The pursuit of cleaner propulsion technologies continues and BMW is going to offer every technology feasible. While the future of fossil fuel powertrains is limited and Battery Electric Vehicles bring their own share of challenges, some brands are still looking at the potential of hydrogen as a potential alternative and the next-gen BMW X5 will offer that choice to buyers too.
BMW has announced that the iX5 Hydrogen will enter the global automotive market in 2028, likely starting in Europe. The camouflaged teasers suggest a chunkier, more commanding SUV, taking cues from the iX3’s Neue Klasse design. But the real story is under the hood: the BMW X5 will offer five types— petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, and, for the first time in series production, hydrogen fuel cell. The iX5 Hydrogen isn’t just a concept and BMW is prepping its Austrian plant for full production ahead of the 2028 launch.
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen and its fuel cell technology
Following successful pilot testing worldwide, the iX5 Hydrogen will become BMW’s first series-produced hydrogen-powered SUV. “The new BMW iX5 Hydrogen will be a true BMW, pioneering in its class and delivering the BMW typical driving pleasure,” says Michael Rath, Vice President of Hydrogen Vehicles at BMW Group.
The vehicle uses a third-generation fuel cell system developed with Toyota, offering a more compact design, higher efficiency, and improved power, which increases both range and output while lowering energy consumption. Prototypes are already being built at BMW’s Munich competence centre and Plant Steyr, with additional components coming from Landshut.
HyMoS: Building a hydrogen ecosystem
BMW is also tackling one of hydrogen’s biggest challenges: refuelling infrastructure. Its HyMoS (Hydrogen Mobility at Scale) initiative aims to create practical hydrogen ecosystems in cities, with networks capable of serving cars, buses, and trucks. Pilot projects in Germany and France are already underway, testing how hydrogen stations can be economically viable and widely usable, paving the way for broader adoption and supporting future models like the iX5 Hydrogen.
“By launching the new BMW X5 with a choice of five drive system variants, we are once again demonstrating our leading position as a technology pioneer,” says Joachim Post, BMW’s board member for development. “Hydrogen has an essential part to play in global decarbonisation, which is why we are committed to driving the technology forward.”
Australia’s hydrogen future
In Australia, the hydrogen ecosystem is still developing. Governments are funding projects for electrolysers, refuelling stations, and fleet trials, signalling a slow but growing commitment to hydrogen mobility. While it may take time for hydrogen to become mainstream in Australia, BMW’s iX5 Hydrogen points to a future where high-performance, emission-free SUVs that don’t need 30 minute stops for refuelling are possible.
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