When you’re thinking about sporty BMW X5 trims, the X5 M and the M50i are probably the first that come to mind. This didn’t stop German company M&D Exclusive Cardesign from choosing the plug-in hybrid version for their latest project, breathing new life into the pre-facelifted X5 xDrive45e iPerformance thanks to Prior Design‘s bodykit, lowered air-suspension, and a new set of 23-inch forged wheels.
Prior Design previewed its bodykit for the BMW X5 G05 in March 2023, but this is the first time we see it applied to an actual car – let alone a PHEV. The kit includes wide front and rear fender add-ons, a splitter, a bulged bonnet, a new diffuser, and double spoilers at the back.
The pictured example is painted in a Cosmos Black Metallic shade, with black vinyl covering all of the shiny bits of the exterior – including the BMW emblems – and privacy glass for a total black look.
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The finishing touch is the dark-finished multi-spoke 23-inch wheels, matching the aggressiveness of the bodykit. Besides the pictured design, M&D Exclusive Cardesign recommends the Z-Performance ZP.Forged Mono rims of the same diameter but with double five spokes. In any case, the new wheels are shod in Continental SportContact 7 tires measuring 315/25ZR23. Furthermore, the X5 sits closer to the ground thanks to a module by Cete that is applied on the stock air suspension, while a set of H&R wheel spacers make sure that they perfectly align with the wide fenders.
Despite the extensive visual modifications, the powertrain of the BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance remains in stock condition. The PHEV system comprises a 3.0-liter six-cylinder petrol, a single electric motor, and a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery. The combined output is 388 hp (290 kW / 394 PS) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque, offering decent levels of performance.
The press release didn’t mention the cost of the upgrades, which are also available for other trims of the fourth-gen BMW X5 coming fitted with the M Package.
