BIMS 2025 | Everything interesting at the 46th Bangkok International Motor Show
Thailand’s Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), organized by Grand Prix International, is arguably one of the largest motor shows in the world, used as a staging ground for various automotive and motorcycle brands to show off what’s coming to the different markets in the ASEAN Region.
This year’s edition is the 46th in its history, with more than 50 brands participating. Concluded over the weekend, it gave us a glimpse of what’s coming and what we want for our own market.
Here’s some of what we found interesting, starting with BMW:
BMW X3 (G45)
Set to be launched in our market in a few days (based on teasers), we got a first glimpse of the all-new G45 generation of the BMW X3 at the 46th BIMS.
This is completely redone compared to the previous generation. The outside gets a sharper appearance with a larger iteration of the signature kidney grille, matched with L-shaped daytime running lights and T-shaped taillights. The interior draws away from its former traditional BMW looks in favor of a more futuristic design with hidden air conditioning vents and BMW’s Interaction Bar on the center stack and door panels.
We don’t have to wait too long for the all-new BMW X3’s arrival here in our market as it will be launching on April 14, 2025.
Hyundai Creta N-Line
The Hyundai Creta is one of the most popular offerings of the Korean automaker in the Philippines. That’s no surprise, as it’s very well-equipped, fairly affordable, and offers a good driving experience. That said, it is getting old, so an update is overdue, and that’s what we saw at 46th BIMS.
With the heavily refreshed version comes a completely different exterior with a more squared-out look and a sleeker interior. These changes are almost big enough to call it a whole new generation. It’s still the same overall vehicle, though, so under the hood is still a 1.5-liter Smartstream G engine making 115 horsepower and 144 Nm.
With Hyundai Motor Philippines still offering the pre-facelift Creta, the big question is when we will get this new one?
Lexus LBX Bespoke
The Lexus LBX is already a nice and comfortable little crossover, but for Thailand, the Japanese luxury automaker wants to take it further with the LBX Bespoke.
This gives buyers the option to customize their LBXs to their liking, with 17 different exterior paint job choices, four different wheels, seat material, and with 14 color options, and down to the color of the stitching, among other customizable options, making it truly bespoke.
It would be cool to see Lexus Philippines offer this kind of customization to customers in our market, given that it isn’t a common practice in the local automotive industry.
Lexus NX Overtrail
When it comes to off-roading a Lexus, the rugged GX immediately comes to mind. But what if there was something smaller? That’s where the NX450H+ Overtrail comes in.
As its name implies, it can go pretty much anywhere with no problem. It is painted in an Overtrail-exclusive Moon Dragon exterior paint job, matched with a Khaki interior color scheme. The rugged factor comes from the fact that it rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, which are wrapped in Dunlop Grandtrek AT5 all-terrain tires, and has an increased ride height by 15mm.
Worried? Don’t worry, it’s all-wheel drive, thanks to its plug-in hybrid powertrain, making a combined 309 horsepower and
Toyota Hilux Z-Runner
If you think drag racing with diesel pickups and SUVs is only a thing in the Philippines, it was actually inspired by Thai vehicle culture. Meet the Toyota Hilux Revo Z Runner, which gives us true Drag Diesel vibes.
Based on the Thai market-only Z Edition, the Hilux Revo Z Runner features a lower ride height, matched with an updated front fascia from the latest facelift as seen in other markets. It also gets sporty body kits that not only make it look ready to race but also give it better aerodynamics.
Should Toyota Motor Philippines offer something similar for drag-racer pickup enthusiasts here?
Mitsubishi Xforce HEV
Recently, Mitsubishi Motors Thailand held the world premiere of the Xforce HEV. At the BIMS 2025, the electrified subcompact crossover also made its public debut.
It gets a new 1.6-liter gasoline engine paired to an electric motor that makes 116 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque. It also gets a couple of exterior changes such as clear lens taillights and new alloy wheel designs to set it apart from the regular Xforce.
The question now would be whether Mitsubishi Motors Philippines has plans to bring this over to our shores. If yes, when?
