BMW has been experimenting with hydrogen prototypes for almost half a century, but none has achieved production. After the announcement that a fuel cell model would bring it onto the market in 2028, we now have confirmation about the identity of the vehicle. Yes, it is based on the next generation X5. The luxurious SUV “G65” will have a hydrogen system compiled with Toyota. But that’s not all.
Five drive strand options for the next generation X5
Munich has also confirmed that a battery -electric X5 is on the road. This makes the upcoming generation the first BMW, which is offered with five drive lines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, battery and hydrogen fuel cell. Some doubt that diesel would survive if they have increasingly stricter emission rules, but the 3.0-liter line “B57” is certain for the time being. The engineers have updated to keep the Euro 7.
The battery -electric BMW X5
While the IX5 hydrogen is limited to selected markets, the battery model is expected to have global availability. It is generally assumed that the traditional EV uses the gene6 electromotors and batteries in the 2026 IX3. Despite the next X5, this is still on the proven Clar platform. This can only mean that the architecture goes through significant changes to integrate new class hardware.
All drive lines with the exception of the hydrogen fuel cell are expected to be offered from day one. Series production is reported to be planned for August 2026, with the Fuel Cell version followed a few years later. Until the arrival of the IX5 hydrogen, BMW will probably have expanded the installation with M performance variants both in combustion and the electrical fronts.
BMW’s hydrogen strategy
The technical specifications are still under lock and key, but BMW insists that the hydrogen version of the DNA remains true to the brand. “The new BMW IX5 hydrogen will be a real BMW in its class and will deliver the BMW-typical driving pleasure,” said Michael Rath, Vice President of Hydrogen Vehicles at the BMW Group.
In order to support the introduction of the fuel cell model, BMW invests in the hydrogen infrastructure. Hydrogen mobility in scale (hymos) has already entered a pilot phase in Germany and France, strengthening existing stations and is preparing for expansion in large urban areas. While most rivals have left hydrogen, BMW remains confident in its potential.
The company regards hydrogen as a “missing piece for the completion of the puzzle for electromobility” in regions in which the charging infrastructure is underdeveloped. Nevertheless, there can be another alternative in the table: BMW is reportedly considering the reintroduction of range-coppering technologies for the electrical X5. Like the i3 Rex, it would use a small combustion engine not to drive the wheels, but to charge the battery. However, it is still far away whether this Rex system will return.
