BMW and Toyota Collaborate on iX5 Hydrogen SUV Development





In a significant collaboration, BMW and Toyota are joining forces to develop the iX5 Hydrogen, an innovative SUV that will be available with an unprecedented five different powertrain choices: electric, plug-in hybrid, conventional gasoline, diesel, and hydrogen fuel cell. This strategic move highlights BMW's commitment to diverse propulsion technologies, positioning the company as a leader in automotive innovation.
BMW's development chief, Joachim Post, underscored the importance of hydrogen in achieving global decarbonization goals, stating that it plays a vital role in the transition to cleaner energy. The hydrogen-powered iX5 will integrate BMW's advanced third-generation fuel cell system, developed in partnership with Toyota. This new system promises improved power output, greater efficiency, and a more compact design, which will ultimately translate to an extended driving range and reduced energy consumption. Production of initial prototypes is already underway at BMW facilities in Munich and Austria, with components sourced from Germany, ensuring a robust manufacturing process. Despite the diverse powertrain, BMW's vice president of hydrogen vehicles, Michael Rath, assures that the iX5 Hydrogen will retain the characteristic driving dynamics and quality synonymous with the BMW brand. Following rigorous pilot testing, the iX5 Hydrogen is slated for mass production in 2028, marking BMW's official entry into large-scale hydrogen vehicle manufacturing. Furthermore, BMW is actively engaged in expanding hydrogen refueling infrastructure, with pilot programs launched in Germany and France, and plans for broader international expansion.
While some industry experts question the viability of hydrogen technology compared to battery-electric vehicles, citing slow sales and infrastructural challenges, manufacturers like BMW, Toyota, and Hyundai continue to invest significantly in its development. Data from SNE Research indicates a decrease in fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) sales in the first half of 2025, highlighting the current market limitations such as insufficient refueling stations, high vehicle costs, and limited government incentives. However, the report also acknowledges the potential for growth through increasing technological collaborations among original equipment manufacturers and intergovernmental hydrogen initiatives. The automotive landscape is continuously evolving, with new electric, plug-in hybrid, and extended-range vehicles emerging. The coming years will reveal whether hydrogen indeed serves as the crucial missing link in the complex puzzle of electric mobility, as BMW asserts, or if alternative solutions will dominate the future of sustainable transportation.