BMW Unveils iX5 Hydrogen With Third-Generation Fuel-Cell System

Official images of the new BMW iX5 Hydrogen have been released. The vehicle uses a third-generation fuel-cell system and is currently in the latest prototype testing phase. Once validation is complete, it will enter series production at the BMW Group's plant in Steyr, Austria. The new model's exterior styling is broadly consistent with the new BMW X5 and iX5, continuing BMW's Neue Klasse design language. It features dynamic digital LED lighting, and for the first time integrates the daytime running lights and low beam into a single design unit. The front and rear wheel arches and side skirts are defined by character lines, while the rear adopts a flat, slim taillight assembly, with a roof spoiler positioned above the rear.

BMW said the current focus of testing is optimising the interaction among the fuel-cell system, high-voltage battery and electric motor. The new vehicle targets a maximum range of 750 km, with acceleration performance benchmarked against the BMW iX5, achieving 0-100 km/h in under 5 seconds and refuelling in under 5 minutes. The vehicle is equipped with BMW's flat hydrogen storage system, whose core consists of seven high-pressure carbon-fibre composite hydrogen tanks integrated compactly in parallel within a sturdy metal frame. Rather than using multiple separate pressure vessels, the system forms a single sealed unit through seven interconnected chambers, controlled by one central main valve to simplify management logic. This structure makes use of interior space and is compatible with BMW's sixth-generation high-voltage battery system, enabling hydrogen technology integration without compromising passenger or luggage space.