BMW has unveiled the next-generation X5 SUV, which will be available with five different powertrains. Customers can choose from petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric options. However, the most notable addition is a hydrogen fuel cell variant, known as iX5, marking a first for BMW.
The powertrain has been in development since 2023, undergoing rigorous testing across 20 countries and clocking over one million kilometres in extreme climate conditions. With trials now complete, BMW has confirmed that the iX5 Hydrogen is set to enter production, with its official debut scheduled for 2028.
The hydrogen powertrain is built on a third-generation fuel cell system co-developed by the BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation. According to BMW, this next-gen technology enables a more compact design while delivering greater power, efficiency and range. Prototype units are already being assembled at BMW’s competence centres in Munich and at the BMW Group Plant Steyr. Additional drive system components will be supplied by the Landshut facility.
Alongside the development of the iX5 Hydrogen, BMW is also working to expand hydrogen refuelling infrastructure through the HyMoS (Hydrogen Mobility at Scale) initiative. The aim is to make hydrogen mobility more economically viable by pooling demand across passenger cars, buses, and trucks.
Aside from all of this, BMW also released some pictures of the iX5, which was mostly camouflaged. However, some design cues can be identified, starting with the headlights that seem to be similar to the iX Neue Klasse, and most likely a large front grille.
As of now, these are the details that have been released by BMW on the BMW iX5 Hydrogen. More information can be expected soon as the iX5 Hydrogen nears its debut.
