Piloting the fuel cell X5 dubbed “BMW i Hydrogen Next”, will take place in a limited number of units.

BMW has been playing with the idea for a hydrogen vehicle for years. The Bavarians even tested a fuel cell 7Serie in the mid-2000s. The current-generation X5 will be the vehicle’s hydrogen derivative. A limited-run hydrogen version of the luxury SUV will be produced in 2022. BMW has shared more information about the alternatively-powered X5. The i Hydrogen Next was shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show last September.

The total system power, including the muscle generated by the new electric powertrain that is shared with the , will be 369 horsepower (275kilowatts). The vehicle’s fuel cell system generates 168 horsepower (125 kW) of electrical energy from the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen in the ambient air. It emits only water vapour.

Two 700-bar tanks each hold six kilograms of hydrogen and can be filled in just 3-4 minutes. This is about the same time it takes to fill up a gasoline car or diesel car.

The X5-based i Hydrogen Next in 2022 will only serve as a pilot program in a limited series. BMW aims at making its fuel cell technology more widely available by introducing a model beyond 2025, provided that there is enough demand and market conditions allow. Toyota is part of the project because the two companies have collaborated on fuel cell powertrain systems and scalable, modular components to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles since 2013.

Given that the Mirai was released in 2015, the Japanese marque has been selling fuel cell cars for some time. The second generation will be available at the end this year. Rumours suggest that BMW may be interested in launching the hydrogen electric X7. However, it is too early to be certain as the German marque feels the current conditions are not suitable for fuel cell production.