BMW X5 E53 (2000-2006)

Back in the 90s, BMW were known for making luxury sport coupes and sedans, especially with the help of their slogan, "The Ultimate Driving Experience". While rivals Lexus and Mercedes-Benz had dipped their toes in the luxury SUV segment, BMW didn't want them to have all the fun. So, in 2000, the German automaker debuted the X5 - the first SUV in BMW history.

The base E53 was powered by a 3.0L naturally aspirated inline-six engine while the higher trim levels received a larger 4.4L V8 power plants. Automatic gearboxes were standard while a 5-speed manual transmission was available as an option - later model years were upgraded to 6-speeds. With its unibody construction and independent suspension, the X5 showed its competitors that it was possible for an SUV to be both comfortable and sporty at the same time. To prove a point, BMW coined the "SAV" name, standing for "Sport Activity Vehicle", a term no other auto manufacturer had ever used before.

Introducing the X5 was such a hit for BMW that a brand-new manufacturing facility was built in Spartanburg, South Carolina to keep up with production. The BMW Z3 and the first generation BMW Z4 were also manufactured alongside the X5. The E53 was also closely related to the third generation Range Rover, back when BMW owned Land Rover in the early 2000s.