BMW iX5 Hydrogen targets 750km range and sub-five-second sprint

BMW’s production-bound iX5 Hydrogen fuel-cell EV is targeting a 750km range and a sub-five-second 0-100km/h sprint as vehicle testing and manufacturing preparations advance ahead of its 2028 debut.

BMW has moved its first series-production hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle into another development phase, running vehicle tests alongside prototype assembly and preparations for manufacturing.

The new iX5 Hydrogen is scheduled to enter production in 2028, adding a fifth powertrain type to the new-generation X5’s global line-up alongside battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, petrol and diesel versions.

Australia is currently taking every powertrain option bar the fuel cell.

The petrol X5 40 xDrive and diesel X5 40d xDrive are due locally in the fourth quarter of 2026, priced from $145,900 and $143,900 respectively before on-road costs.

The battery-electric iX5 60 and plug-in hybrid X5 50e are scheduled to follow in the first quarter of 2027.

BMW Australia indicated at the new X5’s unveiling in July that the hydrogen version was outside its local plans, citing limited refuelling infrastructure.

Based on BMW’s claims, we’re going to miss out on a vehicle with very solid performance.

BMW is targeting a 0-100km/h time of less than five seconds, with driving performance intended to match the battery-electric iX5. It is also targeting up to 750km of range on the WLTP cycle and refuelling in less than five minutes. The production vehicle’s power and torque outputs have not been announced in this update.

The latest development update focuses on how the hydrogen model’s fuel-cell system, electric motor, high-voltage battery, hydrogen storage and control electronics work together under demanding environmental conditions and high loads.

The third-generation fuel-cell system has been co-developed with Toyota. It generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen stored onboard and oxygen from the surrounding air, supplying the electric drive system.

A high-voltage battery works with the fuel cell, while BMW’s Energy Master control unit manages the high-voltage system. BMW says the battery and control electronics enable greater energy recovery under deceleration, improving overall efficiency.

A key packaging change is BMW’s Hydrogen Flat Storage system, which accommodates hydrogen tanks within the installation space used by the battery-electric model’s high-voltage battery.

Previously detailed by BMW, the arrangement comprises seven interconnected carbon-fibre composite tanks housed in a metal frame and operating at 700 bar.

It stores around 7kg of hydrogen while preserving cabin space and allowing the hydrogen version to share a production line with other X5 powertrains.

That manufacturing flexibility is central to BMW’s efforts to reduce the cost and complexity of adding fuel-cell technology to an existing model range.

While vehicle testing continues, the next assembly phase for prototype fuel-cell systems is beginning at BMW’s Hydrogen Competence Centre in Munich.

The earlier phase concentrated on whether components could be manufactured as intended and on initial supplier qualification. The next stage focuses on validating testing methods and developing processes suitable for series production.

BMW’s engine plant at Steyr in Austria will manufacture the fuel-cell systems. Initial test benches and manufacturing equipment have already been installed, and staff training is underway.

Other system components are being manufactured at BMW’s Landshut facility in Germany.

The production program marks a substantial progression from the two previous-generation iX5 Hydrogen prototypes BMW brought to Australia in as part of a global testing and demonstration fleet.

At that point, BMW was still considering whether to approve a production fuel-cell vehicle. The X5 has since been selected and a 2028 production start confirmed.

BMW continues to position hydrogen as an additional electric powertrain choice for buyers seeking long range and short refuelling stops.

For Australia, access to hydrogen refuelling remains a hurdle. The new X5’s local electrification expansion will therefore centre on the battery-electric iX5 and plug-in hybrid X5 50e under the plans announced so far.

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