Hang on, was this old V10 BMW X5 the greatest one-of-one at Monterey Car Week?

We have an apology to make. Turns out we missed what was perhaps the coolest one-off at last week’s Monterey Car Week. And yes, it is an SUV.

Not just any SUV though, because this is a first-gen E53 BMW X5, and first we must just appreciate how well that design has aged. Marvel at how tiny it looks next to the Neue Klasse unit. Cute!

Although cute probably isn’t the ideal adjective to describe this particular E53, because under its bonnet is the 5.0-litre S85 V10 from an E60 M5. Good grief. That monstrous engine is also connected to a proper six-speed manual gearbox, while power is sent to all four wheels through the X5’s original AWD system.

We’re told this build – dreamt up by lifestyle brand Kith’s founder and CEO Ronnie Fieg – took over a year to complete, and the X5 was also treated to M Sport brakes, tweaked suspension and a full custom exhaust. Should sound mighty. The interior was also retrimmed in black leather with Kith monogram embossing and plenty of ‘Kith for BMW’ branding.

No word on power output or any performance figures, but when new this V10 made 500bhp in the M5. So yes, we’re very sorry that we didn’t bring this to your attention sooner.