Back in high school, I had a BMW 5 Series poster on my wall, dreaming of the day I’d drive something that cool. So when BMW announced they’re dropping a hydrogen fuel cell X5 in 2028, I was all ears. This isn’t just another EV—it’s a third-gen hydrogen powertrain that’s sleeker, meaner, and ready to shake up the SUV world. Built with Toyota’s know-how and BMW’s grit, this X5 could be the zero-emission ride we’ve been waiting for. Let’s unpack why this hydrogen-powered beast, set to roll out of Plant Steyr, has me pumped like a kid at a car show.

The Hydrogen X5: BMW’s Big Bet for 2028

BMW’s been flirting with hydrogen since the ‘70s, but this 2028 X5 is their first real swing at a series-production hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). Unlike the one-off E12 520 from 1979 or the limited-run 7 Series FCEVs in 2000, this X5 is built for the masses—well, as long as there’s a hydrogen pump nearby. Autocar says it’ll be part of the Neue Klasse X5 lineup, offering gas, diesel, plug-in hybrid, electric, and now hydrogen options. I was chatting with my buddy Sam, who’s a BMW nut, and he’s betting this X5 will steal the show when prototypes hit the streets soon.

BMW’s not naming the model yet, but with test mules already rolling in Munich, the hydrogen X5 is the safe bet. It’s like BMW’s saying, “We’re not just electrifying—we’re rewriting the game.”

Third-Gen Fuel Cell: Smaller, Stronger, Smarter

This isn’t your grandpa’s hydrogen tech. BMW’s third-gen fuel cell, co-developed with Toyota, is a beast. It’s 25% smaller than the iX5 Hydrogen’s setup from 2023, with higher power density for more grunt in less space. Picture a V8’s punch packed into a lunchbox. The 2015 535iA used Toyota’s fuel cell system, and the iX5 had BMW’s tech with Toyota cells, but this new setup is a true BMW-Toyota mashup, built mostly at BMW’s Plant Steyr in Austria starting 2028.

My cousin Mike, who’s all about green tech, says it’s like shrinking a power plant without losing juice. This system’s designed for both passenger SUVs like the X5 and commercial vehicles, with platform flexibility that hints at more hydrogen BMWs by 2030.

Tech Deep Dive: BMW Energy Master and Beyond

The heart of this hydrogen X5 is the BMW Energy Master, a control unit that manages power flow like a DJ mixing tracks. It’ll be built starting 2026 in Dingolfing, maybe for Toyota’s models too, since it’s early for BMW’s 2028 launch. The fuel cell generates electricity from hydrogen and oxygen, powering the electric motors with water as the only byproduct—cleaner than my mom’s kitchen. Compared to the iX5’s 401 hp, expect this X5 to push closer to 500 hp, with a range topping 310 miles and refueling in 3-4 minutes.

I drove an iX5 test model at a BMW event last year, and the instant torque felt like a rocket. This third-gen tech should be even wilder, with better efficiency and a compact design that doesn’t cramp the X5’s cargo space.

Challenges and Future: Hydrogen’s Big Hurdle

Here’s the catch: hydrogen refueling is a mess, especially in the US. BMW admits the X5’s launch will be limited to markets like Europe and China, where stations are more common. My friend Jen, who’s all about EVs, pointed out that California’s hydrogen network is shrinking, not growing. Still, BMW’s banking on infrastructure catching up by 2028, and their Toyota partnership is pushing for more stations. The Neue Klasse platform’s flexibility means this X5 can share parts with electric and hybrid models, keeping costs down.

Compared to a battery-electric X5, the hydrogen version offers faster refueling—like filling a gas tank—but it’s less efficient overall. It’s a trade-off: range and speed versus infrastructure woes.

Quick Hits: Your BMW Hydrogen X5 Questions Answered

• What’s the model? Likely a Neue Klasse X5 with a hydrogen fuel cell.
• When’s it coming? Series production starts in 2028 at Plant Steyr.
• Powertrain? Third-gen hydrogen fuel cell, co-developed with Toyota, ~500 hp.
• Why the wait? Hydrogen refueling infrastructure limits where it can be sold.
• What’s new? 25% smaller system, higher power density, and BMW Energy Master control.

This 2028 BMW hydrogen X5 is like a sci-fi flick come to life—zero emissions, big power, and a nod to the future. I’m already dreaming of blasting down the Autobahn in one. What’s got you stoked about BMW’s hydrogen push? Drop a comment and let’s geek out!

image Source – BMW