View Photos of the 2023 BMW iX5 Hydrogen Prototype
2023 BMW iX5 Hydrogen prototype exterior and interior photos.
BMW expects hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles to be a small-yet-integral part of its product mix in the future. Its latest example, the iX5 Hydrogen prototype, highlights this with a pleasant driving experience and a compelling technological package tailored to limited markets where hydrogen is readily available. Only a few will come to the United States as demonstration vehicles, though, so don't expect to see one in your neighborhood anytime soon.
Fewer than 100 iX5s will be produced, with only a small handful coming to the U.S. for demonstration and marketing purposes.
In building the iX5, a current X5 model's floor is swapped out in order to accommodate two hydrogen tanks, one in the center tunnel and another under the rear seat. Hydrogen capacity is about 16 pounds, which is good for about 260 miles of estimated range in the EPA cycle.
A rear drive unit from a BMW iX and a small lithium-ion battery reside under the iX5's cargo floor.
The iX5 employs core fuel-cell components from Toyota, with BMW developing the rest of the fuel-stack assembly. Total system is output is approximately 395 horsepower.
As with all fuel-cell vehicles, the iX5's only products are water vapor and electricity.
BMW claims that the iX5 can hit 62 mph in around six seconds. Top speed is 115 mph.
In areas with a hydrogen infrastructure, refueling the iX5 takes only a few minutes and is similar to refueling an internal-combustion vehicle.
At this early stage in its fuel-cell-vehicle development, BMW considers the iX5 pilot program to be similar to its initial rollout of EVs, which included the first Mini E in 2009 and the BMW ActiveE in 2012.
Prominent exterior decals and blue accents distinguish the hydrogen-powered BMW iX5.
While the iX5 normally rides on 22-inch Pirelli P Zero summer tires, our cold-weather drive in Belgium necessitated the fitment of 20-inch winter tires. Ride quality was good, and the prototype drives with the near-silent refinement you'd expect from an electrified X5.
2023 BMW iX5 Hydrogen prototype
2023 BMW iX5 Hydrogen prototype
2023 BMW iX5 Hydrogen prototype
2023 BMW iX5 Hydrogen prototype
2023 BMW iX5 Hydrogen prototype
2023 BMW iX5 Hydrogen prototype
2023 BMW iX5 Hydrogen prototype
2023 BMW iX5 Hydrogen prototype
2023 BMW iX5 Hydrogen prototype
2023 BMW iX5 Hydrogen prototype
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