BMW is preparing a hydrogen iX5 with a range of over 500 km

BMW has confirmed: in 2028, the production X5 powered by hydrogen will enter the market for the first time. The new iX5 Hydrogen will be offered alongside gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and electric versions of the model.

BMW iX5 Hydrogen is presented as a camouflaged prototype. BMW has confirmed that the series vehicle with hydrogen systems will be called iX5, just like the battery electric (BEV) version.

Despite the strong camouflage, the iX5 Hydrogen prototype indicates that the next X5 will feature a design in the style of the Neue Klasse, which was demonstrated with the new iX3 at the IAA Mobility 2025 motor show in Munich.

The new prototype uses a third-generation fuel cell system, developed in collaboration with Toyota. It is about 25% smaller than the previous one but provides greater specific power. The system includes a new high-voltage control unit called BMW Energy Master.

The production of key components is planned to start in 2028 at BMW factories in Steyr (Austria) and Landshut (Germany).

Performance targets have not yet been disclosed, but BMW stated that the new system would surpass the specifications of the 2023 FCEV prototype. The latter had a rear-mounted electric motor with 400 hp and could travel about 500 km on a single tank.

Source: BMW