How I Designed...The BMW X5! Ep.4

[@minecraftplayee]

Somebody pay this man his royalties

[@danielbier6229]

Give them the message

[@stoogel]

PAY THIS MAN THE ROYALTIES!!!

[@yorktown58]

I very much glad to hear that the talented Frank Stephenson has finally received his royalties for his work on the BMW X5. It’s was a great decision for BMW to take our demands seriously and not let things go explosive…

[@XsweetstarliteX]

Give this man his royalties! 😂Anyone else seen the video of the man on the threatening to blow up bwm sites on the train?

[@GCNfilms1]

Very curious to hear you thoughts on the new 4 series

[@iot1452]

Ahhahahhahahhhahahhaahhaahahaha

[@PierreColombo900]

A disgrace basically! I often see some dudes claiming that "It's a throwback to the first bimmers". Yes, but no. Are the headlights a circle? No. So why should the kidneys be as long as the front end?

[@clockworkwar]

Organic body form but with an aggressive angular grille. Bizarre mix.

[@dixonsmith1580]

I don’t think he would trash other designers work.

[@ANDRE_675]

Pierre Colombo It doesn’t have to have a circular headlights to be a throwback car.

[@darrylmac6150]

Its funny how a design that is ~20 years old can look so fresh still. Absolute testament to Frank's level of skill in his job

[@South4153]

i‘m sorry this „design“ looked dated the day it was born. such a hideous car

[@papa_pt]

"fresh" 😂 It looks good but definitely not fresh

[@szpecunio]

It looks like shit

[@MrKeefrichards]

@@South4153 nonsense

[@fregyt]

@@South4153 you’re a fool, x5 is a great design

[@rorz4998]

Once you have finished going through your designs, I would love to see a breakdown of your thoughts on the newer BMW styling and comment on why designers may have made certain decisions. Thanks for sharing your processes.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Q & A at the end of the first series

[@TheBenjaming]

@@FrankStephensondesign Especially the new BMW 4 series please. Just starting to get into car design and love you video.

[@petarninov5257]

Probably listen more carefully the things he said after 6:15 and you can probably understand what they were trying to do with the new 4 series.

[@zaheerkader7426]

Amazing design. Still the most beautiful suv ever made

[@nezarl8374]

@@zaheerkader7426 It's amazing But the most beautiful SUV's goes for the 100 & 200 series Land Cruiser I'm shocked an Asian manufacturer could come up with such an amazing design it's almost perfect

[@iainmacrae6982]

They have got 24 hours to respond

[@ajc5869]

My moms X5 took me to my first day of kindergarten and my last day of college, truly a lifetime car 250k still thriving

[@evqa06]

the guy who designed the mini and the x5 needs his royalties.

[@VinWeiLee27171]

Can they...hire you back? The recent BMWs are kind of bland.

[@ldwp6395]

Kind of shit

[@jon4715]

bland and outrageously gaudy, somehow

[@wagjkproduction755]

I'd hope they do so

[@jon4715]

Mind HunTer pretty much all the bulbous and bloated designs that came in the 2000's. The X5 and 840/850 and Z8 are amazing designs. Boxier and more understated and elegant. Id have to look

[@TheLizardKing1967]

True.

[@UninvitedGuestSpeaker]

I may be THE ONLY ONE WHO NOTICED! He did the with a BIC PEN?! Do you understand what he just did?! I. CAN. APPRECIATE. THAT.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Sean, I’ve always felt that if a designer needs a computer to deliver his idea, he ain’t really a designer. If a race car driver needs electronic aids to put in a fast lap, he ain’t really a race car driver. 😉

[@UninvitedGuestSpeaker]

@@FrankStephensondesign Thank you for your contribution to history.

[@SajtosNokedli]

?

[@UninvitedGuestSpeaker]

@@SajtosNokedli The man is gifted.

[@curtisjackson40]

Bic pans are the best pens, trust me. They scrollin' so smooth over the paper

[@busterthewolf7864]

So you're responsible for the most beautiful SUV I've ever seen, wow!!

