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Volvo Philippines Unveils Plug-In Hybrid Flagships at Solaire
Volvo Philippines just turned a new page in its journey toward smarter and safer mobility, launching the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of its flagship SUVs—the XC90 and XC60—at a grand event held on July 2, 2025, at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort in Parañaque City.
The event, dubbed “ALIVE: Bringing the World of Volvo to Life,” was more than a car launch. It was a bold statement on responsible innovation and Volvo’s enduring commitment to safety and sustainability. Present at the exclusive gathering were key leaders from Volvo’s Asia-Pacific operations and executives from Hariphil Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI)—the official distributor of Volvo in the Philippines.
Two SUVs, One Purpose
The spotlight was shared by two new PHEVs—each catering to different lifestyles but united by the same Volvo DNA.
The Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid
As Volvo’s flagship SUV, the XC90 PHEV showcases a blend of elegant design, thoughtful tech, and responsible engineering. It offers up to 77 km of pure electric driving—ideal for daily commutes without emissions. When longer trips call, its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine takes over seamlessly.
Inside, the XC90 surrounds passengers in luxury, with Nappa leather seats, real wood accents, and a refined cabin layout that emphasizes comfort and focus. Safety-wise, it’s equipped with Volvo’s latest innovations like Pilot Assist, BLIS, and 360° cameras—highlighting the brand’s vision of “Zero Collisions.”
The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid
If the XC90 is the quiet statesman, the XC60 is its agile, urban sibling. It delivers up to 80 km of electric range and a punchy e-AWD system that blends electric and petrol power for confident performance.
Its Scandinavian-inspired design includes unique touches like Orrefors® crystal gear shifter, wood and aluminum interiors, and a best-in-class Harman Kardon® sound system. Clean air tech and leather-free Nordico upholstery make this SUV not just smart, but sustainably stylish.
Both vehicles champion Volvo’s “Being Alive” campaign—a movement that redefines safety as a shared social responsibility. As HARI President and CEO Ms. Maria Fe Perez-Agudo emphasized during the launch, “This moment isn’t just about unveiling a product—it’s about affirming a mindset… Safety isn’t just what we build. It’s who we are.”
The Bigger Picture
Volvo’s “Being Alive” platform pushes beyond cars to promote a culture of safety that touches every road user. Whether through cleaner emissions, cutting-edge driver-assist tech, or mindful design, Volvo aims to inspire thoughtful progress—where driving becomes not only efficient but meaningful.
With over 1.5 million XC60s sold worldwide and the XC90 standing as the brand’s design pinnacle, Volvo’s new PHEV lineup in the Philippines is a clear signal: the road to the future is not just electric—it’s ethical.
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.
Volkswagen’s sales operations in the Philippines wind down this month as Ayala’s Automobile Central Enterprise Inc. ends its distribution deal with Volkswagen AG after a 12-year run. The last dealership in Bonifacio Global City is set to operate until September 30, 2025.
Vehicle servicing, maintenance, and warranty support will continue to be available through the Alabang Service Center, Pampanga Service Center, and other authorized service touchpoints. Customers may book service appointments via this volkswagen.service@acmobility.ph. For Pampanga customers, please contact 0918 8542379 or email hbsicat@lausgroup.com.ph.
The move follows Ayala’s exit from Maxus distribution in August, signaling a portfolio shift while customer care stays in place for Volkswagen users.
Volkswagen under Ayala began in 2013, bringing in nameplates from the Jetta and Tiguan to the Golf GTI, then pivoting in 2018 to China-built models like the Santana and Lamando, and later the T-Cross, Multivan Kombi, and Tharu.
Public posts from Volkswagen Philippines and multiple outlets confirm the closure timeline and aftersales arrangements.
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.
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