When the fifth-generation X5 (G65) launches next year, it will offer a variety of powertrains. However, not all of them will be available at launch. BMW is starting with the petrol 40 xDrive and the diesel 40d xDrive. Later in the year, the product range is expected to be expanded to include the 50e xDrive plug-in hybrid. BMW is expected to introduce an M Performance M60e plug-in hybrid and a fully electric 60 xDrive around the same time.
In addition to petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric versions, the range will eventually also include a fuel cell variant. Confirmed for release in 2028, it will be BMW’s first hydrogen production vehicle. It’s already been previewed with a camouflaged prototype generically labeled “iX5 Hydrogen.”
We now hear that BMW has chosen “iX5 60H xDrive” as the vehicle’s official name. No doubt about it, but the name confirms the standard all-wheel drive. The ’60’ badge suggests that this will be one of the more powerful variants in the range, positioned below a rumored iX5 M70 xDrive and a possible X5 M (G95).
The iX5 Hydrogen is being developed in collaboration with Toyota for a third-generation fuel cell system. It’s logical to expect the electric motors to be BMW’s Gen6 hardware, which debuted in the iX3 last month. Instead of a large and heavy battery pack, hydrogen tanks will power the fuel cell to generate electricity.
It is still too early for detailed specifications, but the iX5 prototypes based on the previous X5 have two CFRP tanks that store around 6 kilograms of hydrogen, which corresponds to a WLTP range of 313 miles (504 kilometers). The upcoming iX5 60H xDrive is expected to offer a significantly higher range when it hits the market in about three years.
At some point there could even be a sixth drive option for the X5. BMW is reportedly exploring the idea of reviving the range extender. If this happens, the next generation X7 (“G67”) could also use a small gasoline engine that acts as a generator to charge the battery. However, none of this is official until BMW confirms it.
Source: Bimmer Post
