In 2026, the fifth-generation BMW X5 with improved petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid drivetrains will be introduced internationally, along with the electric BMW iX5. In 2028, a hydrogen-powered iX5 with a powertrain jointly developed with Toyota will also be included to the lineup. By the end of the decade, new fuel cell versions of current models will replace this one. Since the hydrogen infrastructure is still in its infancy, it is too soon to remark on its introduction. For comparison, the only engine options available for BMW India’s current X5 lineup are gasoline and diesel.
After four years of development, BMW iX5 hydrogen vehicles were first piloted in 2023. Toyota provides fuel cells to BMW, which has been developing green technologies with Toyota since 2013. These cells were made at a specialised hydrogen centre in Munich, Germany, and were built by hand.
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The energy storage system is the primary distinction between an electric car and a hydrogen or fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), even though both have electric motors. The fuel cell transforms hydrogen stored in tanks into energy to power the vehicle rather of using electricity stored in the battery. Like a car with a combustion engine, an FCEV may therefore be refuelled quickly at specified stations in 3–4 minutes (according to BMW). When compared to conventional gas or diesel stations, hydrogen filling stations are cleaner and don’t emit any odours after refuelling.
The iX5 concept delivers up to 401 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in less than 6 seconds. The fuel cell alone can only provide 172 horsepower, with the remaining power coming from a small, high-performance lithium-ion battery under the boot. It’s interesting to note that the electric SUV has a conventional turbocharger and intercooler to ensure that the fuel-cell stack provides enough power. Two hydrogen tanks with a combined capacity of 6 kg can provide up to 504 kilometres (WLTP cycle) when full.
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The BMW iX5 electric SUV makes its debut in 2026, and a hydrogen-powered version that was co-developed with Toyota will follow in 2028. It has 401 horsepower, a 504-kilometer range, rapid hydrogen refuelling, and environmentally beneficial features. India’s debut is contingent on the development of hydrogen infrastructure, even though worldwide growth is being discussed.
