BMW advances iX5 Hydrogen development with real-world testing

BMW has entered a new development phase for its iX5 Hydrogen SUV, moving prototypes into real-world driving tests to validate the integration of the fuel cell, electric motor, high-voltage battery, and energy management systems. The company is also advancing the assembly of its third-generation fuel cell system at its Hydrogen Competence Centre in Munich.

Developed in collaboration with Toyota, the hydrogen powertrain aims to provide a range of up to 750 km (WLTP) with refueling times of less than five minutes. The vehicle is expected to deliver performance comparable to battery-electric models, targeting an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in under five seconds.

BMW is preparing for large-scale series production, with its engine plant in Steyr, Austria, currently installing the necessary equipment and training personnel for the manufacturing of these fuel cell components. The company maintains a “technology-open” strategy, positioning hydrogen as a complement to battery-electric vehicles for applications requiring high autonomy and rapid refueling.