BMW and fashion label KITH have reunited for their fourth collaborative project, unveiling a bespoke two-car showcase at Monterey Car Week. The partnership not only celebrates 25 years of the original X5 but also serves as a high-profile preview for the incoming fifth-generation ‘G65‘ 2027 model.
The undisputed showstopper is a fully restored 2000 BMW X5 (E53). Directed by KITH founder Ronnie Fieg, the classic SUV underwent a complete rotisserie rebuild and received a monumental powertrain upgrade; a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated S85 V10 engine pulled from the E60 M5, paired with a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive.
Sharing the spotlight is the 2027 BMW X5 by KITH, a one-off build based on the incoming G65 fifth-generation architecture. Finished in the same exclusive ‘Frozen Titanium Silver’ paint as its classic sibling, the concept previews the new ‘Neue Klasse’ styling direction for BMW’s large SUV. It features an illuminated kidney grille, double-X headlights, flush winglet door handles, and a sweeping, monolithic silhouette.
Under the bonnet, the 2027 concept utilises an updated 3.0-litre turbo inline-six paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system, delivering a healthy 294kW and 580Nm. Although not quite the same punch and pizazz of the 373kW V10 in the classic, it’s a smooth and powerful unit for its capacity.
Inside, the cabin introduces a full-width ‘Panoramic Vision’ windscreen display, monogrammed M Carbon Sport bucket seats, and a dedicated 14.6-inch passenger screen.
While both KITH-branded vehicles are strictly one-off display pieces built to launch an accompanying apparel collection, the standard fifth-generation X5 is just around the corner.
Series production has commenced in the US, with the initial petrol and diesel combustion variants locked in to arrive in Australian showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2026. The broader range, including a plug-in hybrid, a twin-turbo V8, and the all-electric iX5, is slated to follow locally in 2027.
