BMW's hydrogen fuel-cell X5 SUV slated for 2028 production
BMW to launch production hydrogen X5 with fuel-cell tech in 2028
BMW's hydrogen fuel-cell X5 SUV slated for 2028 production
BMW will launch a hydrogen fuel-cell X5 in 2028 with Toyota tech. Expect longer range, stronger performance and a tech-rich cabin, limited to H2-ready markets.
2025-09-02T12:07:46+03:00
2025-09-02T12:07:46+03:00
2025-09-02T12:07:46+03:00
BMW plans to bring a production X5 with a hydrogen powertrain to market in 2028. This move builds on the experimental iX5 Hydrogen used for testing since 2023. The new X5 will be the brand’s first fuel-cell model offered for sale and will be available only in countries with a developed hydrogen refueling network — a measured rollout that reflects today’s infrastructure realities.The project centers on a third-generation fuel-cell system co-developed with Toyota. Compared with the current setup, it is 25% more compact yet delivers higher output and integrates more cleanly into the CLAR platform. BMW promises greater driving range, stronger performance, and markedly improved efficiency.The company says fuel cells will be assembled in Steyr, Austria, with electronics produced in Landshut, Germany, and the first prototypes built at the Dingolfing plant.For reference, the iX5 Hydrogen produced 396 hp and offered about 500 km of range on the WLTP cycle. The new X5 is expected to surpass those figures and will slot into BMW’s broad powertrain lineup, which spans gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and fully electric versions.Beyond the hardware, the next-generation X5 will bring major interior changes: a panoramic head-up display and a 17.9-inch screen will replace the traditional instrument cluster, while the familiar iDrive controller will give way to voice control and touch surfaces — a shift likely to divide loyalists but in step with the wider market direction.
BMW will launch a hydrogen fuel-cell X5 in 2028 with Toyota tech. Expect longer range, stronger performance and a tech-rich cabin, limited to H2-ready markets.
Michael Powers, Editor
BMW plans to bring a production X5 with a hydrogen powertrain to market in 2028. This move builds on the experimental iX5 Hydrogen used for testing since 2023. The new X5 will be the brand’s first fuel-cell model offered for sale and will be available only in countries with a developed hydrogen refueling network — a measured rollout that reflects today’s infrastructure realities.
The project centers on a third-generation fuel-cell system co-developed with Toyota. Compared with the current setup, it is 25% more compact yet delivers higher output and integrates more cleanly into the CLAR platform. BMW promises greater driving range, stronger performance, and markedly improved efficiency.
The company says fuel cells will be assembled in Steyr, Austria, with electronics produced in Landshut, Germany, and the first prototypes built at the Dingolfing plant.
For reference, the iX5 Hydrogen produced 396 hp and offered about 500 km of range on the WLTP cycle. The new X5 is expected to surpass those figures and will slot into BMW’s broad powertrain lineup, which spans gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and fully electric versions.
Beyond the hardware, the next-generation X5 will bring major interior changes: a panoramic head-up display and a 17.9-inch screen will replace the traditional instrument cluster, while the familiar iDrive controller will give way to voice control and touch surfaces — a shift likely to divide loyalists but in step with the wider market direction.
