BMW to offer test drives of its iX5 Hydrogen SUV at IAA Munich

The technology and information sharing partnership between BMW and Toyota has not only resulted in a new Supra, but now a hydrogen-powered SUV – set to go on display at the IAA Show in Munich.

Based on the internal combustion engine powered X5, the iX5 retains the BMW's iconic design language with a large kidney grille, 22-inch aerodynamic wheels and BMW i blue highlights throughout the trim. However, it also benefits from the German manufacturer's hydrogen fuel-cell development with Toyota, utilising info from the Japanese marque's Mirai hydrogen sedan.

Thanks to the fifth-generation BMW eDrive electric motors from the iX, the iX5 boasts power delivery of up to 275kW when using charge stored in the battery "for particularly sporty driving manoeuvres" – although power directly from the hydrogen fuel-cell is capped at 125kW.

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Hydrogen storage comes in the form of two-700 bar tanks which can hold just under six kilograms of hydrogen, made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic for extra strength due to the high pressure.

Still in series development at the moment, BMW is hoping to release the iX5 towards the end of 2022 for demonstration and testing purposes, looking to potentially implement the hydrogen fuel-cell technology in future EV models alongside the iX3, iX and i4.

With the IAA Mobility Show set to begin next month in Munich, BMW will be running its iX5 at the show – transporting visitors between the main exhibition halls and other nearby destinations.

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