Thailand never disappoints. Whether you’re going there as a tourist or a car enthusiast, there’s a lot to soak in. The country doesn’t just have a colorful culture, the same can be said about the car choices on offer.
It’s best represented by the Bangkok International Motor Show. We’re pretty fresh off BIMS 2025, and it was a big show to cover. How big, you ask? About 100,000 square meters, if you’re wondering. After stuffing ourselves with some of Thailand’s best culinary delights the day prior and around 20,000 steps on the day itself, we’re here to tell you some of our favorites of the show.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
The Ford Ranger Super Duty is ready for service (in 2026)
Touring Binondo on two wheels featuring the all-new Honda Giorno+
BMW
If we were to choose which booth had the best food, BMW Thailand would probably be up there. But we digress, and we’re here to talk about cars. Yes, the updated M4 was shown on stage, but for us, it’s the 530e and 330e that hold more significance for us. Given the company’s electrification push, these sedans are some of the models we’d like to see here. With nearly 300hp, over 100km of EV range, and over 40km/L, what’s not to like?
BYD
Yes, the eMax 7 is coming here soon. Or, by the time you read this, it’s already been released here. With that covered, it’s the Atto 2 that caught our attention. It’s a crucial model for BYD as it serves as the entry point for EV crossover shoppers. Okay, it’s not the most exciting thing to look at, but it’s an important car for the brand nonetheless.
Honda
Honda didn’t show off any new models at BIMS 2025, but we had our eyes glued on three models, all of which we wish we had locally. The first is the WR-V, a subcompact crossover that’s the size of a Kia Sonet and Toyota Raize. The next would be the e:HEV versions of the City and City Hatchback, packing the same hardware as the HR-V with its 1.5-liter Atkinson Cycle engine packing 129hp and 253Nm.
But it’s the Honda Accord that’s at the top of our wishlist. Granted, midsize sedans no longer sell well here, but the latest one is practically a few steps away from being an Acura. Honda Cars Philippines, pretty please? Though we’d be happy if you guys give us the Prelude in exchange for the Accord’s discontinuation.
Hyundai
Speaking of subcompact crossovers, Hyundai Thailand showed what could be the next model to be launched in the Philippines. That would be the heavily updated Creta. Now sporting the N-Line package, it gets a totally new front and rear design, along with an overhauled interior. It’s not turbocharged like the version sold in India and Indonesia, though, as it’s saddled with the same 1.5-liter mill that churns out 113hp. Still, a rather handsome small crossover, and we hope it comes here soon.
Isuzu
For Isuzu, of course, there’s the new MU-X, and we’re happy to get up close and personal with it during our stay in Bangkok. It’s a much needed update, and it’s setting its sights on rivals such as the Everest, Fortuner, and Montero Sport.
But main highlight was the Dragon Max restomod. Based on the KB pickup that would later be called the Fuego, it packs the new 2.2-liter MaxForce turbodiesel. Not content with that, Isuzu gave it more shove with about 220hp and, wait for it, 500Nm. That’s easily heaps more than the original model that mustered about 85hp. We likey. We likely very much.
Mazda
It’s always nice to see the Iconic SP Concept. We last saw it at the Tokyo Mobility Show way back in 2023, so it was cool to be reacquainted with it. This time around, we got closer to it, a rare chance to do with concept cars. More recently, Mazda shared some details for the production model. The numbers to remember are 370hp, 1,450kg, and a two-rotor engine.
Mitsubishi
A car we’d like to see here soon made its public reveal at BIMS 2025. That would be the Mitsubishi XForce HEV. It’s a much-needed addition to the lineup, given all of the XForce’s rivals have a hybrid version. With that, Mitsubishi has to play catch up, and our expectations are high for this model. But that’s only if the company brings it over to the Philippines.
Nissan
You can file this under cars we definitely won’t get in the Philippines. That’s the Serena e-Power, and we’re genuinely sad that it has no chance of coming here. It’s smaller than something like an Alphard, but the interior packaging is brilliant, and we like the fact that it has a split tailgate. As it’s an e-Power, it’s a true hybrid, something that’s lacking in the reasonably priced minivan market. Seriously Nissan, please make them in left-hand drive soon.
Toyota
Toyota didn’t show anything new in this year’s BIMS, but we did like what was in their booth. No, we’re not talking about the wide body Fortuner. Instead, we enjoyed poking around the very much overdue for the Philippines all-new Vios. At this point, we’re slowly accepting the possibility of it not coming to the county. Of course, Toyota Motor Philippines could surprise us, but we’ve been holding on to that for the last two and a half years.
Volvo
We have a bit of a soft spot for Volvo, mainly because we believe they’re underrated. It was the facelifted XC90 that was the main highlight there, and it was shown as the T8 plug-in hybrid. It would be nice to have it here, as it offers over 80km of EV range, easily over 40km/L, and 455hp. We also liked the V60 wagon on display there but we were a little too excited and, er, forgot to take a photo that.
Bonus: GMA T.50
It’s not everyday we get up close to an extremely limited run hypercar, so we were genuinely floored when we saw the GMA T.50 quietly sitting in a different hall. It’s an ‘if you know, you know,’ kind of car, but all you need to know is it’s the brainchild of the man behind the McLaren F1, Gordon Murray.
Only 100 examples of these cars will be made, and seeing it in the metal, or rather, carbon fiber, was an event in itself. Let’s just say we spent a good amount of time just basking in its awesomeness. With a 3.9-liter, naturally aspirated V12 that makes 654hp and 467Nm, we won’t see another one like it. Oh, and it’s got an honest to goodness six-speed manual and two-wheel drive only.
More photos of BIMS 2025:
