You'll never see this one on the road--unless you are near a BMW test track--but we wanted to show you what BMW engineers can do!

Shown (privately) at the 2000 Geneva Auto Show, the X5 Le Mans experimental vehicle is an X5 with a twist; a powerful twist. 

The X5 Le Mans is powered by the V12 engine from the Le Mans winner. This means that the engine of the X5 Le Mans has a power plant with 700 bhp (514 kW) and torque of 720 Nm (531 lb-ft) at 5000 rpm. The X5 Le Mans accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. Top speed is 278 km/h (173 mph). 

The idea behind the X5 Le Mans experimental vehicle is to demonstrate the X5's real absolute limits in practice. As a side effect, the work of the BMW engineers is a compelling showpiece whose powerful looks reflect its impressive inner values.

he Engine

The X5 LeMans is powered by BMW's race proven V12 engine. 

	BMW's six-liter V12 engine is the perfect engine to meet the challenge of sports-car competitions.  In 1995 this engine celebrated its first great triumph as the winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, powering the closed McLaren BMW sports car.
BMW's greatest success with this power unit was the BMW V12 LMR's final win in the legendary 24-hour race in 1999.  For racing use, the engine's output was de-rated to approximately 580 bhp (426 kW) by installing air supply limiters.
The Exterior At a glance, the LeMans looks like a standard X5 with bigger tires, a front spoiler and a hood scoop. Little to tell you're about to be blown away! The most striking change to the exterior of the X5 is the hood scoop for the air from the radiator.  Further exterior modifications were made at the front and rear bumper covers, the wing skirts and sill covers, the exterior mirrors and wheels.  The chassis with 20-inch wheels was lowered by 30 millimeters (1.18 inches).  315/35 or 275/40 tires are mounted on the front wheels, while the rear wheels are fitted with 315/35 tires. Axle load distribution is almost ideal, at 51 to 49% front to rear.  The exterior dimensions are basically the same as the standard X5. The Interior The interior looks quite different than the standard X5, with a definite high-tech touch. The standard seats have been replaced by four bucket seats, with a particular emphasis on sportiness.  Aluminum is used as a design element throughout the vehicle.   A view of the rear bucket seats.  Buckle up!

As a footnote, the BMW press release says "the X5 Le Mans is a one-of-a-kind vehicle and it is not for sale. There are no plans to produce it in small batches or on a larger scale." Sorry!

But if you must have it, the next best thing is the X5 4.6is...