BMW X5 - E53 (2000 to 2006)

The first generation of BMW X5, known as the E53, was introduced for the 2000 model year as BMW's first SUV. The X5 benefited greatly from knowledge and parts from Land Rover, who BMW acquired in 1994. Yet the emphasis for the new X5 was to be a capable on road car, with nearly 2/3 of the car's power going to the rear wheels. This drive split only lasted until 2004, when BMW's xDrive all wheel drive system was introduced, which was a vast improvement on the previous system. Over the course of production, 5 different variants were built: 3.0i, 3.0d, 4.4i, 4.6is, and 4.8is. Built until 2006, the E53 was replaced by the E70 BMW X5 for the 2007 model year.