BMW X5 Makes History With Five Drivetrain Options, Including Hydrogen
BMW has always been a brand that challenges convention, and with the latest X5, it’s rewriting the rulebook again. In New York, BMW confirmed that the new BMW X5 will launch with five drivetrain options: battery electric, plug-in hybrid, gasoline, diesel (outside the U.S.), and hydrogen fuel cell. No other SUV offers this level of flexibility, making the X5 a landmark in the race toward clean mobility.
Why does this matter now?
The automotive industry is under pressure to decarbonize, but no single solution fits every driver. Electric vehicles dominate headlines, yet challenges like charging times, range anxiety, and patchy infrastructure leave gaps especially in rural regions. That’s where hydrogen fuel cells come in, promising fast refueling and long range while doubling as renewable energy storage.
BMW’s “technology-open” strategy ensures customers can choose what works best for their lifestyle and market. The company’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina capable of building over 1,500 vehicles daily gives BMW the production flexibility to make this strategy a reality. Alongside the SUV launch, BMW also introduced HyMoS (Hydrogen Mobility at Scale), an initiative aimed at expanding fueling infrastructure and creating a viable hydrogen ecosystem.
How does it compare to rivals?
No competitor offers the same breadth of drivetrains in one model. Tesla remains committed to all-electric, while Toyota is betting heavily on hydrogen without the same SUV diversity. Mercedes, Audi, and Lexus continue to expand electrified lineups, but they segment drivetrains across different models.
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen, developed in partnership with Toyota, showcases third-generation fuel cell technology that promises higher efficiency, better output, and improved range compared to earlier prototypes. Diesel options keep the model relevant in Europe, even as the U.S. pivots away from the fuel. Simply put, BMW is playing on every field while competitors pick their favorites.
Who is this SUV for?
The new X5 is designed for buyers who want choice and futureproofing. U.S. families may lean toward gasoline or plug-in hybrid variants, while urban professionals might prefer the full-electric option with home charging. Early adopters in Europe are most likely to embrace the hydrogen-powered X5, intrigued by its fast refueling and long-distance driving potential.
On the flip side, it won’t appeal to budget-conscious shoppers. The X5 has always been premium-priced, and cutting-edge drivetrains like hydrogen fuel cells will only add to the cost. And for those living far from hydrogen stations, the fuel cell version may remain more concept than reality.
What’s the long-term significance?
The X5’s five-drivetrain lineup could redefine how automakers approach decarbonization. BMW is betting on diversity of technology rather than a single solution. If hydrogen infrastructure expands, BMW will be ahead of the curve. If electrics dominate, it already has strong offerings in place.
By 2028, the X5 range will feature two electric variants battery and hydrogen alongside hybrid and combustion options. This multi-path approach not only reinforces BMW’s reputation as a technological pioneer but also gives it agility to adapt as global markets evolve.
The X5 is more than just a luxury SUV it’s a symbol of the industry’s future. BMW is proving that the road to clean mobility won’t be one-way. Instead, there will be many paths, each offering drivers more choice, flexibility, and confidence in a rapidly changing world.
