BMW iX5 60H xDrive: The First Hydrogen-Powered X5 Arrives in 2028
BMW has officially confirmed that a production-ready hydrogen version of its popular X5 SUV is on the way. The new model, called the BMW iX5 60H xDrive, will be the brand’s first mass-produced vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel cells and is scheduled to hit the market in 2028. The move marks a major step forward in BMW’s push toward alternative powertrains, coming at a time when global regulations are tightening around internal combustion engines.
The upcoming model will be based on the fifth-generation X5 (G65), set to debut in 2026. As before, the lineup will include gasoline, diesel, and hybrid versions—but this time, electric and hydrogen-powered variants will join the mix. BMW is developing the hydrogen system in partnership with Toyota, a company with years of expertise in the field, most notably through the Mirai sedan.
The iX5 60H will feature BMW’s third-generation fuel cell system and two carbon-fiber hydrogen tanks capable of holding about 6 kilograms of hydrogen, good for an estimated 310 miles (500 km) of range under the WLTP cycle. Engineers expect the production version to exceed that figure. Instead of a large battery pack, the vehicle will use hydrogen storage tanks paired with sixth-generation electric motors, similar to those found in the iX3.
BMW’s hydrogen push isn’t just an experiment—it’s a clear signal that the company intends to offer a viable alternative to battery-electric vehicles, particularly in markets where hydrogen infrastructure is already growing. The initiative reflects a broader goal: to develop cleaner yet genuinely versatile mobility solutions. When it arrives, the iX5 60H will be the first premium hydrogen SUV of its kind, potentially setting a new benchmark not only for BMW but for the entire automotive industry.