Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have been on BMW's radar for over a couple of years now. Almost two years after unveiling the BMW I Hydrogen NEXT concept, the Bavarian carmaker has showcased the BMW iX5 hydrogen fuel cell SUV at the ongoing IAA Motor Show 2021 in Munich. The SUV is still in its prototype stage and it is developed on the basis of the BMW X5. The SUV will be used for demonstration and testing purposes from the end of next year and is expected to build up on BMW's EV expertise.
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BMW iX5 will use new Pirelli tyres.
In terms of looks, it is quite similar to the BMW X5 but gets specific EV design cues as well. For instance, the inner edging of the BMW kidney grille, the inserts in the 22- inch aerodynamic wheels and the attachments in the outer portion of the rear apron are all in BMW i Blue. The entry sills and cover trim for the instrument panel also sport the "hydrogen fuel cell" badge. The mesh inserts covering the cooling air openings at the front of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, as well as the rear apron and even its diffuser element have their own unique design. Then, the ornamental grilles covering the BMW kidney grille, the lower and two outer air inlets along with the body elements for the lower rear end trim are all made using 3D printing. Moreover, the BMW Group is the first automaker worldwide to use Pirelli tyres made exclusively from certified natural rubber and the wood-based material rayon in its production vehicles.
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The total system output is rated at 275 kW or around 373 bhp.
Now coming to the technology, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen combines fuel cell with the fifth-generation BMW eDrive system. The drive system uses hydrogen as fuel by converting it into electricity in a fuel cell - delivering an electrical output of up to 125 kW or 168 bhp, with water vapour as the only emission. This drive power also enables it to maintain consistently high speeds over longer distances. The energy regeneration system is also there in coasting overrun and braking phases. It serves as a generator, feeding energy into a power battery and the energy stored in this power battery is also utilised for spirited driving manoeuvres - delivering a system output of 369 bhp. Then, the hydrogen needed to supply the fuel cell is stored in two 700-bar tanks made of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), which together hold almost six kilograms of hydrogen. Filling up the hydrogen tanks only takes three to four minutes.
