BMW has announced plans to launch a
hydrogen-powered version of the current X5 in 2022, which will be offered in a
limited number. Previewed by the i Next Hydrogen Concept at the 2019 Frankfurt
Motor Show, it will have a peak output of 374 PS. Refueling
the tanks with hydrogen will take 3 to 4 minutes and the vehicle will emit
nothing more than water vapors.
The powertrain is based on the electric
unit that will debut in the upcoming iX3, which will feature a 74 kWh battery
pack, feeding the 286 PS and 400 Nm of torque
motor that powers the rear wheels. The zero-emission version of the premium
compact crossover will be able to travel for more than 440 km on
the WLTP cycle, as the automaker has already confirmed.
Developed together with Toyota, as part of
a partnership that dates back to 2013, the hydrogen technology that will be
deployed in the i Hydrogen Next will feature fuel cells coming from the
cooperation with the Japanese auto firm and the fuel cell stack and overall
system made by the BMW Group. The fuel cell system generates up to 170 PS from the chemical reaction.
This is a direct hint at FCV variants of
the X6 and X7, which are believed to be a few years away. But why wait that
long when they have the technology at hand? Because “hydrogen as energy carrier
must first be produced in sufficient quantities at a competitive price using
green electricity”, added Frohlich. “Hydrogen will then be used primarily in
applications that cannot be directly electrified, such as long-distance heavy
duty transport.”
On a final note, BMW’s electrified vehicle
family will expand by 2023 with a total of 25 different models, including “at
least 12” with BEV powertrains.
