BMW’s first series-production hydrogen-powered car is moving a significant step closer to showrooms, with the new iX5 Hydrogen now undergoing an extensive road-testing programme ahead of production.
The fuel-cell SUV is being developed to deliver up to 750 kilometres – around 466 miles – of WLTP range, with hydrogen refuelling targeted to take less than five minutes. BMW is also aiming for 0-62mph in under five seconds, putting performance firmly in conventional iX5 territory.
Alongside testing of prototype vehicles, BMW has begun the next assembly phase for its third-generation fuel-cell system at the company’s Hydrogen Competence Centre in Munich. Preparations are also underway for future series production of the technology at BMW Group Plant Steyr in Austria.
The programme represents a major step towards BMW launching its first hydrogen series-production vehicle.
“Our ambition for the BMW iX5 Hydrogen is clear: a true BMW – with Sheer Driving Pleasure,” said Josef Hochreiter, head of Hydrogen Vehicles at the BMW Group.
“A perfectly coordinated overall system is crucial for this. Current testing demonstrates how the fuel cell system, high-voltage battery and electric drive train are already successfully integrated and how systematically we are developing the technology towards series production.”
Putting the hydrogen iX5 through its paces
BMW’s current testing programme is concentrating on how the complete powertrain performs under demanding environmental and operating conditions.
Engineers are assessing the interaction between the fuel-cell system, electric motor, high-voltage battery, hydrogen storage system and the Energy Master – BMW’s central control unit for the high-voltage system.
Particular attention is being paid to ensuring the different components operate effectively under high loads while maintaining the performance and driving characteristics expected of a BMW.
The high-voltage battery and Energy Master also allow greater energy recuperation, helping improve the overall efficiency of the drivetrain.
BMW says development is targeting performance comparable with the battery-electric iX5, including acceleration from 0-62mph in less than five seconds.
Third-generation fuel-cell system
Development is progressing away from the road too.
BMW’s Hydrogen Competence Centre in Munich is beginning the next prototype assembly phase of its third-generation fuel-cell system, concentrating on finalising testing procedures and preparing the technology for industrialisation.
Earlier prototype work focused primarily on whether individual components could be manufactured effectively and on the initial qualification of suppliers.
The latest phase is intended to establish robust and efficient manufacturing processes that can eventually be transferred to full series production.
“Prototype assembly is about much more than manufacturing individual components,” said Claudia Stephan, head of Technology Development and Fuel Cell Prototype Assembly at the BMW Group.
“Each phase helps us optimise processes, gain experience and systematically share this knowledge with the teams in Steyr. In this way, we are laying the foundation for the next steps on the road to industrialisation.”
Production preparations underway in Austria
BMW Group Plant Steyr in Austria has been selected for future series production of the fuel-cell systems.
The first test benches and manufacturing equipment have already been installed at the facility, while employees are being trained progressively ahead of the planned production ramp-up.
Knowledge gathered from prototype production in Munich will feed directly into the Steyr operation as BMW moves towards industrialising the technology.
Where hydrogen could fit
BMW continues to position hydrogen fuel-cell technology as an additional option alongside battery-electric vehicles rather than a replacement for them.
The company believes hydrogen could prove particularly useful where drivers require long range, rapid refuelling and greater flexibility.
For the iX5 Hydrogen, BMW is targeting a WLTP range of up to 750km – approximately 466 miles – while filling its hydrogen tanks should take less than five minutes.
Like a battery-electric vehicle, propulsion itself is entirely electric, with the fuel cell generating electricity through the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.
BMW iX5 Hydrogen: key targets
- Powertrain: Hydrogen fuel-cell electric
- Target range: Up to 750km / 466 miles WLTP
- Refuelling: Less than five minutes
- 0-62mph: Targeted at under five seconds
- Fuel-cell system: Third generation
- Prototype development: Munich, Germany
- Future fuel-cell production: Steyr, Austria
Motoring Echo Verdict
BMW’s latest update suggests the iX5 Hydrogen is moving beyond being an engineering showcase and towards becoming a genuine production proposition.
A potential 466-mile range combined with sub-five-minute refuelling addresses two of the most frequently discussed limitations of battery-electric cars. The bigger question remains infrastructure: hydrogen passenger cars will need a sufficiently accessible refuelling network if those advantages are to mean much to everyday motorists.
BMW clearly believes there is still a place for the technology. With road testing intensifying and production preparations already underway in Steyr, the iX5 Hydrogen could provide one of the clearest tests yet of whether hydrogen has a viable future alongside battery-electric cars.
I’d suggest “BMW iX5 Hydrogen moves closer to production with 466-mile target range” as the main headline — the range gives it a stronger consumer hook than leading on the engineering programme.
