With expected arrival for 2028, the first series production BMW hydrogen advances in its development. The iX5 Hydrogen is now undergoing a testing program.
© BMW AG
11/09/2026
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Com a strong bet on various types of motorization, bMW advances in development of what it will be its first hydrogen production model – iX5 Hydrogen.
There are still few details, but it is known that will arrive in 2028 with up to 750 km of autonomy and replenishment in less than five minutes, while the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h can be done in less than five seconds. Driving will be fully electric.
A new testing phase for the prototypes of this SUV has already begun, while the third generation of the fuel cell system entered in the next step of prototype assembly at the Hydrogen Competence Centre in Munich (Germany) – in order to “finalize and validate the test methodology” and to carry out “additional preparations for industrialisation”. That's what you read in a press release.
Tests currently under way with prototypes intend to validate the system in general under demanding environmental and operational conditions. All components are scrutinised in order to ensure that the engine has all its performance capabilities and optimizes the dynamics.
According to BMW, the tests aim to measure the interaction between all elements of the assembly – engine, high voltage battery, hydrogen storage (BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage), fuel cell system and the central control unit of the high voltage system (Energy Master).
As for Styria's plant, it prepares for the industrialization of iX5 Hydrogen: the first testing banks and production equipment have been installed, while its employees will receive training in stages.