Production Version Of BMW X5 Hydrogen Powered Is Confirmed To Launch In 2028

The production version is believed to be the hydrogen-powered BMW X5 being tested. (Photo: Autocar)

JAKARTA The cooperation between the two major world manufacturers Toyota and BMW in the development of hydrogen technology has started in December 2011. The two companies signed an agreement to establish medium to long-term cooperation in environmental technology. This framework includes various fields, including fuel cells (hydrogen), sports car technology, and lightweight technology.

This collaboration continued as BMW released the BMW iX5 Hydrogen in 2023 was a test vehicle that represented significant evolution in BMW's hydrogen strategy.

Now, BMW is giving the latest news on its plans to start selling hydrogen-powered versions of the X5 SUV. The German auto giant is preparing to produce a third-generation fuel cell system developed through a strategic partnership with Toyota.

Autocar reported, Tuesday, September 2, this new FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) model is scheduled to launch in 2028. It will be sold simultaneously with versions of gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and pure electricity from X5, which will enter the fifth generation next year. This move is part of BMW's strategy to have the most diverse and electrified drivetrain options in its history.

This version of hydrogen is built on the existing technical foundation of iX5 Hydrogen. Since 2023, iX5 Hydrogen has been used exclusively as a test vehicle and internal development of BMW. Now, this new model will be the first hydrogen-powered car from a commercially sold BMW, although its sales will be limited to certain global markets that have adequate refueling infrastructure.

"The launch of the first fuel cell production model will add another efficient driving system to our product portfolio," said Joachim Post, a member of the BMW development board.

BMW mentions that the third generation hydrogen fuel cell system is a significant engineering progress. Compared to iX5 Hydrogen, the new system is 25 percent smaller, but offers greater power density and better integration to multiple platforms, including X5's Cluster Architecture (CLAR).

The new system will also be used in other future hydrogen models, promising " BETTER affordability, higher output, and much greater efficiency," the Post added.

Production of the X5 Hydrogen fuel cell will be carried out at the BMW Group plant in Steyr, Austria, where new production lines and testing facilities are under construction. Additional components, such as a hydrogen-specific high-voltage control unit known as the BMW Energy Master, will be produced at the Landshut facility in Germany.

Visually, the upcoming G65 generation X5 will also bring significant changes. The latest prototype shows that this car will adopt the main styling element of the second generation iX3, which is the first BMW model based on the Neue Classe platform and is scheduled to be sold in the UK by 2026.

On the interior, BMW will replace traditional instrument panels with a panoramic projector display system and a 17.9-inch central wide screen. The long-used iDrive play control will also be removed, with future models fully relying on sound and touch inputs.