BMW iX5 Hydrogen to be Showcased at IAA Mobility 2023

BMW will be showcasing the iX5 Hydrogen at IAA Mobility 2023, which is scheduled to take place between September 5 to September 10, 2023. As the name suggests, this is a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered version of the X5. BMW says it has begun demonstrations and testing of the iX5 Hydrogen for various target groups around the world.

The iX5 Hydrogen comes with 5th-generation of the BMW eDrive technology, which comes equipped with a specially developed lithium-ion battery which will cater specifically to the hydrogen fuel-cell SUV. This rear axle-mounted drive unit churns out 395 bhp and the electric motor even doubles up as a generator which feeds energy back into the battery pack.

Furthermore, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen comes packed with two 700-bar tanks made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) together holding 6 kg of gaseous hydrogen which can be refilled in 3 to 4 minutes. A chemical reaction takes place in the fuel cell system between the hydrogen and oxygen from the air, through which the electric power for the electric motor is generated.

The claimed WLTP range for the iX5 Hydrogen stands at 504 km. It can do the 0 to 100 kmph sprint in under 6 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 180 kmph. BMW officials also believe that hydrogen fuel-cell technology has the potential to serve as an ‘additional pillar’ in BMW Group’s future powertrain portfolio, if the ‘necessary basic conditions are in place.’ Apart from this, BMW also showcased the i7 Protection and plug-in hybrid variants of the 5 Series.