BMW PH future PHEV lineup hinges on X5 PHEV market performance

MANILA: BMW Philippines, under the management of SMC Asia Car Distributors Corporation, is considering adding more electrified vehicles to its roster.

However, it will depend on how the upcoming X5 M50 XDrive50e M Sport plug-in hybrid (PHEV) performs in the local market. 

The aforementioned was shared by SMC Asia Car Distributors Corporation President Spencer Yu when he addressed the members of the motoring media who were in attendance at the car preview event. 

Further clarification on the statement was provided to Zigwheels Philippines by BMW Philippines Marketing Associate Brennan Ramos. 

“One thing Mr. Spencer Yu mentioned is that [BMW> always prefers that the clients reap the benefits. So as long we can give more to the clients, what they want, it will work out for us,” Ramos said.

“All models of course, come with a case study to see if it is accepted in the market. But similar to the other models that we are studying right now, we still have to look at our competitors to see if there’s still space for us,” Ramos added further.

While Ramos did not share sales target for the SUV nameplate, the author expressed firm belief that the X5 M50 XDrive50e M Sport is in a good position to make huge waves in the market as the premium high-performance sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment in the country is relatively small at the moment. 

Volvo Cars Philippines does sell cushy offerings, but the brand's mid-size SUV models are mild hybrids. Sure, Land Rover has the Defender 110 PHEV, but the said model targets a different niche (off-road). 

Porsche Philippines also brought in the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid last year, but it is priced at a much higher premium. 

Lexus Philippines likewise has the F Sport versions of the RX500h and NX350, but the upcoming BMW X5 XDrive50e M Sport remains a cut above in terms of performance. 

According to the British market specifications for the model, the aforementioned BMW SUV plug-in hybrid can produce around 480 horsepower and 700 Newton-meters of torque. 

For now, the full specifications of the upcoming PHEV SUV nameplate are yet to be shared by BMW Philippines, so let’s wait for its official launch.

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