All-New BMW X5 Hydrogen Powertrain Spotted Featuring Third-Generation System

Recently, Chezhuwang obtained a set of spy photos of the all-new generation BMW X5 hydrogen fuel cell test vehicle from relevant channels. The new car is equipped with BMW's third-generation hydrogen fuel cell system, which has been jointly developed by BMW and Toyota and is set to be mass-produced in 2028.

According to official information, BMW's third-generation hydrogen fuel cell system features a more compact structure, reducing the space occupied by the new fuel cell system by approximately 25% compared to the current system. This enhances the power density, integration, and system efficiency of the new system.

Previously, spy photos of the road test for the new generation BMW X5 gasoline-powered model have been exposed, and it is expected to be officially launched in 2026. However, judging from BMW's announcement that the third-generation hydrogen fuel cell system will be mass-produced in 2028, the new generation BMW X5 equipped with the latest hydrogen fuel cell technology will be released no earlier than around 2028.

From the spy shots, the new generation BMW X5 hydrogen fuel-powered model appears to be basically consistent with the gasoline-powered model in terms of appearance. It adopts the design language of BMW's new generation X concept car, and the front face is likely to incorporate the closed design commonly seen in new energy models, while retaining the dual kidney shape. Below the front face is an all-new design for the front bumper and ventilation openings. The production model of the gasoline version is also expected to feature the exclusive badge of the M series.

The all-new generation BMW X5 hydrogen fuel cell model also features a sleek body profile from the side. The door handles adopt the same strategy as the new generation X concept car, positioned on the lower edge of the window frame, resembling a winglet shape. This design not only enhances the aesthetics but also improves the airflow along the body, achieving a reduction in drag.

In terms of interior design, the new car's inspiration comes from the new generation X concept car cockpit, featuring a horizon-wide panoramic display that can show driving information such as speed and gear position. The center console is currently a testing component, and it is expected that the production model will be equipped with a 17.9-inch central touch screen, similar to the all-new BMW iX3 style. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a four-spoke multifunction steering wheel.

In terms of power, the all-new generation BMW X5 is based on the CLAR platform, which supports gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and pure electric power systems, in addition to hydrogen fuel cell systems. The pure electric version is expected to feature the sixth-generation BMW eDrive electric drive technology, including an efficient electric drive system, sixth-generation power batteries, and a new electronic and electrical architecture. According to the latest information, BMW is planning to restart the range extender power system, with the first model to feature this system likely being the all-new generation BMW X5. More news about the new vehicle will be continuously monitored and reported by Chezhiyuan.