Munich – In a bold demonstration of its technology-open philosophy, the BMW Group is introducing the new BMW X5 with an unprecedented five drivetrain variants. For the first time in the brand’s history, customers will be able to choose between battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, petrol, diesel and hydrogen fuel cell powertrains within a single model range. This strategic move underlines BMW’s commitment to providing sustainable mobility solutions that cater to diverse global markets and customer needs.
A Technology-Open Vision for Global Decarbonisation
BMW views product diversity as a cornerstone of its long-term success. From efficient internal combustion engines to cutting-edge battery-electric models and plug-in hybrids, the company is now adding hydrogen fuel cell technology to the mix. The introduction of the hydrogen-powered BMW iX5 Hydrogen, scheduled for 2028, will mark a pivotal expansion of the brand’s electrified line-up, which will then include both battery-electric and hydrogen-electric drivetrains.
“By launching the new BMW X5 with a choice of five drive system variants, we are once again demonstrating our leading position as a technology pioneer,” said Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development, at a BMW event in New York. “Hydrogen has an essential part to play in global decarbonisation, which is why we are committed to driving the technology forward.”
This flexibility is enabled by BMW’s highly integrated development, purchasing and production processes. The company’s manufacturing structures allow the seamless incorporation of multiple drive technologies, ensuring that each variant is delivered with the same uncompromising standards of engineering and driving pleasure.
The New BMW iX5 Hydrogen: A New Era of Electric Mobility
At the heart of BMW’s hydrogen ambitions lies the new BMW iX5 Hydrogen, the brand’s first series-produced hydrogen-powered vehicle. Following a successful global pilot programme, the iX5 Hydrogen will enter production with a third-generation fuel cell system developed in partnership with Toyota Motor Corporation.
Michael Rath, Vice President Hydrogen Vehicles BMW Group, describes the forthcoming model as “a true BMW – pioneering in its class and delivering the BMW typical driving pleasure.” The new fuel cell technology offers a more compact design with greater power density and improved efficiency. The result is a system that boosts both range and output while reducing energy consumption, creating a compelling alternative to battery-only solutions.
Hydrogen’s Strategic Role in the Energy Transition
Hydrogen is increasingly recognised as a key element in achieving global carbon reduction targets. As an effective energy storage medium, it supports the balancing of renewable energy supply and demand, enabling more reliable integration of renewables into energy grids. Crucially, hydrogen provides a solution in segments where battery-electric mobility is less practical, such as for long-haul transport or in regions with limited charging infrastructure.
HyMoS: Building the Infrastructure for Tomorrow
To accelerate the adoption of hydrogen mobility, BMW has helped establish the HyMoS (Hydrogen Mobility at Scale) initiative. Working alongside industry and institutional partners, HyMoS seeks to pool hydrogen demand across multiple vehicle categories—trucks, buses and passenger cars—to improve the economic viability of refuelling networks.
The initiative supports existing hydrogen ecosystem projects by sharing expertise and offering on-the-ground support to industry partners. A pilot phase is already underway in Germany and France to refine the concept and gather insights for a wider roll-out to other metropolitan areas and, eventually, further international markets.
Driving the Future with Choice and Innovation
By combining five drivetrain technologies within a single model range, BMW is reaffirming its belief that no single solution fits all markets or customers. The brand’s technology-open approach, bolstered by strategic initiatives like HyMoS, positions it at the forefront of the global energy transition. With the forthcoming iX5 Hydrogen and a comprehensive line-up spanning from traditional combustion to cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cells, BMW continues to prove that sustainable mobility is not about limiting choices, but about expanding them.
