BMW will present X5 crossover with 274-horsepower hydrogen engine in Munic

BMW will present X5 crossover with 274-horsepower hydrogen engine in Munich

Photo: BMW

BMW will present in September at the Munich International Motor Show a new modification of the X5 crossover – with a hydrogen power plant. In 2022, the Germans will release a small batch of such vehicles, which will be used for testing and demonstration purposes.

Externally, the iX5 Hydrogen hydrogen crossover differs from the standard X5 in a blue front end, a radiator grille with 3D printed elements, as well as a different rear bumper and diffuser. Plus, the car received unique 22-inch aerodynamic wheels with natural rubber and viscose tires.

The i Hydrogen NEXT hydrogen propulsion system was developed in collaboration with Toyota. It includes a fifth generation eDrive electric unit with a buffer battery, a fuel cell and a voltage converter.

The electrochemical generator uses a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen as fuel, and the only “exhaust” is water vapor. The hydrogen is contained in two tanks at a pressure of 700 bar, where up to 6 kg of gas can be pumped. Full filling of containers does not exceed four minutes.

In standard mode, the hydrogen plant produces 125 kW, which is equivalent to 170 horsepower. At the same time, BMW noted that “for the purpose of sports driving” the peak output of the unit can be increased to 275 kW – 374 horsepower.

The Germans are not going to sell such cars yet. However, the company had previously stated that a production hydrogen-powered model could appear closer to 2030.