BMW X5 Le Mans

About this model

The Frank Stephenson-penned BMW X5 made its debut at the 1999 Detroit Motor Show, introducing a new market segment to the world - the SAV, or Sports Activity Vehicle. Comprised of five-door vehicles with ample off- and on-road capability, the SAVs provided a sportier, road-refined edge to the traditional SUV template.

To test the limitations of the X5 platform, a 15-man team at BMW sought to shoehorn a racing engine under the bonnet. Settling on the 6.0-litre V12 that powered the 1999 Le Mans-winning V12 LMR, they wanted to retain the overall profile of the X5, resulting in very subtle exterior modifications. Extra cooling holes were placed in the front-end, the suspension lowered by 30 mm and the body widened to suit new 20-inch BBS LM wheels.

With the air restrictors removed, the engine produced over 700 horsepower, driving power through a ZF six-speed manual from the previous 8 Series to all four wheels.

In June 2011, legendary racing driver Hans-Joachim Stuck piloted the X5 Le Mans around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, setting a lap time of 7.49,92 minutes. Following this, the car was placed in the BMW Group Classic headquarters and is frequently exhibited in the BMW Museum.

(In collaboration with @carhistorian)