BMW has begun testing prototypes of the ‘i Hydrogen NEXT’. This will effectively be a hydrogen-fuelled X5. The X5s will be tested in Europe under “real-life conditions” as BMW gears up to eventually put a FCEV on sale, perhaps as early as 2025.

The i Hydrogen NEXT uses fuel cells developed together with Toyota and can carry six kilos of hydrogen in twin CFRP tanks. The fuel cell and “performance buffer battery” produce a combined 369bhp.

Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development, says: “Hydrogen fuel cell technology can be an attractive option for sustainable drive trains – especially in larger vehicle classes. That is why road testing of near-standard vehicles with a hydrogen fuel cell drive train is an important milestone in our research and development efforts.”