BMW has announced the new X5 will be available with five drivetrain options: all-electric (EV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), petrol, diesel and, indeed, hydrogen fuel cell technology in the iX5 Hydrogen.
The iX5 Hydrogen is expected to make its global debut in 2028. BMW says this model will be built on the third-generation fuel cell system, developed in partnership with Toyota. This setup includes a more compact design, while offering an extended range and increased power output as opposed to previous-generation fuel cell systems.
BMW views hydrogen-powered technology as the “missing piece for completing the electric mobility puzzle” and battery-electric drive systems as a temporary solution to zero-emissions motoring, and the iX5 Hydrogen is touted to become the first-ever series-production passenger car to employ this tech.
Next-Gen BMW X5 to Include Hydrogen Powertrain
Posted September 24, 2025
By: Cale Nuttall
The next-generation X5 will offer the widest range of drivetrain options in BMW history, the Bavarian brand says – including a hydrogen-powered derivative under the ‘iX5 Hydrogen’ nameplate.
BMW has announced the new X5 will be available with five drivetrain options: all-electric (EV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), petrol, diesel and, indeed, hydrogen fuel cell technology in the iX5 Hydrogen.
The iX5 Hydrogen is expected to make its global debut in 2028. BMW says this model will be built on the third-generation fuel cell system, developed in partnership with Toyota. This setup includes a more compact design, while offering an extended range and increased power output as opposed to previous-generation fuel cell systems.
BMW views hydrogen-powered technology as the “missing piece for completing the electric mobility puzzle” and battery-electric drive systems as a temporary solution to zero-emissions motoring, and the iX5 Hydrogen is touted to become the first-ever series-production passenger car to employ this tech.
The firm has yet to reveal detailed specification about the next-generation model. However, those with a keen eye will notice the front facia of the camouflaged iX5 Hydrogen pictured here resembles that of the recently-revealed new BMW iX3.
Meanwhile, the HyMoS initiative aims to introduce hydrogen fuel cell technology across other segments, including light and heavy commercial vehicles. This will serve to increase the distribution and usage of hydrogen stations. The pilot phase for this technology has begun in Germany and France to gather research for the rollout to additional metropolitan areas, with possible future expansion to other countries.