REVIEW: The iX5 Hydrogen initiates BMW's entry into the FCEV world - _rlane_ gets his hands on a one-off prototype to find out if it's worth waiting for
In this business, it isn’t uncommon to come across new series-production cars that have been left conspicuously underdeveloped. But to find an experimental, proof-of-concept, never-for-selling machine that already feels very convincingly honed for public consumption? That’s quite unusual.
BMW suspects that as heavy industry turns towards hydrogen and ICE options are legislated into the margins, a robust hydrogen refuelling network will germinate, such that using it for certain cars will in time become a no-brainer. But that’s all hypothetical. For now, BMW’s goal is to be ready – readier than rivals, at least – for such an eventuality arising, and this is why the iX5 exists, albeit at a tiny scale.
Our iX5 test route in and around Antwerp in Belgium was revealing insofar as it revealed absolutely nothing untoward about the fuel-cell driving experience. To all intents and purposes, this prototypical X5 feels much like a more conventional battery-electric iX5 might, and that’s down to the power delivery.
Traffic was abundant, but it gave us a chance to cast an eye over the car’s interior. Not that this took long. It’s traditional X5 in here, only with blue detailing, the likes of which we’ve seen on BMW’s BEV offerings . There’s a percentage readout for remaining fuel and an economy readout in KG of H2per100km, all neatly integrated.
These cars also have air suspension all-round, and an engineer told me the weight distribution is almost perfectly equally distributed – an unintentional but encouraging finding that, not to get ahead of ourselves, bodes well for any fast FCEV saloons that may surface in the dim and distant future. For now, the only concession to driver-appeal is a Sport driving mode, which sharpens powertrain response. Note, however, that there's little to no shape at all in the power delivery.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sleepers: The car world's biggest wolves in sheep’s clothing | AutocarWe all love cars that hide big performance under a mundane bodyshell - let's look at the motoring world's ultimate sleepers
Read more »
Houstonian Tomeka McLeod takes charge of BP's hydrogen businessBP's new hydrogen business gets new leader in Houston as the company plans move from fossil fuels
Read more »
New electric Porsche Cayenne expected in 2026 | AutocarElectric Porsche Cayenne will follow a reworked version of the current combustion engined SUV by mid-decade
Read more »
Alfa Romeo supercar nearly sold out ahead of summer launch | AutocarNew model from Italian brand, running parallel to current lineup, will be announced in April
Read more »
Britain's best cheap cars - Dacia vs Hyundai vs MG vs Kia | AutocarIs it still possible to find a new car that's both cheap and cheerful? Join matty_prior and JamesDisdale in our latest video as they find out
Read more »
Bold 2023 Vauxhall Corsa facelift to gain new 'Vizor' styling | AutocarFacelifted Vauxhall Corsa will feature new 'Vizor' face and tech improvements as part of a mid-life refresh later this year
Read more »