Automotive
The BMW X5, launched in 1999 as a 2000 model, marked the German automaker’s bold entry into the luxury SUV segment. At the time, BMW was leveraging its ownership of Land Rover, gaining off-road know-how that it then integrated into the X5 - though with a signature twist. Rather than go head-to-head with rugged SUVs, BMW coined the term Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) to emphasize the X5’s road-focused dynamics and luxury appeal. It used a unibody construction based on the E39 5 Series, which distinguished it from body-on-frame rivals like the Mercedes-Benz M-Class.
The first-generation (E53) X5 offered a dynamic driving experience, thanks to its sport sedan roots. Chris Bangledesigned the exterior with hallmark BMW cues - dual round headlights under clear lenses, a wide kidney grille, and a bold stance. Features like hill descent control, a split tailgate, and all-wheel drive with smart torque distribution were taken from Land Rover’s playbook, giving the X5 respectable soft-road capability. A 2003 facelift refined the looks and tech, keeping the model fresh as it became a sales success.
In 2007, BMW introduced the second-generation X5 (E70) with more interior space, including an optional third-row seat, a first for the brand. Built on a new platform, this model continued with flame-surfacing design and gained more aggressive styling. The chassis tuning improved, and adaptive drive technologies were added for better handling and comfort. A 2010 LCI (facelift) brought cleaner engines and minor styling tweaks, though the updates were subtle enough that only brand loyalists would easily spot the changes.
By 2014, the third generation (F15) of the X5 launched, evolving into a tech-heavy luxury SUV. The kidney grille now stretched into the headlights for a unified front fascia. Adaptive LED lights were optional, and premium trims got standard xenon headlights. Despite increased luxury, BMW stayed true to the X5’s dynamic roots, offering powerful engines and advanced suspension systems. Notably, BMW maintained the split tailgate design for added utility.
The fourth generation (G05) arrived in 2018, symbolizing the X5’s maturity after over 2.2 million units sold. Built on the CLAR platform, the new X5 gained even more refinement, tech, and size. The grille grew noticeably larger, which sparked mixed reactions, but the SUV gained standard LED headlights, available Laserlight tech, and a thoroughly modernized interior with twin digital displays and advanced driver aids. The power split tailgate remained, now standard, and 18-inch alloys were the base offering. All of this positioned the G05 as a benchmark in the premium mid-size SUV market.