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Cheers Buster! 💥👍

[@lucasmoreno5330]

Dear Frank, thank you so much for becoming a content creator, this has become my favourite channel, not just because of your talent but also the stories connected to your beautiful creations.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Julian potatoe Thank you for watching

[@722KnightRider]

Hi Frank, Just found your channel. I was obsessed with cars since I was born, and the X5 was the coolest car of my childhood - a black one was frequently parked at a parking lot close to our flat. I would always convince my grandma to take a walk with me, so I can take a look at the car! I am 20 now, and even though it's unlikely I will ever design cars (I am studying Computer Science), I started working as an intern at a BMW plant. It's crazy that you influenced my life this much. Keep up the good content, we are eager to see more!

[@bonda_racing3579]

Curious what generation of x5 is your favorite? E53, E70?

[@722KnightRider]

@@bonda_racing3579 Honestly it's the F15. Such a beautiful and well-proportioned design, just like the F01 (another one of my favourites).

[@davisdesigns1153]

Okay now I'll never complain about my assignment deadlines🙈😂

[@elnuevese2829]

So you are the mastermind behind it! Thank you for one of the best designs in the SUV realm. Love my E53 to bits. Great video! If I ever have the chance I'd be happy to buy you a round of your preferred beverage!

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Much appreciated!

[@highland96]

@@FrankStephensondesign Hey Frank, I am a car design student at Coventry University and I find the design of the X5 inspirational. Would it be possible to share some of your old work? Sketches, renders, anything you can and are comfortable sharing with us? I think it would make a great video

[@mahmoudeladly7216]

I love the BMW X5 So Much. You designed a masterpiece❤❤

[@startingtech3900]

Going to take a look at the GREAT BMW X5!’ A 2002 with Frank’s design. It’s TIMELESS!! Thank you frank 🙏

[@startingtech3900]

UPDATE : BOUGHT IT ITS AMAZING! FULL TINTED WINDOWS, black on steel grey! The lines are amazing ! 20 inch 4.6is wheels, amazing black leather interior!

[@jolz24]

E53 best X5 to date, way ahead of its competition in its day. You did a good job Sir

[@theo7709]

Are you serious? The E53 is in my opinion the worst BMW ever, closely pursued by the E65.

[@slavicmaninanglia4003]

@@theo7709 I struggle to agree with that, did you forget the existence of the i3 and i8? I mean sure the i8 has some looks going for it but the i3 lacked in all departments.

[@MrKeefrichards]

@@theo7709 dont talk rubbish, e53 best x5 ever in looks and reliability, wish they made them as good now.

[@theo7709]

@@MrKeefrichards my opinion doesnt have to be yours, I dont like the look at all

[@GLaser137]

I can only say thank you! You granted the world with one of the best looking vehicles you can see on the road today!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

[@toytorpedo9969]

I owned one of these cars for a few years. The BMW X5 E53 is an amazing Car. It looks like a BMW from every single angle. Also its super reliable. Thnk you mister Stephenson for Designing THE Classic BMW SUV. (Im German so sorry for my bad grammar)

[@bimmerlife5452]

the E53 x5 was truly nice at its time you did amazing job my faver X5 is E70

[@austinblair2057]

Did you ever get your royalties from the mini and the x5?

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Of course.

[@jj_see_film]

​@@FrankStephensondesignwe can all sleep easy now

[@decidev]

@@FrankStephensondesign Thank god for that, the BMW showrooms live another day

[@jasontodd1141]

@@FrankStephensondesignbro you had a super villain on your team! He was on a train making sure you got your royalties💀😂🙏🏻

[@FrankStephensondesign]

He’s good Jason.

[@0611930024838]

Such a great era, that X5 was so nice

[@projecteuroau]

Thanks for designing one of the best SUV's ever produced! Owned 4 of these and my parents had one when they first came out back in 2001 and I have so many fond memories about this car.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ForPetesake552]

I love that original X-5. Those beautiful tires are wider than eternity.

