Kith and BMW Unveil V10‑Swapped E53 X5 and One‑Off 2027 G65 at Pebble Beach
A demonstration of OEM‑level engineering that places a rebuilt S85 V10 and six‑speed manual into a first‑generation X5 as a road‑legal car alongside a single non‑production G65 design statement.
Overview
- The two cars were revealed at the BMW Villa in Pebble Beach on Monday and pair a completed, daily‑drivable E53 reengineered around an S85 V10 with a separate one‑off 2027 G65 X5 by Kith.
- The E53 build was finished in Lithuania and centers on a CarBahn‑rebuilt 5.0‑liter S85 V10 mated to a newly integrated six‑speed manual while retaining the original X5 all‑wheel‑drive system.
- Engine integration required bespoke mounts, wiring, exhaust, suspension, brakes and custom software, including a purpose‑made instrument cluster with a 9,000‑RPM tachometer and electronic oil‑level readout.
- The 2027 X5 by Kith is a single show car built on the fifth‑generation G65 with an updated B58 inline‑six and 48V mild hybrid system and BMW has confirmed it will not be offered for sale.
- The collaboration continues Kith and BMW’s OEM+ approach of factory‑grade restorations and design previews and could influence future special projects by showing how intensive engineering can preserve period looks while changing core drivetrains.