EV Love: PHEVs from Bentley, BMW, BYD

In the past few years, Filipino car buyers have leaned more towards hybrid cars over those that rely on a fully electric powertrain. 

Whether it’s because of the lack of a proper charging infrastructure — especially outside of the metro — or due to the appealing nameplates put out by various brands, there’s no denying that the increased presence of hybrid cars is obvious. 

On that note, we take a quick look at some of the plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) offered by the following brands: 

• Bentley 
• BMW 
• BYD

As with previous EV Love articles, we list down the Department of Energy (DOE)-recognized PHEV models from the abovementioned marques. So, without further ado, here are the plug-ins you might want to consider the next time you shop for an electrified vehicle. 

Bentley 

Bentley Bentayga Hybrid

Per the company’s literature, the hybrid powertrain that propels the Bentley Bentayga is comprised of a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine and an electric motor. The internal combustion powerplant is able to generate 56 horsepower (hp) while the electric mill does about 335 horses. Combined torque peaks at 700 Newton-meters (Nm). 

The above setup gives the luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) crazy performance numbers, such as a zero to 100 kilometers per hour (kph) acceleration speed of just 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 254 kph. 

Bentley Continental GT Speed

On the other hand, the Bentley Continental GT Speed packs what the marque calls an “ultra-performance hybrid powertrain.” 

It is supposed to provide the grand tourer superior performance reflected by 771 hp, 1,000 Nm, a zero to 100 kph acceleration speed of 3.2 seconds, and a top speed of 335 kph. 

For those who want to look fly while riding fast, the Bentley Continental GT Speed is the way to go. 

Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid 

Last on Bentley’s roster is the Flying Spur Hybrid. It is likewise equipped with the ultra-performance hybrid engine and gives the opulent sedan performance figures befitting a race car. 

Similar numbers are expected from the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid, with the option to push personalization to the limit. Those who revel in exclusivity while enjoying the convenience their money can buy will see this vehicle as a must-have. 

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BMW 

BMW X1

BMW Philippines — under the stewardship of SMC Asia Car Distributors Corporation — just launched the BMW X1 XDrive25e. 

It is powered by a hybrid powertrain that puts out 245 hp and 477 Nm. It offers would-be owners an estimated all-electric range of 101 kilometers (km) and a combined range of 764, making it a good choice for people who want an SUV that can crawl malls and cruise the expressway with reduced greenhouse gas emissions. 

BMW X3 

Meanwhile, the BMW X3 uses the brand’s TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine with an electric motor — mated to the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission — to produce 299 hp and 450 Nm of pulling power. 

Speed peaks at 215 kph, and acceleration from zero to 100 kph happens in 6.2 seconds. All-electric range is 90 km. 

BMW X5 

The BMW X5 is yet another SUV that carries the German marque’s electrified technology with a system that combines a turbocharged 3.0-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor, as well as an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. 

Generated power reaches up to 489 horses and 700 Nm. Acceleration from a standstill to 100 kph is at 4.8 seconds, and top speed clocks in at 250 kph. 

BMW XM 

The first-ever BMW XM not only wows with its slate-like design but also with its impressive electrified powertrain. 

Under the bonnet is a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine with an electric motor paired with the venerable eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, now with Drivelogic technology. The electrified arrangement does about 753 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque. 

Its all-electric range is approximately 82 km. 

BMW 750 

Launched in the latter part of last year, the BMW 750 comes in as a sedan for those who value sustainability and style. 

It is powered by a 3.0-liter engine paired with an electric motor, together with the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. It makes around 489 hp and 700 Nm to push the car from zero to 100 kph in 4.8 seconds, with a top speed of 250 kph. 

Rage-wise, the BMW 750e xDrive PHEV can drive up to 86 kilometers (km) using electric power alone. Combined, it has an estimated range of approximately 750 km. 

BMW M5 

The BMW M5 Sedan and Touring variants were launched in mid 2025. The two share the same hybrid powertrain comprised of a 4.4-liter V8 engine with an electric motor and the evolved eight-speed M Steptronic Sport automatic transmission. 

Power scales up to 727 horses and 1,000 Nm of torque. 

Both cars can go as fast as 305 kph and speed up from zero to 100 kph in 3.5 seconds. 

When it comes to range, the all-new BMW M5 can drive up to 69 km while the M5 Touring can run on electric power only for up to 67 km. 

BYD 

BYD eMAX 9 DM-i 

The BYD eMAX 9 DM-i is a sleek people mover that cares about its passengers as much as Mother Earth. 

If Captain Planet and the Planeteers had a seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle, it would be this nameplate in Deep Sea Blue. 

Power comes from an electric motor with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine serving as its “range extender.” The setup generates a modest 269 hp and 315 Nm. It has a combined driving range of 1,000 km. 

Upcoming BYD models 

The following models are yet to be launched officially in the Philippines: 

• BYD Sealion 8 DM-p
• BYD Ti7

Also read: 

EV Love: check out all the HEV offerings from Chery, Ford, Honda

EV Love: Diving into Audi, Bentley HEV models

EV Love: Classifications, categories, samples

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