BMW has confirmed that its iX5 Hydrogen SUV is moving into a more advanced development phase on the road to series production from 2028.
Range, performance and refuelling
BMW is targeting a driving range of up to 750 km (WLTP) on a single hydrogen fill. The company also aims for 0–100 km/h in under five seconds, similar to a battery-electric iX5. Refuelling time is set to be under five minutes, closer to a diesel or petrol stop than to current EV charging.
Tech and production plans
The iX5 Hydrogen uses BMW’s third-generation fuel-cell system, co-developed with Toyota, combined with a high-voltage battery and electric motor. BMW says it is now testing how these components work together in near-production prototypes under real driving conditions. Series production of the fuel-cell systems will take place at BMW Group Plant Steyr in Austria from 2028, with key hydrogen drive parts also coming from BMW facilities in Munich and Landshut.
Design and positioning
The hydrogen SUV stays close to the regular X5 and electric iX5 in overall shape and cabin feel, with no major visual changes planned. BMW is developing the iX5 Hydrogen as a zero-emission alternative that sits alongside its battery-electric models rather than replacing them.
For Nepali buyers watching future clean-vehicle options, the iX5 Hydrogen looks like a serious long-range, quick-refuelling option once hydrogen infrastructure arrives, but it remains a global project with no Nepal launch plan yet.
Writes on vehicle pricing, taxation and the Nepali auto market from ongoing tracking of distributor price lists. Editorial policy.
