Categories: Cars

BMW’s Forgotten Hero: The Imola Red X5 4.6is That Paved the Way for the X5 M

The first generation of the BMW X5, the E53, never got an X5 M variant. Which is a little surprising when you consider that AMG built the ML55 SUV back in 1999. The two would’ve been perfect rivals. Maybe BMW M wasn’t quite ready to cross that bridge. Anyway, despite the lack of a full-blown M variant, BMW still got pretty close. It wasn’t available for the model’s launch, but in 2001 BMW introduced the X5 4.6is. Twenty-three years later, BMW Group Classic lets us feast our eyes on an incredibly well-preserved example. All so we can, in turn, give you a better look.

You’ve Got Red On You

First things first, BMW Group Classic’s X5 4.6is is reddest 4.6is I have ever seen. The Imola Red paint looks great, and matches the interior, which is, well, acceptable. But then things get wild. The dashboard trim is also painted red, as is the center console. Incredibly, this was a factory option – as was the red on the top of the gearshift knob. I can’t actually determine that the steering wheel lower trim section (also red) is factory, so please, tell us in the comments if you have a X5 4.6is that came like that from the factory. Either way, it’s a ton of red and underscores the truck’s aggressive feel.

A Fantastic Engine

So, what’s a 4.6is? Well, most importantly, the X5 4.6is gets a V8 engine stuffed under the hood – setting the precedent for later X5 M models. The X5 4.6is sports an M62 engine developing around 340 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Originally, BMW considered using the S62 engine under the hood of the E39 M5, but they couldn’t find an automatic transmission that could handle the power. Allegedly. Either way, the M62 is not slouch and still accelerates the 5,000-pound SUV from zero to 60 mph in around 6.5 seconds.

Of course, the top-trim X5 needed to look the part, too. That’s why BMW added on unique front and rear bumpers to make the truck stand out a little bit more. Further additions included flared fenders, bigger 20-inch wheels, and larger brakes with model-specific pads. Less apparent changes included a retuned transmission with a different torque converter.

While the X5 4.6is would eventually be a bit overshadowed by the 4.8is that followed, thanks in part to its higher redline and added forward gear in the transmission, the X5 4.6is has the unique distinction of being the first quickest BMW SUV. BMW Group Classic’s Imola/Imola example is a great reminder of where the X5 M came from.

[Photos: BMW Classic]




























































































First published by https://www.bmwblog.com

Source: BMW BLOG

WBN

Share
Published by
WBN

Recent Posts

One Piece’s Anime Sets Sail Again in April

2025's going to be a year of One Piece, and kicks off with the anime…

13 hours ago

Elsbeth Season 2 Midseason Report Card: Murders, And Heists, And Bucket Hats, Oh My!

Do you think The Good Wife writers knew they had a fan-favorite character on their…

14 hours ago

James Bond’s Future Is Being Shaken Up by Corporate Clashes

Turns out, things aren't quite rosy for James Bond: the Broccolis and Amazon MGM can't…

14 hours ago

Your Keurig Coffee Pods Are Never Getting Recycled

A company is betting on aluminum to solve K-cups’ sustainability problem. Experts say it’s complicated.

15 hours ago

Ricoh Pentax in 2024: DSLR Woes, Compact Triumphs, and the Return of Film

What a fittingly unusual year for Ricoh Pentax, a photo company that itself is quite…

15 hours ago

BMW M8 Coupe to End Production in Early 2025: No MY26 Version Planned

A recent bulletin sent to BMW dealers confirms that production of the iconic BMW M8…

15 hours ago