All-new BMW M5 plug-in hybrid now on DOE's list of PHEVs

Last week, we received information that BMW Philippines distributor SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. will bring in two new passenger vehicles. Based on the regulatory approvals the automaker received, the mystery vehicles will both have a 4395cc engine and will weigh around 2,400 kg.

Based on the engine size and reference weight, it looks like the all-new BMW M5 will finally make its Philippine debut. More importantly, it looks like SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. will bring both the Sedan (G90) and the Touring (G99) body styles.

Fast forward one week, and the Department of Energy (DOE) has officially recognized the all-new M5 as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) for the Philippine market. Based on a recent listing we found on the DOE website, BMW Philippines will be bringing both the Sedan and Touring body styles. Both vehicles will also get a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine that puts out 430 kW or 584 PS. It will also have an electric motor that doles out an extra 145 kW or 197 PS and an 18.6 kWh battery pack.

Despite not yet releasing the full specifications for the local market, the all-new M5 for the Philippines will likely have a combined system output of 727 PS and a healthy 1,000 Nm of torque. In addition, a fully charged battery will also give the M5 the ability to travel on electric power for up to 67 km based on the WLTP cycle.

Performance-wise, the sedan version can go from 0 – 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds while the wagon can do it in 3.6 seconds. Both body styles, however, have a claimed top speed of 305 km/h. On just electric power, BMW says both vehicles can hit a top speed of 140 km/h.

With the BMW M5 and M5 Touring already recognized by the DOE as PHEVs in the Philippines, perhaps it might not be long before the automaker officially unveils it. Heck, the brand might have already accepted early reservations from certain clients.

If you had the money to get one, would you get the sedan or the more stylish wagon body style?