BMW X5 Reborn With LS V8 And Off-Road Mods

The BMW X5 is what the automaker calls a Sports Activity Vehicle, but we highly doubt anyone would buy one to conquer trails. ECS Tuning begs to differ with its latest build called the Ultra X5 — powered by a mighty American V8 and prepped for a challenging excursion in the famous Moab trails in Utah.

The Ohio-based firm went for an LS swap for its 2006 BMW X5 project, along with crazy modifications to deliver an off-roader build. The builder chose a 408 cubic inch LSX V8 from Texas Speed & Performance for the motor, paired with a CSF radiator and a Monster Stage 3 6L80E six-speed automatic gearbox. This power plant is paired with an NP203/NP205 dual transfer case with two separate low ranges.

Apart from the powertrain upgrades, the Ultra X5 also gets a tougher set of axles from a Ford Super Duty truck. Stage 3 Bilstein 14-inch travel coilovers with triple bypass shocks ensure the Bimmer SUV handles the bumps and the tires stay planted on the ground.

Speaking of tires, the builder chose a set of 40x13.50xR17 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss tires, completed with Hawk pads and rotors and KMC 17x9 bead lock wheels. This ensures that the wheels and tires spin at the same rate to prevent loss of traction, which is essential, especially on steep climbs.

As for the X5's body, the wheel wells were modified to clear them from the monster tires. The body also wears a Liqui Moly livery and Hella off-road lights mounted on the bumper and the hood.

ECS Tuning showcased the Ultra X5 build at the 2023 SEMA Show, alongside other rugged off-road builds like the 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser Pickup from Eneos. Right after the aftermarket show in Las Vegas, the BMW X5 off-roader went to Moab in Utah for some test beyond the beaten path. It wasn't a smooth run, as the upper link bushing was damaged, but the team was proud they conquered the trails.

With BMW reportedly dropping the V8 option for the X5, ECS Tuning's build shines a ray of hope for future SAV buyers who will miss the eight-pot mill. If you're curious about the step-by-step process of the Ultra X5, the ECS Tuning YouTube channel documented the whole thing for your viewing pleasure.