The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is moving from pilot fleet testing to series production, becoming the first hydrogen-powered model in the brand’s lineup. With its launch in 2028, BMW positions the X5 as the only model available with five drivetrain variants: battery electric, plug-in hybrid, petrol, diesel, and hydrogen fuel cell. This move reflects BMW’s technology-open approach, designed to meet the diverse demands of global markets.
Technology-Open Strategy for the BMW X5
BMW has consistently pursued product diversity as a core strategy. The ability to offer multiple powertrain technologies in a single vehicle platform highlights the flexibility of BMW’s manufacturing structures. This approach allows the brand to integrate traditional and emerging technologies efficiently into the production process. By 2028, customers will have access to both battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell drivetrains, strengthening the X5’s role as a versatile global model.
The New BMW iX5 Hydrogen
Following global testing of pilot fleets, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen is ready for its debut. It will mark the company’s first series-produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. The drivetrain is built on BMW’s third-generation fuel cell system, developed in partnership with Toyota. This system is more compact, more powerful, and more efficient than its predecessors, resulting in improved range and performance while lowering energy consumption.
Benefits of Hydrogen Drive Technology
Hydrogen is increasingly recognized as a critical energy carrier in the transition toward decarbonized mobility. Unlike battery-only systems, hydrogen fuel cells offer rapid refueling and longer range, making them particularly suited for regions where charging infrastructure is limited. Hydrogen also provides storage for renewable energy sources, balancing supply and demand while stabilizing energy grids. This dual role makes it a valuable complement to battery electric systems, helping complete the broader electric mobility landscape.
HyMoS Initiative and Infrastructure Growth
BMW is not only launching a hydrogen-powered model but is also working on the infrastructure needed to support it. The company has joined the HyMoS (Hydrogen Mobility at Scale) initiative, which brings together partners from industry and government to expand hydrogen ecosystems. By pooling demand from passenger cars, buses, and trucks, the initiative aims to make hydrogen refueling stations more economically viable. Pilot projects have already begun in Germany and France, with the potential for expansion into other European metropolitan areas.
Powertrain and Driving Characteristics
While detailed WLTP consumption figures are not yet available, BMW’s hydrogen system promises strong performance. The fuel cell technology delivers output comparable to conventional combustion engines while providing the smooth, quiet driving dynamics expected from an electric vehicle. With hydrogen storage integrated into the X5 platform, the iX5 Hydrogen maintains the practicality and comfort associated with the model line.
Summary
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen marks an important milestone in the brand’s long-term electrification strategy. By offering five powertrain options, BMW ensures the X5 remains adaptable to different markets and consumer needs. At the same time, the HyMoS initiative addresses infrastructure challenges, laying the groundwork for hydrogen mobility at scale. The 2028 launch of the iX5 Hydrogen represents more than a new model, it reflects BMW’s commitment to a flexible, technology-open path toward decarbonization.
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Source: BMW
