BMW’s Hydrogen Era Starts With The iX5 60H xDrive

When the fifth-generation X5 (G65) debuts subsequent yr, it’ll supply a wide range of powertrains. Nevertheless, not all of them shall be obtainable at launch. BMW will get the ball rolling with the gasoline 40 xDrive and diesel 40d xDrive. Later within the yr, the lineup is more likely to broaden with the 50e xDrive plug-in hybrid. Across the similar time, BMW ought to introduce an M Efficiency M60e plug-in hybrid and a totally electrical 60 xDrive.

Past gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric variations, the vary will ultimately embody a fuel cell variant. Confirmed for a 2028 launch, it is going to be BMW’s first-ever hydrogen manufacturing car. It’s already been previewed with a camouflaged prototype carrying the generic “iX5 Hydrogen” label.

We’re now listening to that BMW has chosen “iX5 60H xDrive” because the car’s official identify. Not that there was any doubt, however the designation confirms customary all-wheel drive. The “60” badge suggests it is going to be one of many extra highly effective variants within the lineup, positioned under a rumored iX5 M70 xDrive and a potential X5 M (G95).

The iX5 Hydrogen is being developed in collaboration with Toyota for a third-generation gas cell system. It’s logical to count on the electrical motors to be BMW’s Gen6 {hardware}, which debuted final month on the iX3. As a substitute of a giant and heavy battery pack, hydrogen tanks will feed the gas cell to generate electrical energy.

It’s nonetheless early for detailed specs, however the iX5 prototypes based mostly on the outgoing X5 characteristic twin CFRP tanks that retailer about 6 kilograms of hydrogen, good for a WLTP vary of 313 miles (504 kilometers). The upcoming iX5 60H xDrive ought to supply a considerably increased vary when it arrives in about three years.

Ultimately, there may even be a sixth powertrain choice for the X5. Reviews counsel BMW is exploring the concept of reviving the range extender. If it materializes, a small gasoline engine appearing as a generator to cost the battery may additionally seem within the next-generation X7 (“G67”). Nevertheless, none of that is official till BMW confirms it.

Supply: Bimmer Post