We did not drive the Neiman Marcus Version and as a substitute spent 150 miles in a 2002 BMW X5 4.6is, the precursor to the modern-day X5 M. Earlier than BMW knew it wished to stay an M badge on the X5, it experimented with the 4.6is to see if clients would reply nicely to a high-performance SUV. As we now know, they did.
Energy got here from a 4.6-liter V8 engine tuned by Alpina, the posh tuner that has subsequently been bought by the Bavarian automaker, delivering 340 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. It might hit 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and attain 150 mph. This, too, was a restricted version of types, because it was solely produced for the 2002 and 2003 mannequin years earlier than it was changed for 2004 by the 4.8is and its 355 hp.
Whereas it wasn’t an official M mannequin, it acquired its personal share of distinctive styling cues and efficiency accouterments past the improved engine. Particular 20-inch wheels, bigger brakes, and flared fenders have been delicate nods to its specialness, and it was solely provided in 4 colours: Black, Estoril Blue, Titanium Silver, and the Imola Crimson pictured right here.
This explicit instance was a European specification with underneath 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) on the odometer once we first stepped in to drive it. The purple leather-based inside seemed nearly untouched by human fingers, as did the built-in BMW automotive cellphone, which nonetheless has the unique plastic on the display screen.
