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# This BMW X5 has a manual gearbox and an M5's V10 engine
- URL: https://torquecafe.com/kith-bmw-x5-v10-manual/
- Published: 2026-08-24T00:59:42.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-24T00:59:42.000Z
- Description: BMW hasn't built a V10 X5 – but Kith founder Ronnie Fieg has, swapping in the E60 M5's V10 and a six-speed manual for a one-of-one build.
- Author: Jordan Mulach
- Tags: News, Performance

It’s rare to find V10 engines in almost any car, let alone one of the world’s first SUVs, but the founder of fashion brand Kith has decided to change that, unveiling a V10 manual X5.

Quietly revealed as a part of the recent Monterey Car Week, Ronnie Fieg’s BMW X5 is now one of the world’s rarest, sporting the V10 engine from an M5, a manual transmission and an all-wheel drive system.

What started life as an ‘E53’-generation 2000 X5 – which debuted in 1999 as the first in the line of the now well-known SUV – the high-riding BMW was given not only a year-long restoration, but also modifications.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/bmw-x5-v10-manual-kith-2.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/bmw-x5-v10-manual-kith-3.jpg)

Ronnie Fieg's V10 manual BMW X5

While the original X5 was available with a choice of straight-six and V8 engines, this one is powered by a later ‘S58’ 5.0-litre V10 engine, which famously powered the E60-generation M5.

In the M5, it made up to 373kW and 521Nm, which was all sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automated manual transmission in most markets, or a six-speed manual in a select handful of regions.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/bmw-x5-v10-manual-kith-1.jpg)

Ronnie Fieg's V10 manual BMW X5

Where Fieg’s X5 differs is that not only is it a six-speed manual, but it also retains the standard all-wheel drive system of the SUV, putting power to the road more effectively.

The only known original X5 with a wilder engine setup is the ‘X5 LM’, a prototype which was powered by a V12 engine based on the power unit of the BMW V12 LMR which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1999, though only one example was made.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/bmw-x5-v10-manual-kith-4.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/08/bmw-x5-v10-manual-kith-5.jpg)

Ronnie Fieg's V10 manual BMW X5

To make sure the V10 engine is heard, there’s a custom exhaust system, meanwhile to ensure the X5 can handle the extra power, it was fitted with M Sport brakes and a recalibrated suspension setup.

Exterior modifications were made too, with the X5 sporting front and rear bumpers reminiscent of those on the X5 LM, while inside the Kith tributes are plentiful, such as bespoke analogue dials and a custom gear shifter surround.

Kith hasn’t detailed how much the restoration cost, though it’s expected to have carried a hefty bill given the uniqueness of the build.