[@michaeldasilva1752]

I actually think the first gen X5 is actually quite "timeless" in a way... The design was a good balance between looking sporty, upmarket, tough and slightly understated. . .it's definitely aged well in my books, especially compared to the Benz ML of that generation

[@witoldschwenke9492]

true, the ml can be quite ugly specially those with grey plastic bumpers, looking like a household appliance in a way

[@grayknight836]

Frank Stepherson, is the “OG” Designer 👨🏻‍🎨 of the modern classic 1999 BMW X5 SAV 🚙 with matching Motorcycle 🏍 Trailer. Stepherson and Bangle had it right in just 6-weeks! Adrian van Hooydonk has seriously made a mess of things, BMW exterior designs have gone south ever since. As a Creative Director and a BMW M4 and X4 fan, Frank, you had it right 👍🏻 back in 1999!!!

[@pyopyoy]

Hello Mr. Stephenson, I've been translating your videos and adding Mandarin subtitles. I really enjoyed working on them. You seem really fun and genuine :)

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Many thanks, much appreciated

[@jamescampbell4334]

Have 220k miles on my '03 4.4 sport package. No intentions of letting it go. It is a home run IMHO. Bravo good sir. 👏

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Cheers James! 👍

[@ycnexu]

What a fantastic design e53 is! I love the e70 just as much, but the newer ones... no. Thank you big time for sharing this Frank!

[@Deandunbar]

In my opinion your first design was the best, thanks for sharing!

[@bobeaartcentrekenya]

Hi Frank , I'm deeply humbled to own your masterpiece '01.

[@BernardoTavora]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 speechless, outstanding, a divine touch

[@motormusique]

The original BMW X5 had such a handsome, understated look.

[@kells77]

Didn’t age well

[@motormusique]

@@kells77 You're kidding

[@kells77]

motosonic no other looks really old now the original x5

[@billyshears5569]

No it didn't. The grille on the front makes it look like Adolf Hitler. A Reich monstrosity

[@chipholland9]

A friend worked at a supplier to the first generation X5 in the Spartanburg area. Cool seeing how quickly the design came to be, and was correct from the start. Thanks for posting.

[@unripetomato4312]

to understand how big a deal this is, you have to understand that the BMW X5 is widely regarded to have started the modern SUV revolution. being able to say you designed it is a flex.

[@trentpope6239]

In high school, my friend and I took my broken L322 Range Rover to the mechanic. We came outside to the most beautiful and rewarding loaner car ever - an Estorilblau 4.4iS X5. I will never get over those hips.

[@Beniamin1600]

I am extremely curious what is your take on new BMW designs. Especially the 7, X7 and the new 4 series. I currently drive a BMW 3 series E90 and I would love to hear about how it was designed. Love the idea of the channel. Greetings from Poland and massive respect for you sir.

[@lazar2175]

I know i'm not him but the new 7 series and the X7 are both really nice looking to me, the new 4 series is looking weird but i think it will look better once it grows on us. Greetings from a e91 driver.

[@TheMrSencor]

@@lazar2175 greetings E91 brother

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thank you , I am taking notes on what you all would like next, thanks for watching!

[@Globbs]

Just a guess but I anticipate that he actually likes X7.

[@aron_e46]

e90 gang

[@hassanalami2011]

Great car. I have one from 2002, and i still love the car.

[@manualmafia6015]

Hey Frank - would love for these videos to be a bit longer! It's fascinating to watch you work and I (and I think many of your subscribers would agree) would love to have a bit more to digest, especially when it comes to your career at McLaren as well as the MC12, and FXX. Thanks!

[@FrankStephensondesign]

More to come!

[@komikher8486]

I´ve never liked all the SUV´s that came from USA and Japan, but I still remember what I thought when I saw this X5 for the first time - ´WOW! BMW nailed it in first attempt!´. Fantastic job! :-)

[@Dreamchaserz]

Excellent channel whauw really impressed 😍😍

[@MrFlyingguy]

the original x5 had bags of presence and a stance more akin to an M car.... everything about that design was spot on...... joy to listen to you thoughts Frank. truly..... its between you and paul bracq for me at the end of the day.....

[@khathmonykeo9370]

When I was 13 years old I sketched a drawing of how I envisioned the first bmw suv would look like in middle school. And when the x5 came out it looked almost identical to my sketching of my suv even down to the shape of the headlights. Till this day I’m proud of that.

[@ufohunters4612]

I have a 2005 X5 3.o and absolutely love the design of this SUV the lines have been stolen by every other car company in the world witch in my humble opinion is the greatest expression of appreciation... Loved the car so much my wife had to have a 2013 X5 3.5i .. The newer models have seemed to lost that touch of the original designs... Great videos and I thank you for what have given the world of cars .

