BMW iX5 Hydrogen: Testing under real driving conditions, prototype assembly and industrialisation in parallel
BMW advances the iX5 Hydrogen toward series production with real-world testing, prototype assembly, and industrial preparations, aiming for a 2026 market release alongside multiple drivetrain options.
BMW’s iX5 Hydrogen has entered a new testing phase, with current prototypes undergoing real-world validation under demanding conditions. Engineers are assessing the integration of the fuel cell system, high-voltage battery, and electric drivetrain to ensure performance and BMW’s signature driving dynamics. The focus includes optimizing system control under high loads and confirming the interaction between all components, including the hydrogen storage and energy management units.
Prototype assembly of the third-generation fuel cell system has begun at BMW’s Hydrogen Competence Centre in Munich. This phase aims to finalize testing methodologies and prepare for industrialization, building on prior work to validate component buildability and supplier qualifications. The process is designed to establish robust manufacturing conditions for future series production.
Series production of the fuel cell system will take place at BMW Group Plant Steyr in Austria, where test benches and manufacturing equipment are already being installed. Employees are undergoing staged training to support the transition, with insights from Munich feeding directly into Steyr’s industrialization efforts. The project marks a critical step toward ramping up production.
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen targets a range of up to 750 km (WLTP) and refueling in under five minutes, complementing battery-electric vehicles where high range and versatility are required. Development is supported by €191 million in federal funding and €82 million from Bavaria under the HyPowerDrive project, administered by Projektträger Jülich and coordinated by NOW GmbH.