BMW celebrates 25 years of X5 with Silver Anniversary Edition

The BMW X5 will always be known as the car that started the brand’s lineup of Sports Activity Vehicle or SAV when it was launched in 1999. 3 million X5s later, the brand is celebrating 25 years of the X5 with a special-edition model.

Say hello to the BMW X5 Silver Anniversary Edition. Based on the X5 xDrive 40i, the limited-edition model features distinctive trim elements and increased off-road capability.

On the outside, the X5 Silver Anniversary Edition has elements taken from both the Sport and M Sport trims of the X5. Those include dark finishes on the window surrounds, roof rails, fender mounted air breathers, and the standard illuminated kidney grille.

The aluminum accented bumpers were taken from the Sport variant to highlight its off-road intentions, but with a hint of performance thanks to the 20-inch M Star-spoke bi-color wheels from the M Sport package. The combination of black and aluminum are complemented by the standard BMW Individual Lime Rock Grey metallic paint. To further distinguish the model, a Silver Anniversary Edition badge is found on the tailgate.

Inside, customers can choose between of Black, Cognac, Coffee, or Silverstone Sensafin on the sports seats. The dashboard and center console has carbon fiber trims, which ordinarily available only on the X5 M60i and X5 M Competition.

For infotainment, the BMW Curved Display has the latest BMW Operating System 8.5, and is enhanced by Live Cockpit Professional that adds the full-color BMW Head-Up Display and BMW Maps navigation with Augmented Reality display. To top off the interior, a Silver Anniversary Edition plaque is found on the compartment door ahead of the gear selector.

The special edition X5 is powered by a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo V6 engine that produces 375 PS, and comes with eBoost 48V mild hybrid technology. It comes with an 8-speed automatic, but what’s special about the X5 Silver Anniversary Edition is its new xOffroad Package.

This new feature basically adjusts the vehicle’s ride height, transmission shift strategy, throttle mapping, traction control, and other parameters depending on the terrain. The driver can choose between xSnow, xSand, xGravel, and xRocks in the drive control switch on the center console.

In the central display, the new xOffroad view gives the driver information about ground clearance, roll tendency, and the inclination or downhill gradient of the terrain from all angles.

Furthermore, there’s a 2-axle air suspension that alters the X5’s ride height, and BMW fitted the SAV with a mechanical rear differential lock. To protect the undercarriage, the X5 Silver Anniversary has underbody protection plates. In the US market, buyers of the X5 Silver Anniversary Edition can also avail of discounts should they opt to fit more aggressive all-terrain tires from General.

Lastly, a roof rack system, BMW luggage compartment mat, and BMW all-weather floor mats have been thrown in as standard for good measure.

For now, the 2025 BMW X5 Silver Anniversary Edition is being made for the North American market and is limited to about 1,000 units.