Zakirin
BMW has advanced the development of the upcoming G65-generation iX5 Hydrogen into its next validation and pre-production phase, preparing its third-generation fuel-cell powertrain for series assembly ahead of a scheduled commercial debut in 2028.
- Next-generation G65 BMW iX5 Hydrogen enters real-world prototype testing and industrialised pre-assembly ahead of series production in 2028.
- Third-generation fuel-cell stack co-developed with Toyota is paired with a proprietary in-house “Energy Master” control unit and a 700-bar composite multi-tank layout.
- Technical benchmarks target 0–100 km/h acceleration in 5.0 seconds, refuelling times under five minutes, and a driving range of up to 750 km on the WLTP cycle.
The development program is focused on subjecting working prototypes to intensive operational and climatic trials to ensure consistent power delivery from the integrated drivetrain, which harmonises the hydrogen fuel-cell stack, an electric drive motor, a high-voltage buffer battery, and powertrain control electronics.In parallel with road testing, BMW has commenced trial assembly of the fuel-cell units to establish stable manufacturing parameters for industrial scale, shifting the technology from pilot-fleet evaluation to a regular assembly line model.
| Engineering Parameter | Target Specification / System Details |
| Vehicle Architecture | G65 BMW X5 platform (CLAR-based multi-powertrain chassis) |
| Fuel-Cell Generation | Third-generation system co-developed with Toyota |
| Fuel-Cell Manufacturing Site | BMW Group Plant Steyr (Austria) |
| Storage Technology | BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage system (7 composite tanks in parallel) |
| Storage Working Pressure | 700 bar |
| Hydrogen Capacity | At least 7.0 kg |
| Refuelling Duration | Under 5 minutes |
| Target Driving Range | Up to 750 km (WLTP) |
| Acceleration Target (0–100 km/h) | 5.0 seconds |
| Central Power Control | BMW “Energy Master” unit (manufactured at BMW Group Plant Landshut) |
| Series Production Target | 2028 |
Under the joint engineering initiative with Toyota, the third-generation fuel-cell stack is approximately 25% more compact than the hardware employed in the previous-generation G05-based pilot fleet.Industrial production of the fuel cells will take place at the BMW Group engine facility in Steyr, Austria.
Onboard fuel containment relies on the newly engineered BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage framework. Housed within a protective metal subframe that preserves cabin and boot volume, the system packages seven high-pressure (700 bar) tanks constructed from carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP).These parallel cylinders are governed by a centralised master valve regulating several interconnected chambers to form a closed fuel circuit, securing a minimum holding capacity of 7 kg of compressed hydrogen.Refilling all seven tanks takes under five minutes, matching conventional combustion refuelling times while offering an anticipated driving range of up to 750 km under WLTP standards.
High-voltage energy distribution is directed by the “Energy Master,” a dedicated central electronic controller positioned directly above the hydrogen storage assembly.The component is developed and manufactured entirely in-house by BMW, with pre-series fabrication established at BMW Group Plant Landshut in Lower Bavaria.
BMW is calibrating the powertrain to deliver sports activity vehicle dynamics, targeting a 0–100 km/h sprint of five seconds flat.When it arrives in 2028, the iX5 Hydrogen will become BMW’s first commercially sold fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV), completing a five-way powertrain portfolio for the next-generation G65 X5 lineup that encompasses petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), battery-electric (BEV), and hydrogen drivetrains.