[@cansayin8835]

it still looks fresh, great job

[@rrg6625]

I own a black E53 D, I've had it for ages. When I drive it, the world slows down. It looks beautiful, it drives, handles and does everything beautifully, and will go almost anywhere. The fold down rear door is so handy. The straight 6 turbo feels like it could rev to infinity, and pulls like a truck, yet at idle it sounds so content. What a great job you have done.

[@mirio-jk]

You managed to create one of the most beautiful SUV’s ever

[@imanya552]

never knew you were the one who designed that x5 model, its one of my personal favorite designs of all time ngl

[@Marv968]

Yep, original X5 still stands up as a great design now 👍

[@mabrokenleg2388]

It always was an abomination, it still is. The second x5 looks a lot better.

[@TheFatSandwhich]

I honestly don't think I've ever heard anyone say the first gen X5 looks good.

[@maxmoritz5065]

@@mabrokenleg2388 Looks better but still a ugly piece of useless SUV shit.

[@FARQ3X]

Shibe i love the first gen X5 hate all other gens...

[@samueljones3668]

The Original X5 didn't age well at all.

[@MrPhatties]

Looking at every other company's SUV attempts this one stands out incredibly well to this day. Very much its own design but still very true to the brand and style. Frank you make it look easy.

[@karlsumner5594]

Great to watch these and so interesting listening to the story behind each design.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@FastlifeTodd]

I’ve got a 2005 X5 Imola Red Sport 3.0 and it’s design is timeless. Thanks for designing such a nice looking SAV that stands apart even today .

[@Fanboy1222]

A beautiful car i love it. F*** the ml and the gle. The x5 is king and the first one was absolutely stunning

[@jaredp2598]

The BMW era pre X3 in the early 2000s/late 1990s was such an era in history, most people thought SUVs or "SAVs' as BMW calls them would water down the brand's history but it did the opposite. It transformed BMW/Porsche/Mercedes to manufacturers who produced high-volume vehicles instead of niche, country-club attending peoples cars.

[@TheMichaelRN]

Man I miss the old headlights design, every bimmers now have angry looking headlamps.

[@willfudge8131]

it looks like they’re ditching the angel eyes altogether with the new 3 series :(

[@honeybadger4095]

@@willfudge8131 Yea, have you seen the new 5 series? They completely ditched them there.

[@sfgdragoon]

@@honeybadger4095 not a fan of the L shaped rear lights too. I think they butchered the whole design language

[@kristjanvendelin3566]

They have had angry headlights or angry front of the car for 60 years

[@joshb7415]

bmws of that era are timeless, they all look so good.

[@nicholasbryan2041]

This is amazing, I dream of becoming a car designer one day, if I become a fragment of this man i would be glad.

[@donaldmartin4489]

I thought that for sure you were using a special sketching pen, but its just a plain Jane ball point pen. How interesting. LEGENDARY!

[@alexross0]

I love these videos! Might I suggest for future content; your favorite car designs ever, the future direction of car design, thoughts on current car design, thoughts on all generations of Miata, Porsche 911, Corvette, etc. Keep it up!

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks for your thoughts! We are planning to do a series on 'Frank's Dream Car Garage' ...

[@nickcool888]

Frank. Inspirational Channel you have here. I graduated with a car design degree but never pursued the career. 7 years later you have rekindled my love of sketching again! Thx for that

[@acrane2]

Could you Imagine being on a flight, chilling next to the guy who designed a car you could buy not much longer after? Like Imagine being like "Those headlights should be slightly closer together" and bam you just helped design your own car lol

[@zohaiblughmani5089]

lol that’s cool to think about

[@MrIrish1]

He would of being flying first class and not amongst the peasants

[@dbz1569]

@@MrIrish1 Let’s just say your in first class too

[@trut52]

@@MrIrish1 Don't think so... German companies don't fly staff in business much less external contractors

[@allanb4680]

Whenever I see one on the road I smile and think this guy sure is creative. You sir are a idol to me thank you for sharing this

[@mikeogden5256]

It’s Awesome 😎

[@EdwindePaula]

youtube reccomended me your video about the ferrari roma and I clicked it bc I had never seen the car before. when you said, during the video, you designed the f430 I was blown away. "this guy is a big deal", I thought to myself. then I decided to check out your other videos and when I saw you designed the X5, AND the ford cosworth, AND the cinquecento... my jaw dropped. you're a legend and this channel is an absolute privilege for us viewers!

