Innovation 01.07.2026 10 MIN

The new BMW iX5 Hydrogen.

The new BMW iX5 Hydrogen blends signature BMW driving dynamics with the power of a hydrogen drive. With its full xDrive, a range of up to 750 km (WLTP)*, a refuelling time of under five minutes and the full M Sport package, it delivers the performance of a true BMW X5. It also offers a host of additional practical features, such as towing capacity.

Josef Hochreiter, Head of Hydrogen Vehicles at the BMW Group:

“We have a clear vision for the BMW iX5 Hydrogen: it is going to be a true BMW – engineered for sheer driving pleasure. The perfectly balanced overall system will be crucial, being designed for superior driving dynamics.”

Range of up to 750 km* enabled by the BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage
technology and the third-generation fuel cell system.

The new BMW iX5 Hydrogen is built on the third-generation fuel cell system. Jointly developed by the BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation, this latest iteration is more powerful and efficient than its predecessor and is 25 percent more compact.

Improved efficiency and the new BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage system increase the range significantly, offering up to 750 km (WLTP)*.

A hand holds a hydrogen nozzle to the open fuel cap of a new BMW iX5 Hydrogen.

BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage:
Efficient integration without compromising cabin space.

The flat tank system consists of seven high-pressure fuel tanks made of carbon fibre-reinforced composite. They are connected in parallel and integrated into a robust metal frame. Instead of individual pressure vessels, the arrangement uses multiple chambers that are combined into a single enclosed unit, which is controlled via a central main valve. The optimised storage concept enables the BMW iX5 Hydrogen’s extensive range and stores at least seven kilograms of hydrogen. Refuelling takes less than five minutes.

The innovative tank system also makes exceptionally efficient use of installation space and is fully compatible with the Gen6 high-voltage battery. This ensures that cabin space remains uncompromised, while also allowing the hydrogen model to be manufactured alongside other drive types, on the same production line. In addition, the 700-bar high-pressure hydrogen tanks benefit from the structural protection of the vehicle, further enhancing safety.

Side view of the new BMW iX5 Hydrogen on the road, with glass skyscrapers and mountain scenery in the background.

All-wheel drive makes hydrogen debut.

The BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage and the third-generation fuel cell system are complemented by an innovative high-voltage battery delivering BMW’s trademark sheer driving pleasure.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen also features the latest drive and chassis control software, known as the Heart of Joy, along with BMW Dynamic Performance Control. As the first fuel cell vehicle to incorporate BMW’s electric all-wheel drive system, xDrive, it is ready to handle any terrain.

Design concept inspired by water movements.

Leading up to its market launch, the new BMW iX5 Hydrogen will feature the innovative BMW Hydrogen design concept.

Inspired by the dynamic movement of water, its graphics convey a sense of lightness while expressing forward momentum. Flowing lines underscore the dynamism of the vehicle and lead the eye from front to rear.

Two new BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicles stand side by side in an empty parking lot. One is seen from the front, the other from the rear. In the background, skyscrapers, a mountain and a cloudy sky can be seen.

The BMW hydrogen strategy.

A technology-open approach and a diverse product portfolio are key to the BMW Group’s success. The introduction of fuel cell technology into the new BMW X5 series will bring a new form of drive to the product range, enabling customers to benefit from hydrogen.

Hydrogen combines electric driving with extensive range and fast refuelling. It also represents an additional energy source, helping reduce dependency on any single infrastructure or raw material supply chain.

FAQs: BMW Group hydrogen
fuel cell technology.

With testing of the global pilot fleet successfully completed, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen is set to become the first hydrogen-powered model to enter series production. The forthcoming BMW X5 range will then offer customers a choice of drive technologies: battery electric, plug-in hybrid, petrol and diesel – and, at a later stage, hydrogen fuel cell.

The fuel cell is where hydrogen from the tanks reacts with oxygen from the air in an electrochemical process, producing electricity to power the motor and supply energy to the vehicle.

The new BMW iX5 features the third-generation fuel cell system, jointly developed by the BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation. The system is not only compact but also more powerful and efficient.

Series production of fuel cell systems will take place at BMW Group Plant Steyr, which is currently preparing to manufacture the BMW Group’s third-generation hydrogen drive. The first prototypes are being produced at dedicated centres of excellence in Munich and Steyr, while the technology centre in Landshut supplies further components for the drive system.

BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage technology is an innovative tank system featuring a flat design. It consists of multiple high-pressure tanks that are connected in parallel and integrated into a robust frame. Thanks to its innovative, flat geometry, it can be accommodated in exactly the same space as the Gen6 high-voltage battery – without compromising cabin space.

BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage offers a range of up to 750 kilometres and refuelling in under five minutes.

Hydrogen offers a second pathway to electromobility, alongside conventional battery-electric vehicles. Fuel cell vehicles combine the benefits of electric driving with the convenience of fast refuelling.

A viable source of energy for the future, hydrogen has the potential to support global decarbonisation. It can also be used to store energy from renewable sources, helping to stabilise the energy system by balancing demand and supply.

CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.

*Figures quoted apply to prototypes currently under development. Binding WLTP fuel consumption information is not available at this stage.

The HyPowerDrive project is part of IPCEI Hy2Move, which is subsidised by the German Federal Ministry for Transport (BMV). At federal level, funding of €191 million is being provided. Further funding of €92 million is provided by the State of Bavaria. The funding is implemented by Projektträger Jülich (PtJ) and coordinated by NOW GmbH.