BMW has announced that the next-generation X5 will offer five different powertrain options. Yup, you read that right, the upcoming BMW X5 has five choices. That means, it’ll have gas, plug-in hybrid, diesel, battery-electric, and, for outside of North America, a diesel. This approach highlights BMW’s portfolio approach to powertrains. By offering gas, plug-in hybrid, diesel, and EVs, the brand offers something for everyone and addresses their needs now and into the future.
Flexible manufacturing and expertise integration allow the automaker to build a model with multiple powertrain options on one line. Moreover, BMW will include two types of electric powertrains in its vehicles starting in 2028: battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell. The latter features BMW’s third-generation system. Developed in partnership with Toyota, it features a compact design that’s also more powerful and efficient. As a result, the next BMW iX5 sees increased output, higher driving range, and improved efficiency.
The first iteration of the iX5 FCEV recently wrapped up testing with a global pilot fleet. The confirmation of a hydrogen fuel cell option in the next-generation lineup marks the first time it becomes a full production variant. Currently, the X5 is available in both gas, plug-in hybrid, and diesel models, depending on the region. The introduction of a battery-electric and a fuel cell model expands the lineup significantly, giving consumers even more options.
Additionally, this isn’t the first time BMW and Toyota have worked together. The companies first announced joint projects back in the late 2010s with the co-development of the fifth-generation Supra and the Z4. Toyota also lent its hydrogen fuel cell expertise to BMW for its pilot production and rollout of its first iX5 hydrogen fuel cell models. The new BMW X5 arrives sometime next year, with the FCEV model likely limited to select markets.
Source: BMW
