Connect with us

EV

Double Trouble, Maximum Muscle

Published

on

The 2025 BMW M5 in bright green (sedan) and matte black (Touring wagon) parked side by side on a volcanic mountain road under dramatic clouds.

BMW is kicking off a new era for its M5 line-up with not just one, but two high-performance hybrid models: the 2025 BMW M5 Sedan and the all-new M5 Touring. Both pack more power, tech, and flexibility than ever, now with an electrified twist.

M Power, Now Plug-In

For the first time, the M5 enters the electrified age. The seventh-generation M5 Sedan and its station wagon counterpart, the M5 Touring, are now plug-in hybrids.

Both models feature a 4.4-liter V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology paired with an integrated electric motor. The result? A combined output of 717 hp and 738 lb-ft (M5 Sedan) and 727 hp with 737 lb-ft (M5 Touring) of torque.

Acceleration is blistering: 0–100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds for the sedan and 3.6 seconds for the Touring. Top speed is electronically capped at 250 km/h but can be bumped up to 305 km/h with the M Driver’s Package.

Electric Boost, Everyday Use

Despite their supercar stats, both models can drive up to 40–67 km purely on electric power. The battery pack, stored under the floor, supports up to 7.4 kW AC charging (sedan) and 11 kW (Touring). A pre-conditioning system manages battery temperature for faster charging.

Built to Thrill

Both cars feature the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system and Active M Differential for better traction and agility. Drivers can even switch to 2WD mode with stability control off, for rear-wheel-drive fun and controlled drifting on track.

The Adaptive M Suspension, Integral Active Steering, and M Servotronic steering are standard, allowing agile handling and improved high-speed stability. The sedan comes with a shorter turning radius, while the Touring balances its size with comfort and capability.

Braking options include M Compound brakes or lighter, high-performance M Carbon Ceramic brakes. Meanwhile, the near-actuator traction control system reacts up to ten times faster than traditional systems to manage grip.

Sharp Outside, Smart Inside

The M5 Sedan and Touring both wear wider, meaner bodywork, including flared wheel arches, large air intakes, and quad tailpipes. The Touring adds practicality with 500–1,630 liters of cargo space and a towing capacity of 2,000 kg.

Inside, both models feature the BMW Curved Display with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch control display running BMW Operating System 8.5. The cars also support Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, video streaming, and even AirConsole in-car gaming.

BMW’s Digital Key Plus lets users unlock the car via smartphone or smartwatch. The M-specific welcome and goodbye animations complete the premium feel.

Practical or Performance? Why Not Both?

The M5 Touring stands out as the practical choice, ideal for families who want both cargo room and crazy speed. The M5 Sedan remains the sharper tool for the track but now adds electric calm for city trips.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

EV

Forester Goes Hybrid

Published

on

Front view of the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid parked by a lake with mountain scenery in the background.

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.

Continue Reading

Cars

BYD Tang DM-i Arrives in PH at ₱2.098M

Published

on

Rear view of the newly launched BYD Tang DM-i plug-in hybrid SUV displayed on stage in the Philippines.

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.

Continue Reading

EV

BYD Tang Tracks Reservations Open

Published

on

Rear view of the new BYD Tang DM-i plug-in hybrid SUV in silver, parked outdoors with trees and lamp posts in the background.

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
Continue Reading

Trending