BMW has announced a limited-production version of its mainstay SAV, and it’s called the X5 Black Vermilion Edition. Although it’s part of a broader family of Black Vermilion Editions of the X6 and X7, only the X5 is coming the U.S., and only 350 units will be offered. Based on the B58 six-cylinder-powered, 335-horsepower X5 xDrive40i, the Black Vermilion Edition has a starting MSRP of $83,295, and comes standard with M Sport package, the M Sport exhaust system, M Sport red brake calipers, Orbit Grey 22-inch wheels, carbon-fiber interior trim, glass interior controls, and much more.
The only color is Frozen Black Metallic, and the dark exterior is punctuated by red slats for the kidney grilles and the aforementioned red M Sport calipers. The tail lights also provide some contrast, but the front end matches the rest of the blacked out look with darkened M Shadowline adaptive full LED headlights with laser light, which aren’t otherwise available on the X5 xDrive40i.
The Black Vermilion Edition treatment is continued within the cabin, where BMW Individual full Merino black leather is contrasted by red piping which also surrounds the floor mats. The standard carbon-fiber interior trim, which isn’t offered on the conventional six-cylinder X5, is also punctuated by a subtle red stripe. Multi-contour ventilated front seats are standard, while the headliner is the M alcantara design, and the leather extends to the dashboard. Harman Kardon Premium sound is also standard, along with notable equipment such as parking assistance, a heated steering wheel, and premium package, which includes remote engine start, a heads-up display, and gesture control for the iDrive infotainment system.
Exterior model designations and badging are deleted, but the piano black center console contains badging for the special edition just in front of the standard glass controls, which are a compelling addition to any current BMW model in which they are offered.
The starting MSRP of the X5 Black Vermilion Edition of $83,295 (including destination) is approximately $20,000 more than the xDrive40i upon it is based, and $500 shy of the V8-powered X5 xDrive50i. If you take the time to add up all of the available options and packages though, it’s almost directly in line with a similarly-equipped six-cylinder X5, and comes standard with the the exclusive equipment detailed above, which includes highlights like the wheels, kidney grilles, interior upholstery, and headlights. Production is also limited to approximately 350 units, meaning the X5 Black Vermilion Edition is a pretty good way to get an exclusive, enthusiast-oriented BMW SAV.
Production of the X5 Black Vermilion Edition is scheduled to commence in September and conclude in December of this year, with the first units available in the fall.—Alex Tock
[Photos courtesy BMW AG.]
