Next-Gen BMW iX5 Hydrogen Unveiled Ahead of 2028 Debut

BMW has confirmed that the production version of the new BMW iX5 Hydrogen is set to debut later in 2028.

It is no secret that BMW is in the midst of developing the next-gen BMW X5. Today, the automaker has revealed that the next-gen X5 will get a hydrogen-powered production version, known as the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, which is set to debut later in 2028.

Not to be confused with the previous iX5 Hydrogen fuel-cell EV (FCEV) pilot fleet, the new iX5 Hydrogen will be an actual production model, where it will debut alongside other next-gen X5 variants, which will include both petrol and diesel full combustion (ICE) versions, as well as both battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

“The launch of the X5 in five drivetrain configurations demonstrates our determination to serve different customer needs globally,” said Joachim Post, the German manufacturer’s R&D boss.

Official images of the camo-wrapped iX5 Hydrogen prototype give us a glimpse into the design of the next-gen X5 SUV.

Back to the new iX5 Hydrogen, this camo-wrapped prototype gave us a glimpse into what we can expect from the next-gen X5. From the get-go, you’ll immediately notice that the new X5 carries some design cues from the new, Neue Klasse-based BMW iX3, including the sharp LED headlights, the small kidney front grille, and the overall silhouette of the SUV.

Predictably, BMW has yet to confirm full details of the new X5, but it is said that it would still underpin the same CLAR platform as before with some tweaks, rather than adopting the iX3’s Neue Klasse architecture. This is also evident from the visible battery pack seen on the bottom part of the iX5 Hydrogen prototype, as the Neue Klasse platform would have the pack integrated into the floor.

That said, BMW has also yet to reveal any performance numbers but promises the new iX5 Hydrogen will surpass the outputs of the FCEV pilot fleet prototype while debuting a new high-voltage control unit known as the BMW Energy Master. For context, the old iX5 Hydrogen boasts a combined output of 396 hp, while its two hydrogen tanks are good for up to 504 km of travel range, BMW claims.

On the topic of the lack of hydrogen fuelling stations, BMW said it is “actively involved in efforts to expand the hydrogen refuelling network” through its HyMoS (Hydrogen Mobility at Scale) initiative. Pilot implementation of this HyMoS programme will take place in France and Germany before making its way to the rest of Europe.

Production of the all-new, next-gen BMW iX5 Hydrogen is scheduled to begin later in 2028 at BMW’s plants in Steyr, Austria, and Landshut, Germany. Once it debuts, the new BMW iX5 Hydrogen will be the first production hydrogen vehicle sold by the Bavarian automaker.