BMW groups up with Toyota for the iX5 Hydrogen SUV, however why?

BMW and Toyota are working collectively to carry the iX5 Hydrogen to life. For the primary time, the brand new BMW iX5 will likely be supplied in 5 totally different powertrains, together with an EV, plug-in hybrid, fuel, diesel, and hydrogen-powered fashions.

The brand new BMW iX5 is an EV, PHEV, Hydrogen, and fuel automobile

By launching the brand new BMW iX5 with a alternative of 5 drive system variants, we’re as soon as once more demonstrating our main place as a know-how pioneer,” BMW’s improvement boss, Joachim Submit, mentioned throughout an occasion in New York on Monday.

Submit added that “Hydrogen has a necessary half to play in world decarbonisation,” whereas committing to advancing the know-how for future use.

The brand new hydrogen-powered iX5 will likely be based mostly on its third-gen gasoline cell system, which BMW is growing via a partnership with Toyota. BMW claims the brand new system is extra highly effective, environment friendly, and compact, “thereby growing vary and output concurrently lowering vitality consumption.”

Commercial – scroll for extra content material

BMW mentioned it’s already constructing the primary prototypes in Munich and on the BMW Group Plant Steyr in Austria. Further elements will come from the Group’s Landshut plant in Germany.

Regardless of a unique powertrain, “the brand new BMW iX5 Hydrogen will likely be a real BMW,” guarantees Michael Rath, the Group’s vice chairman of hydrogen autos.

Following pilot assessments, the new iX5 is ready to launch in 2028 as BMW’s first mass-produced hydrogen-powered mannequin.

BMW can also be “actively concerned” in increasing hydrogen refueling stations within the area. The automaker has already began a pilot part in partnership with others in Germany and France, with plans to increase to different international locations quickly.

We are going to be taught official specs and pricing nearer to launch. Nevertheless, in line with Autocarthe brand new BMW iX5 Hydrogen will likely be based mostly on an up to date model of its CLAR platform, somewhat than the Neue Klasse EV platform. It’s anticipated to supply round 313 miles of vary.

Electrek’s Take

Didn’t we already show that battery electrical (EV) know-how is superior to Hydrogen? I assume not. A number of automakers are nonetheless betting on hydrogen autos with important investments, together with BMW, Toyota, and Hyundai.

In line with SNE Analysissolely 4,102 gasoline cell electrical autos (FCEVs) have been bought within the first half of 2025, 27% fewer than the identical interval final yr.

Hyundai led with 1,252, principally NEXO fashions bought. Toyota ranked second with 698 Mirai and Crown fashions, a 46% lower in comparison with final yr.

The report highlights that “The hydrogen car market nonetheless faces structural limitations, together with inadequate refueling infrastructure, excessive car prices, and restricted subsidies.” Nevertheless, it added “rising technological collaboration amongst OEMs, and intergovernmental hydrogen diplomacy are progressively paving the way in which for growth.”

Is Hydrogen the “lacking piece for finishing the electrical mobility puzzle,” as BMW claims? We are going to discover out over the subsequent few years as new, extra superior EVs, PHEVs, extended-range autos (EREVs), and different powertrain varieties hit the market.