The fifth generation of the BMW X5, expected in 2028, will arrive with an impressive collection of powertrains. It is the ultimate proof that automakers are adapting to the diverse needs of consumers.
The new generation is expected by late 2027
Five choices of propulsion: electric, gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen
Hydrogen will play an even more important role in the X5’s future
BMW will address consumer needs more precisely by offering a vehicle with five different drivetrain technologies. The new BMW X5 will be the first model to give customers the choice between battery electric, plug-in hybrid, gasoline, diesel, and hydrogen fuel cell.
2028 Prototyp BMW iX5 Hydrogen“By launching the new BMW X5 with a choice of five drive system variants, we are once again demonstrating our leading position as a technology pioneer,” said Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, during an event in New York. He added: “Hydrogen has an essential part to play in global decarbonisation, which is why we are committed to driving the technology forward.” With this, BMW continues to pursue and develop this technology.
The X5 will not be BMW’s first generation to feature a hydrogen-powered drivetrain. The brand thus remains part of the select group of automakers betting, at least partially, on hydrogen. Hyundai and Toyota are also continuing advanced research on this technology.
A Technology-Open Strategy
This technology-open approach remains a key success factor for the BMW Group. The diversity of its portfolio – internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, battery electric systems, and starting in 2028 with the new BMW iX5 Hydrogen, hydrogen fuel cell – provides a solid foundation for meeting the varying needs of customers worldwide, both today and in the future.
2028 Prototyp BMW iX5 HydrogenThe HyMoS (Hydrogen Mobility at Scale) initiative is designed to encourage the development of hydrogen ecosystems and refuelling stations in major urban centres, with a first pilot rollout planned in Germany. California is also proactive with hydrogen refuelling stations, but outside these two regions, the rollout remains very limited.
Thanks to flexible manufacturing structures and a high level of integration expertise, BMW can efficiently implement this wide range of powertrains in the new X5 lineup, in terms of development, procurement, and production. Starting in 2028, BMW’s model range will therefore include two types of fully electric drivetrains: battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell, underlining the brand’s rigorous commitment to its open-technology strategy.
The New BMW iX5 Hydrogen
After successful global testing of its pilot fleet, the new BMW iX5 Hydrogen will become the brand’s first-ever hydrogen-powered model to be series-produced.
“The new BMW iX5 Hydrogen will be a true BMW, pioneering in its class and delivering the typical driving pleasure of the brand,” says Michael Rath, Vice President Hydrogen Vehicles. For now, it remains unclear to what extent BMW will offer it in North America, except in California.
Hydrogen BMW in timeBMW has been working on hydrogen powertrains since 1980. In 1999, it unveiled the very limited-production 750 hL, a V12 capable of running on both gasoline and hydrogen. It wasn’t until 2006, however, that the first “commercialised” BMW hydrogen model appeared: the BMW Hydrogen 7, based on the 7 Series.
