BMW launched its first SUV, the X5, back in 1999 at the NAIAS and for many reasons it’s become a huge success all over the world. Now to celebrate its 10 years of presence in the market, the company is launching a new special edition in Britain based on the second generation  35d model and called the xDrive35d 10 Year Edition. Powered by a 286hp diesel engine, the car features special equipments and trimming.

The xDrive35d has 20 inch Y-spoke wheels as standard, plus it comes with Grey metallic paint, glass sunroof, Carrara Shades Nappa leather upholstery and BMW Individual Piano Black trim, to mention some. It also has ’10-Year’ plaques here and there inside and out!

Press Release:

BMW is to offer a special edition of its popular X5 to mark the range’s 10-year production milestone.

The BMW xDrive35d 10-Year Edition comes as standard in Sophisto Grey metallic paint with unique 20-inch Y-spoke light alloy wheels, Matt Aluminium exterior trim, Matt Aluminium roof rails, Panoramic glass sunroof and Comfort Access. Inside, and Comfort seats, Anthracite headlining, Carrara Shades Nappa leather upholstery and BMW Individual Piano Black trim are just some of the product highlights. ’10-Year’ plaques are fitted to the front doors, front door sill plates and on the dashboard to underscore the merit of the vehicle.

First shown at the North American International Auto Show in 1999, the BMW X5 was an instant hit both in the UK and globally. It was subsequently refreshed in 2003 with the introduction of the xDrive four wheel-drive system along with engine upgrades and subtle styling changes. An all-new model appeared in 2007 growing in size to reflect market trends and accommodate the new option of Third-row Seating. The X line-up has since been joined by the X6 and will receive a further boost later this year with the launch of the all-new BMW X1.

Since it was introduced to the UK in 2000, BMW has sold 62,872 X5s*, with diesel-powered versions being the most popular models, now accounting for approximately 95 per cent of sales. M Sport is the most popular specification with circa 80 per cent sales compared to SE.

Only 2,000 of the 286hp BMW X5 xDrive35d 10-Year Edition models will be sold worldwide with approximately 10 per cent of production destined for the UK. This latest X5 is on sale now priced from £53,075 OTR.

BMW has also taken the September numberplate introduction to upgrade the optional equipment list of the X5 and X6. Both models are now available with the latest hard disc based BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation system featuring shortcut and Favourite buttons, and the nine-channel amplifier with 825W and 16-speaker configuration BMW Individual audio system.
*Figure from Jan 2000 to Aug 2009.