The first BMW X5 was already being marketed as an SAV ("Sports Activity Vehicle"). Although it featured an enclosed design, a higher seat position and a hatchback rear end, the car provided comfort comparable with a sedan along with the legendary sheer driving pleasure of the "Ultimate Driving Machine" ("Freude am Fahren"). And the BMW X5 also easily mastered driving on off-road terrain. Frank Stephenson was responsible for the design of the BMW X5. Today, he ranks among one of the world's most influential automobile designers.