BMW Takes iX5 Hydrogen One Step Closer to ProductionAutoweekNatalie NeffFri, September 11, 2026 at 9:15 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleBMW iX5 Hydrogen One Step Closer to ProductionBMWBMW says it has reached another milestone on its march to a hydrogen-powered future as the automaker begins real-world testing of its next-generation iX5 Hydrogen while simultaneously preparing its fuel-cell system for series production.The automaker says iX5 Hydrogen prototypes are currently undergoing validation testing, while a new assembly phase for its third-generation fuel-cell system has begun at BMW's Hydrogen Competence Centre in Munich. BMW's engine plant in Steyr, Austria, is installing production equipment in preparation of future manufacturing there, as well.The parallel development efforts are designed to see BMW's first hydrogen production vehicle move from the development stage closer to production reality.AdvertisementAdvertisement"Our ambition for the BMW iX5 Hydrogen is clear: a true BMW—with Transparent Driving Pleasure," said Josef Hochreiter, head of Hydrogen Vehicles at BMW Group. "A perfectly coordinated overall system is crucial for this."BMW says that unlike so many automakers that have invested almost exclusively in future battery-electric technology, it continues to pursue what it calls a "technology-open" strategy, arguing that hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles can complement EVs in applications where long driving range, fast refueling, and versatility are priorities.The BMW iX5 Hydrogen refueling.Fabian KirchbauerRight now, BMW engineers are testing and validating the interaction between the fuel-cell system, electric motor, high-voltage battery, hydrogen storage tanks, and the Energy Master control unit while fine-tuning vehicle dynamics. BMW is targeting performance comparable to its battery-electric iX5, including a 0-60 mph run in less than five seconds.The updated hydrogen system also is designed to improve efficiency through better regenerative braking capability while maintaining the driving characteristics its says BMW customers expect.AdvertisementAdvertisementPrototype production is moving alongside vehicle testing. BMW says the latest assembly phase focuses on refining manufacturing processes and validating production methods, with the lessons learned in Munich being transferred directly to Plant Steyr, which will eventually build production fuel-cell systems.The project continues is also a continuation of BMW's long-running collaboration with Toyota on hydrogen technology. The iX5 Hydrogen uses a third-generation fuel-cell system jointly developed by the two automakers.BMWBMW previously said that the production iX5 Hydrogen will offer an estimated WLTP driving range of up to 750 kilometers (466 miles), with refueling times of less than five minutes, combining electric propulsion with quick hydrogen fill-ups.The automaker has confirmed the hydrogen-powered iX5 will become its first series-production fuel-cell model. When the next-generation X5 arrives, buyers are expected to have a choice of battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, gasoline, diesel, or hydrogen powertrains, though that will be entirely market dependent and there has been no word as to whether North America will figure in the fuel-cell's plans.