[@dguz5926]

I've owned the last two X5 models, the original is still my favorite in terms of design. Great work! and thank you for posting this video.

[@javier8266]

My mother owned for 13 years a 2005 toledo blue X5. She still talks about it as the most beautiful car in the world, elegant, mean, powerful and timeless. She hasn’t seen a SUV which comes even close, not even the following X5s. Congratulations on that one! Please go back to BMW, it’s pretty clear they need you around.

[@Kessler1996]

This is so inspiring! This guy seems so cool and easy, so focused on the task he was given and he seems really humble as he recounts this incredible design experience - I have always loved the muscular beauty of the Mk. I X5 and so it is absolutely fascinating to watch this guy talk about it, and even sketch the thing in free hand as he's speaking! Fantastic stuff :D

[@MrSparc]

I could like to know what is your current car as daily driver and what is your favourite car you ever have. Amazing honesty and humble man to bringing us with this kind of inspirational videos. Thank you sir.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

MrSparc Thanks man. Nothing too unusual, my daily is a ‘77 Defender and best cars ever in my collection...Series 1 E-type FHC and a Dino 246.

[@pedrorodrigues7285]

With a BIC pen and a A4 format paper we can do magic, then we let the computer design programs do the rest, but all began with a piece of paper and a BIC pen. :)

[@yugeshmetta748]

Which model BIC pen is that?

[@TheLizardKing1967]

Hi Frank. I am a brand new subscriber and LOVE your auto designs. You are the BEST! I own a 2001 BMW 4.4i X5 with over 207,000 miles on it. AWESOME SUV, Or as BMW calls it an SAV. Sport Activity Vehicle. Thank you for designing my X5. This design is 20 years old and still looks fresh today. Keep up the GREAT work! You are the MAN!

[@rogersummers4619]

Bizarre that there’s no mention of you , Frank, on Wikipedia when it comes to the E53. I’d sort that anomaly if I were you since the E53, imo, is one of the greatest pieces of BMW designs since the 2002. It looked ‘right’ at inception and not only remains so but increasingly looks ‘right’ as time wears on: shaming the over-styled and obese ‘F-series’ generation in particular. One of your best capolavori....

[@laweenalbotany1734]

One of my favourite BMW designs ever..... It looks like a tank but in a good and stunning way👏👏

[@ihabiano]

Producers: We want you to make an iconic new design in no time. Frank: give me few hours and your cheapest pen n paper.

[@dropbear9866]

Thanks Frank. That original X5 design stole my heart and I still love it today. So good hearing you talk us through it.

[@ricardomatos6316]

Videos are getting better and better. Thanks for posting another video. Is the Maserati next?

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Yes, soon

[@weiphinyan7819]

Thanks Frank for sharing this video. Really appreciated your work where BMW got their very first SUV.

[@Lars997]

Thanks for taking us along your X5 story. I am driving an X7 and I often think it is a refreshed version of the X5. You did set the base for the entire X-range of BMW!

[@darthraven1054]

I loved this car as a kid, was very happy to see you designed it after I got into your channel

[@austinzizzi1142]

I still think it’s the best looking SAV on the road. I own an 04 X5 with the v8 engine, and it’s the best car I’ve ever owned. it still looks modern and timeless

[@SanjayPatel-qj9ho]

Modern and timeless? The first gen X5 is one of the most outdated looking BMWs on the road

[@austinzizzi1142]

Sanjay Patel It looks way better than a 2020 X5 and the handling is real and weighty and the car is planted. All around a beast of a car and reliable too

[@s2000killa1]

I was 12 when my dad picked up the 4.6is. Truly a beast and one of my all time favorites. Thank you for your talent, it’s unfortunate at 29 I’ve lost my fire for bmws but I will never forget the myriad of e46/e39s I got to drive in my teens. Bmw at their peak.

