BMW is planning to conduct a new pilot scheme to assess the feasibility of a hydrogen fuel-cell powered iX5. The project, which has taken four years to reach the production stage, will see 100 test models fitted with Toyota-built fuel cells deployed around key European markets. BMW will use its findings to shape plans for future hydrogen fuel-cell models. 

Unlike many of its competitors, many of whom have scaled back or dropped development of hydrogen fuel cell cars, BMW continues to be an advocate of the technology. Speaking at a media drive of the pilot cars, boss Oliver Zipse said: “Hydrogen is a versatile energy source that has a key role to play in the energy transition process. Hydrogen is the missing piece in the jigsaw when it comes to emission-free mobility. One technology on its own will not be enough to enable climate-neutral mobility worldwide.”

The iX5 Hydrogen is adapted from the standard production model and is based on the concept model that first appeared at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2019. The car is powered by a Toyota fuel cell which converts hydrogen fuel (stored in tanks) into electricity via a chemical reaction. The two firms have been collaborating on fuel cell technology for the last 10 years, although only Toyota has been able to push through a full production model in the form of the Mirai. 

Refuelling takes around four minutes, but finding a hydrogen station isn't easy - there are just 15 in the UK

Like all fuel cell vehicles, the iX5 Hydrogen uses a small lithium ion battery and an electric motor to drive the wheels. The fuel cell acts as a generator to keep the battery topped up. The iX5 Hydrogen has a peak output of 401bhp and is rear-wheel drive. Like a battery electric vehicle, the iX5 features a regenerative brakes that feed energy back to the power battery when coasting or going downhill.

The iX5 features two hydrogen tanks that store fuel at 770-bar. The tanks are made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic and are able to hold nearly six kilograms of hydrogen fuel. This, according to BMW, gives a WLTP driving range of 313 miles. However, while the short refuelling time of up to four minutes will appeal to buyers who don’t want to spend longer at electric rapid charging sites, finding a hydrogen pump is likely to be the biggest issue for any British buyers. Thanks to multiple site closures in recent years, just 15 hydrogen filling stations are currently in operation in the UK. 

In terms of price, BMW is expected introduce the pilot scheme as a lease programme rather than offering cars for sale. The standard X5 currently starts from £65,710, so the fuel cell version is expected to be in the region of £75,000 should it be offered to UK buyers. 

The iX5's twin tanks can hold up to 6kg of hydrogen fuel - enough for 300 miles of driving