BMW has been experimenting with hydrogen prototypes for almost half a centuryhowever none have reached manufacturing. After saying it might launch a gas cell mannequin in 2028, we now have affirmation in regards to the car’s id. Sure, it’ll be based mostly on the next-generation X5. Codenamed “G65,” the posh SUV will function a hydrogen system co-developed with Toyota. However that’s not all.
5 Drivetrain Choices for the Subsequent-Gen X5
Munich has additionally confirmed a battery-electric X5 is on the best way. This makes the upcoming era the primary BMW to be supplied with 5 drivetrains: gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, battery electrical, and hydrogen gas cell. Some doubted the diesel would survive amid more and more strict emissions guidelines, however the “B57” 3.0-liter straight-six is secure for now. Engineers have up to date it to adjust to Euro 7.
The Battery-Electrical BMW X5
Whereas the iX5 Hydrogen will probably be restricted to pick out markets, the battery-electric mannequin is predicted to have international availability. The standard EV is extensively believed to make use of the Gen6 electrical motors and batteries launched within the 2026 iX3. That’s regardless of the subsequent X5 nonetheless using on the tried-and-true CLAR platform. It will possibly solely imply the structure is present process important adjustments to combine Neue Klasse {hardware}.
All drivetrains besides the hydrogen gas cell are anticipated to be supplied from day one. Collection manufacturing is reportedly slated for August 2026, with the gas cell model to comply with a few years later. By the point the iX5 Hydrogen arrives, BMW will doubtless have expanded the lineup with M Efficiency variants on each the combustion and electrical fronts.
BMW’s Hydrogen Technique
Technical specs are nonetheless below wraps, however BMW insists the hydrogen model will keep true to the model’s DNA. “The brand new BMW iX5 Hydrogen will probably be a real BMW – pioneering in its class and delivering the BMW-typical driving pleasure,” mentioned Michael Rath, Vice President of Hydrogen Autos at BMW Group.
To assist the rollout of the gas cell mannequin, BMW is investing in hydrogen infrastructure. The Hydrogen Mobility at Scale (HyMoS) challenge has already entered a pilot part in Germany and France, strengthening present stations and getting ready for enlargement in main city areas. Whereas most rivals have deserted hydrogen, BMW stays assured in its potential.
The corporate views hydrogen because the “lacking piece for finishing the electrical mobility puzzle” in areas the place charging infrastructure stays underdeveloped. Even so, one other different could also be on the desk: BMW is reportedly contemplating reintroducing range-extending know-how for the electrical X5. Just like the i3 REx, it might use a small combustion engine to not drive the wheels however to recharge the battery. Whether or not this REx system returns, nonetheless, remains to be removed from sure.
