Hydrogen fuel cell BMW X5 in action at Simola Hillclimb

BMW Group South Africa is poised for another thrilling showpiece at the 2024 Simola Hillclimb, which takes place in Knysna this weekend (May 2 – 5).

24 BM Wgen1

The manufacturer will showcase its revolutionary BMW iX5 Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, thereby making history as the first hydrogen-powered entrant to compete in this motorsport event.

The three-day event attracts global competitors, enthusiasts and professional racing drivers for its Classic Car Friday and King of the Hill events. This year, BMW Group South Africa will premiere the BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicle in its portfolio of innovative entrants for the King of the Hill showdown.

While competitors and the spectacular array of vehicles primed to conquer the 1.9km hill are the main attraction, the Simola Hillclimb has seen a growing number of full-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles being entered in recent years, with the BMW i4 M50, BMW iX3, and BMW XM as past entrants. BMW Group South Africa will demonstrate its commitment to its technology open approach, as the BMW iX5 becomes the first hydrogen vehicle to participate in the Simola Hillclimb event.

24 BM Wgen2
24 BM Wgen3
24 BM Wgen4
24 BM Wgen5
24 BM Wgen2
24 BM Wgen3
24 BM Wgen4
24 BM Wgen5

The 295 kW BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicle, an innovative hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric vehicle (EV), delivers the driving dynamics for which the BMW brand is renowned. Its efficient fuel-cell system, two hydrogen tanks, electric motor and power battery all work with the central vehicle control unit to exhibit exceptional performance.

Additionally, BMW Group South Africa will also showcase its newly launched 442kW i5 M60 xDrive vehicle with racing legend Deon Joubert behind the wheel, who aims to set a new Simola Hillclimb EV record.

The BMW M4 Competition xDrive is another noteworthy entrant and will be driven by Cristiano Verolini of BMW’s Driving Experience. Motorcycles from BMW Motorrad – the M 1000 R, R 1300 GS, R 18 Roctane and the CE 04 – will participate in demonstration runs up the hill.

  • For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the Simola Hillclimb website: simolahillclimb.com

More New Energy Vehicles stories

The electric Jaguar of the future

The electric Jaguar of the future

Introducing an unmistakable, unexpected and dramatic physical manifestation of Jaguar, as the brand continues its transformation, the Type 00 (pronounced Type Zero Zero) embodies Jaguar’s creative philosophy of Exuberant Modernism following the debut of its new brand identity, says the manufacturer.

  • 3 December 2024
Switch on time for first off-grid charging station

Switch on time for first off-grid charging station

CHARGE (formerly Zero Carbon Charge) officially opened its first off-grid, ultra-fast green electric vehicle (EV) charging station to the public in Wolmaransstad in North West Province.

  • 28 November 2024