BMW iX5 Hydrogen 2028: range, refueling time and 0–100 km/h acceleration
BMW is developing the iX5 Hydrogen for 2028 with up to 750 km WLTP range, at least 7 kg of hydrogen and refueling in under five minutes.
BMW is targeting less than 5 seconds for the 0–100 km/h sprint in the future iX5 Hydrogen, BMWBLOG reports as prototype testing continues. That would mark a notable step over the pilot vehicle: the 2023 iX5 Hydrogen made 401 hp and reached 100 km/h in under 6 seconds. BMW has not yet disclosed the production model’s power or torque, so the new figure remains a target rather than a final homologated specification.
The range has changed even more. The earlier prototype stored 6 kg of hydrogen in two 700-bar tanks and had an official WLTP range of 504 km. BMW now quotes up to 750 km for the new vehicle, roughly 49% more. Its new Hydrogen Flat Storage system uses seven composite tanks and holds at least 7 kg of hydrogen, so fuel capacity has increased by at least about 16.7%. The gain in range therefore cannot be explained by extra hydrogen alone.
The third generation of fuel cells, co-developed by BMW and Toyota, also plays a part. BMW says the system is 25% more compact while also improving efficiency and performance. The hydrogen storage system uses packaging space compatible with the Gen6 high-voltage battery layout, so the hydrogen version should not sacrifice cabin room. A full refueling takes less than five minutes, and the drivetrain is xDrive all-wheel drive.
The battery-electric iX5 still goes farther: BMW quotes up to 845 km, versus 750 km for the hydrogen version. The H2 model, however, is designed to take on a full load of hydrogen in under five minutes. In June, the new X5 generation had already been outlined with five types of powertrain, spanning petrol and diesel through electric and hydrogen propulsion.
The production iX5 Hydrogen is still some way off: BMW links its launch to 2028, while the Steyr plant is being prepared to manufacture Gen3 fuel cells.
The new acceleration target matters mainly as a sign of how far the powertrain is developing: BMW wants its FCEV to combine up to 750 km of range and five-minute refueling with performance closer to today’s powerful electric SUVs.