BMW has not yet formally unveiled the long-awaited iX5 Hydrogen, but it has shown the SUV testing without camouflage while revealing several important details. It is unlikely to match the sales volumes of other X5 variants, though the model remains significant for the brand.
The iX5 Hydrogen has an intriguing design because it closely resembles both the combustion-powered and all-electric X5 models. BMW appears to have recognized that buyers want zero-emission vehicles to look like conventional cars rather than stand apart visually.
There are no unusual bumpers, grilles, or wheels. Instead, the SUV has the polished appearance of another BMW Neue Klasse model. Aside from the blue “BMW Hydrogen” graphics on this prototype, it reflects the design customers will receive. It may not be conventionally beautiful, but it has a bold presence.
Fast And Efficient
BMW’s current testing is focused on refining the interaction between the fuel cell system, high-voltage battery, and electric motor. The iX5 Hydrogen is targeting a range of up to 466 miles (750 km) and should perform like a comparable electric iX5, reaching 62 mph (100 km/h) in under five seconds. Refueling will take less than five minutes.
The SUV’s third-generation fuel cell system is undergoing the final prototype testing phase before the iX5 Hydrogen is completed for series production at the BMW Group Plant Steyr facility.
“Our ambition for the BMW iX5 Hydrogen is clear: a true BMW – with Sheer Driving Pleasure,” said Josef Hochreiter, BMW Group head of hydrogen vehicles. “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.”
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