EV
Forester Goes Hybrid
Subaru has officially brought in the sixth-generation Forester, marking the compact SUV’s debut as a full hybrid in the Philippine market. Motor Image Pilipinas, the brand’s exclusive distributor, hopes this launch will reenergize its presence among family SUVs.
At the core is the second-generation e-Boxer system, Subaru’s first strong hybrid setup. It pairs the familiar 2.5-liter Boxer engine with two electric motors. The gasoline unit generates 164 hp and 209 Nm, while the motors contribute up to 122 hp and 270 Nm, combining for a maximum 197 hp. That makes it the most powerful Forester since the turbocharged XT. A 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery enables short stints of all-electric driving, while a 63-liter tank helps stretch range to 1,000 km.
Despite the hybrid tech, Subaru sticks to its roots. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Lineartronic CVT come standard, with off-road aids like Dual X-Mode, Hill Descent Control, and Active Torque Vectoring intact. The SUV also benefits from the tougher Subaru Global Platform, which is now 10 percent stiffer thanks to a full inner frame design. Steering precision improves with a dual-pinion system adapted from the WRX.
Design-wise, the new Forester looks sharper and cleaner but remains recognizable. The Philippine-spec 2.5 i-S e-Boxer Hybrid wears 19-inch alloys, roof rails, and C-shaped LED headlights with cornering lamps. A panoramic sunroof and a hands-free tailgate are standard. A Forester-exclusive shade, River Rock Pearl, joins the color palette.
Inside, Subaru blends rugged with refined. Scratch-resistant panels meet suede-and-leather seats, both front units equipped with power adjustment. Comfort and convenience come from dual-zone climate control, rear vents, wireless charging, and a 360-degree camera. The centerpiece is an 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Safety tech takes a leap with EyeSight 4.0. It uses three cameras to provide nine driver-assist features, including lane centering, adaptive cruise, and emergency steering. A new Driver Monitoring System adds facial recognition to warn against distraction or drowsiness and can store profiles for five drivers. The system can even stop the vehicle if the driver becomes unresponsive.
Priced at P2,498,000, the Forester 2.5 i-S e-Boxer Hybrid comes with a five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty and eight years of coverage for the hybrid battery. For buyers looking at hybrids, it now stands as one of the few with a standard all-wheel-drive system, keeping Subaru’s identity intact while embracing electrification.
BYD has officially brought the Tang DM-i to the Philippines, marking another step in its electrified lineup. The grand launch took place today, September 17, 2025, at the SPACE in Ayala One.
The Tang DM-i enters the local market at ₱2,098,000, offering Filipino buyers a premium plug-in hybrid SUV that blends luxury, versatility, and sustainable technology.
BYD first introduced the all-electric Tang in 2024, showcasing a global-standard SUV that combined comfort, technology, and performance. The DM-i version builds on that success by answering customer requests for flexibility. “Our mission is not just to introduce vehicles, but to listen, respond, and deliver solutions that fit Filipino needs,” said Bob Palanca, Managing Director of BYD Philippines.
Palanca explained that while many drivers are eager to shift fully to EVs, others want the reassurance of hybrid capability during the country’s transition to clean mobility. The Tang DM-i is designed precisely for that balance, powered by BYD’s advanced Super DM-i technology, which allows drivers to enjoy electric driving while still being equipped for longer-distance travel.
The SUV carries over the luxury, comfort, and advanced features of the original Tang, but now with an added layer of adaptability. From everyday city commutes to long family drives, the Tang DM-i positions itself as a versatile choice for Filipinos seeking both sustainability and practicality.
BYD emphasized that this launch is part of its larger mission to make advanced mobility accessible in the Philippines. “The Tang DM-i is not simply another SUV in our lineup. It is a smarter and more adaptable choice, reflecting our belief that sustainable mobility must also be practical and flexible,” Palanca added.
With the new model, BYD hopes to further strengthen its foothold in the country and bring more Filipinos closer to the future of mobility.
BYD Cars Philippines has started taking reservations for the new Tang DM-i, the brand’s seven-seat flagship plug-in hybrid SUV built on Super DM-i tech and the Blade Battery. The pre-launch push began on September 1, with the full reveal set for September 17.
Built for family use and daily commuting, the Tang DM-i pairs an efficient gasoline engine with a powerful electric system. BYD quotes up to 1,160 kilometers of combined range and as much as 110 kilometers of pure electric driving on a full charge, aimed at cutting fuel stops in city driving while keeping long-trip confidence. The cabin seats seven with a flexible layout, premium convenience features, and advanced driver assistance that targets a secure, confident drive.
The model expands BYD’s Super DM-i lineup in the Philippines, following the Sealion 5 DM-i. Local distributor BYD Cars Philippines, under ACMobility, says the goal is simple: give Filipino families a larger, smarter, and more efficient SUV option, while making electrified mobility easier to access through its expanding dealer and charging footprint.
Interested buyers can contact their nearest BYD dealership to place a reservation ahead of launch or register interest online. The full specifications and pricing will be announced during the September 17 event, with deliveries and full feature breakdowns to follow.
Fast facts
- Reservations: Open starting September 1
- Powertrain: Super DM-i plug-in hybrid with Blade Battery
- Claimed range: Up to 1,160 km combined; up to 110 km EV only
- Seating: 7 seats with versatile interior
- Launch: September 17, local specs and pricing to be confirmed
- Availability: Through BYD Cars Philippines’ nationwide dealer network
Lynk & Co Philippines gathered owners, guests, and media for its first Lynk Ups session at Karrera Showroom in Alabang on August 16, 2025. Billed as a salon-style meetup, the event centered on community, leadership, and lifestyle, not just sheet metal.
Hosted by Justin Quirino, the program featured entrepreneur RJ Ledesma who spoke about how leadership, lifestyle, and networking fuel growth. The talk set the tone for open conversations and new connections among attendees.
The showroom displayed the 02 E-SUV and 08 EM-P fresh from the brand’s North EDSA debut. Test drives covered the 01, 02, 05, and 06, and were offered to both invited guests and curious cafe visitors.
Personalized freebies added to the experience, with guests choosing between a passport holder, key holder, or bag tag customized with their names or initials.
“Lynk Ups is more than just an event, it’s a movement,” said Timothy Sytin, Brand Head and Sales Director of Lynk & Co Philippines, noting that ownership also means access to a community built on innovation and inclusivity.
Alabang is the first of three Lynk Ups dates for 2025, with the next editions set for September and October. The brand says these intimate gatherings will keep people at the center and redefine how carmakers build relationships with their users.
Lynk & Co describes itself as a young and global brand focused on user needs, rapid growth, and a connected lifestyle across its vehicle lineup.
