Swiss eccentric Frank Sbarro and his tuning company are famous (or infamous) for wild designs based on existing vehicles, but some of its models are not widely known to the public. Among those is the pictured Sbarro XX5, a rare modified version of the first-gen BMW X5 that is currently listed for sale in Switzerland for a zesty SF 49,900, or the equivalent of US$50,162.
The Sbarro XX5 debuted at Geneva Motor Show back in 2002, which makes it 20 years old today. Besides the silver-painted SUV exhibited in the show, the company built a second XX5 painted in black. The latter is now listed for sale in Knecht Automobile as we discovered on Swiss BMW‘s Facebook page.
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Compared to the pre-facelift BMW X5 E53 (1999-2003) it is based on, the Sbarro XX5 features a redesigned face, making it look like an unfinished prototype. The kidney grille has been covered by two bumps on the protruding nose, the headlights are replaced by six circular units, the custom bumper is quite shorter than the stock unit and the front fenders are wider, losing the plastic cladding in the process.
The profile remains unchanged but the rear end has a new and simpler bumper with quad tailpipes sticking out of it. Inside there are no notable changes, but the model is full of optional features including heated front seats, sports steering wheel, Montana leather, wood accents, velour floor mats, a sliding roof, and period-correct navigation in a small screen on the center console.
According to the listing, the SUV was produced in June 2002 and has traveled 140,700 km (87,427 miles) since. It is however in a good condition both stylistically and mechanically, coming fresh out of a service. The black Sbarro XX5 is fitted with the 4.4-liter V8 petrol engine producing 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS), just like in the stock model. Power is transmitted to all four wheels through a five-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox.
Would you spend $50k on a 20-year-old BMW SUV with a restyled face and Sbarro badges? Mind you, the brand-new fourth-gen X5 starts from $59,400 in the US, and from €73,200 ($71,375) in Germany, with the upcoming facelift expected to be similarly priced.
