Are plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) the ideal electrified vehicle for the Philippines? Given our limited (but expanding) charging infrastructure in the country, that might be the case. But whatever your stand on it is, there’s no denying that more automakers are taking an electrified route.
BMW is no exception to that. Locally, we got the X5 xDrive50e that was launched in January.
However, there are two more models we’d like to see here down the line. Making their regional debut at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show is a pair of PHEV sedans. The models? These would be the all-new BMW 530e and the updated BMW 330e. We reckon these would be great additions to the local lineup given the brand’s push for more plug-in hybrids.
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2025 Bangkok International Motor Show highlights:
Both the 530e and the 330e share identical software and hardware. That means the latter finally has the battery size to give it a longer electric-only range. Previously, the 330e could only travel about 40km on a single change due to the small 12kWh battery pack.
Thanks to the bigger 22kWh battery, both these sedans can travel a little over 100km on one full charge. Per WLTP ratings, the 530e can travel 102km before depleting its battery, while the 330e can run up to 101km. As these are plug-in hybrids, their powertrains can revert to running like a standard hybrid once the battery is out of charge.
For mechanicals, both use the familiar 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine mated to a single electric motor. Despite the same hardware, power outputs differ. The 330e makes 288hp and 420Nm, while the 530e pushes out 292hp and 450Nm. Factory claimed acceleration times are at 5.9sec for the electrified 3-Series and 6.3sec for the heavier 5-Series.
Worthy additions to the local BMW range? We say yes given the company’s electrification push, especially with plug-in hybrids. It will be interesting to see if, at the very least, BMW Philippines considers these for its sedan lineup.
More photos of the 2025 BMW 330e and 530e:
