BMW showcased the special X5 Le Mans Concept at the 2016 Legends Of The Autobahn giving enthusiasts another look at this track monster SUV. In 2000, hot on the heels of BMW’s 1999 victory at Le Mans, BMW decided to celebrate by creating a monster — The BMW X5 Le Mans.
The super sporty SUV features a V12 engine taken from the Le Mans-winning racing car. The unit produces 700hp and is capable of propelling the first-gen X5 from 0-100km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds with a top speed of over 300km/h (193 mph). This V12 powered X5 was then fitted with a 6-Speed manual transmission, Sabelt racing seats and harnesses, completely stripped out, giving a wickedly cool hood bulge, 20” wheels and lowered suspension. A sports braking kit also ensures the massive SUV can quickly come to a stop.
To maintain a relatively low weight, carbon fiber has been applied throughout the car and inside, the rear-bench has been removed.
Hans Stuck, BMW’s famed racing driver, took the X5 Le Mans to the Nurburgring and was able to lap it in 7 minutes 50 seconds. He was able to break the 8 minute mark on the Nurburgring Nordschleife in an X5. That was fast for the 2000s!