[@stephenpato5524]

An E53 4.8iS with 20 inch alloys is still one of the best looking SUVs on the road. My opinion.

[@marti4580]

Totally agree here 👍 Sterling grey does the job as well

[@oneblach]

Best looking SUV ever designed.

[@skipijs5316]

Always thought that first gen X5 was just E46 touring with high ride height.

[@tito_ae8689]

X5 was based off the 5 series and x3 is based off the 3 series

[@NotMyAccount]

@@tito_ae8689 you are right, but he was talking about design details. Take the headlights, for example, they look like the ones from the E46 facelift with the turn signals pointing upwards and the tail lights look like the ones from the E46 touring

[@saveyourhero3307]

They share the same front headlights but it's mostly based off from the E39 5 Series

[@chrismccarthy284]

it was e39 5 series touring based. so was the design

[@filippxx]

With German cars you always have a design language that goes throughout the classes. Korean and generally asian carmakers could not keep a line up until recently. If you look at two Hiundays from 10 years ago you couldn't say it was made by the same company only by looking from outside.

[@iFuff]

Such a classic! Love it

[@giansalerno]

Great video! Amazing and awesome to see you at work, thanks for sharing this. The design of that car really was something special, it was a total game changer that helped usher in a new look of modern design into the SUV/car market, and it has aged far better than many, if not all, of it's contemporaries. Being a big fan of that era of BMW design, I'm curious, was the E53 X5 design based at all on the E39 Touring, or vise versa?

[@Tom-dz4sp]

This car came out when I was about 7 or 8 and even then I knew this was something special. One of the best looking bmw's ever

[@ldwp6395]

I love the x5, (the one you designed) and what's your opinion on the 6 wheel one that's being built

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Q & A at the end of the first series

[@trooperodst6880]

@@FrankStephensondesign SIR I LOVE THE E65!! Looks so cool and amazing.

[@fanboykillah5142]

We had a BMW X5 2006. That suv was truly awesome. Love the styling of that vehicle. It was totaled,wife cried when the tow truck took it.

[@vishalpjayan]

I cant imagine how you felt when the 3 guys in front of you were the creator of THE Miura While watching Chasing Perfect it was goosebumps all along

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thank you!

[@han5k2]

Brilliance expressed with a 20-cent pen! (Bic-cause you can! )

[@ashleymerritt9461]

This and the Range Rover are quite literally the only SUV’s that I can get along with.

[@BIG2hats]

Audi Q5?

[@joonakarkkainen26]

Suabru Forester

[@LPRD]

Volvo xc90 looks really good too for me

[@kevinpraditra]

Surely the mighty Land Cruisers as well?

[@MassiveDick]

@@joonakarkkainen26 no

[@AnasElAbboud]

thank you Frank, X5 was a huge deal in the car design industry.

[@highze]

3:15 I don't know about Hofmeister's Kinks, but it's definitely supposed to mean 'Hofmeister Knick' :-)

[@kiabagha3401]

A kink is the same as a knick. They mean the same thing. A kink is a bend and a knick... is also a bend - he just said it in english instead of german.

[@MrKeefrichards]

The best designed suv ever, thankyou Frank, you sir are a genius, it is a beautiful work of art, i get a lot of compliments about my x5 and i will never get tired of looking at it thankyou.

[@23ofSeptember]

I always thought the wheel width was HUGE in these cars.

[@richardhammer187]

It is, unnecessarily so, it looked stupid from the off.

[@tmelpickens7637]

I own a 2003 BMW X5 4.6is Titanium Silver. It has BMW "87" wheels and 315 tires on the rear. I upgraded the headlights to Depot's Angel Eyes Led DRL. People look at that car like it's Brand New. I have been offered a-lot of money for it. It becomes a center of conversation everywhere I go. I drive it EVERYDAY. It's going on 300,000 miles. The paint still looks brand new. I have taken care of it yes but nothing special. Live in the South and it stays outside. I have wanted to buy several new cars, but NONE have the Style of this car. The Lines the curves and the pure detail of this car's design is pure legendary. It just has "The Look". Thank You Sir for this Iconic creation that has given me seconds minutes days and years of driving pleasure.