294 kW / 400 hp) and 580 Nm of torque. This crossover accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.1 seconds, and the top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).
What this duo means
Joint projects between BMW and Kith have become a tradition: earlier, the brands released capsule collections and also created special versions of various models. This time, the duo combines nostalgia for the era of naturally aspirated V10s with modern technology. This approach draws attention to both BMW’s history and the current X5 lineup.
Separately, it is worth noting that the E53 with the M5 engine is not just a restoration, but a kind of tribute to fans of old sporty crossovers. After all, a manual gearbox and a V10 are becoming increasingly rare in the modern world.
