BMW X5
BMW was in a transition period by the late ’90s and it was time to introduce some newer modern models. A luxury SUV was a natural next step because both Lexus and Mercedes-Benz had introduced their own SUV models. The original X5 was basically like a tall 5-Series and that was a good thing. It had excellent driving characteristics and a notable exterior appearance unlike anything else on the road. The performance of the X5 was also quite exhilarating at the time and it performed well on the track (via Car & Driver).
The X5 was the noteworthy SUV of the future and helped define the BMW brand for another decade. These older first-generation models were cheap for quite some time but now the values are steadily rising. The X5 delivered an excellent driving feel and response that still holds well today. Even getting behind the wheel of a first-generation X5 in 2023 will leave you feeling like you’re in an expensive ride.