Kia EV5
The Kia EV5 is a compact all-electric crossover that we think makes sense in the Philippine market.
Looking like a simplified and shrunken-down version of the larger EV9, it also wears the Korean automaker’s Opposites United design language. This minimal aesthetic also carries over to the interior with a lounge-inspired cabin for five. Its electric powertrain produces 308 horsepower and 480 Nm of torque, and can drive up to 665km on a single charge thanks to its 88.1kWh battery.
Mazda BT-50
The new Mazda BT-50 looks even meaner than ever. Revealed last year, we got to see it for the first time for ourselves at the BIMS 2025.
A heavy facelift of the current BT-50, it goes all-in on its macho appearance with a face inspired by the current CX-5, fender flares and black wheels, and new taillights. The inside also gets new two-tone seats, an updated instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The Isuzu-sourced 3.0-liter turbo diesel remains the same as well.
Rumors say that this will be launching in the Philippines very soon, so watch out for that.
Mazda 6e and Iconic SP Concept
While not a launch, Mazda brought over these two models to show the world its multi-solution approach to electrification.
The 6e is a fully-electric sedan that is designed and built through a joint venture with Changan. Slowly making its way to markets outside China, it features Mazda’s sleek design language inside and out. With the biggest battery rated at 80kWh, it can drive up to 552km on a single charge, and deliver an engaging driver experience thanks to a 50:50 weight distribution and an electric motor that produces up to 258 horsepower and 320 Nm.
Meanwhile, the Iconic SP concept is a look to the brand’s past and future. It makes use of a range-extended powertrain inspired by the brand’s heritage. How? It features a two-rotor engine that makes use of carbon-neutral fuel to generate electricity for an electric motor, which can also be plugged in to recharge. Output is at 370 horsepower, and weight is at just 1,450kg.
Isuzu mu-X
The updated Isuzu mu-X has just been launched in the Philippines, marking the arrival of the biggest refresh the midsize SUV based on the D-MAX pickup truck has received since its launch in 2021 (2022 in the Philippines).
But we first saw it in Thailand, where it was revealed in June last year. Seeing it at the BIMS gave us a good idea of what to expec,t and we’re happy to report that we’re not disappointed with what we received locally.
Read more about the Philippine spec version here.
Isuzu Dragon Max Concept
Restomods seem to be quite a thing these days. This was very apparent when we visited the Tokyo Auto Salon in Japan in January. The trend now goes to South East Asia with the Isuzu Dragon Max.
Based on the Isuzu Fuego from the late 80s, it’s brought to the modern world with all-LED exterior lighting (front and rear), special Bradley wheels and Brembo brakes, a sporty tailgate wing, and a matte light gray paint job. Inside, a fully digital gauge cluster and tablet-style infotainment system bring mixes of the old and new. The seats are wrapped in leather and suede for a sporty touch, and the steering wheel and center console lifted from the Isuzu D-MAX are also visible.
It’s not all about looks, though, as under the hood, the Isuzu Dragon Max concept gets the brand’s new 2.2-liter DDi MaxForce turbodiesel engine, tuned to produce 220 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque, and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This basically gives us a preview of what the new powertrain is capable of, especially if Isuzu plans to make it standard in all D-MAX and mu-X models.
BYD Atto 2
If there’s a BYD Atto 3, then there’s a BYD Atto 2.
The smallest crossover from the globally strong Chinese automaker, it can go against the likes of the Toyota Yaris Cross, Honda HR-V, and Nissan Kicks in terms of size. The ace up its sleeve? Its all-electric with a motor that makes 176 horsepower and 290 Nm of torque, and it can drive up to 312km on a single charge with its 45.1kWh battery.
Given that BYD Cars Philippines has tapped nearly every segment in the automotive industry, should they bring this in?
BYD Sealion 7
This could become very popular if launched in the Philippines. Say hello to the BYD Sealion 7.
Consider it as the sexier and all-electric sibling of the very popular Sealion 6 DM-i. Wearing a coupé-like crossover body style, it’s far from being unattractive. Powering it is a dual electric motor setup that produces a whopping 523 horsepower and 690 Nm of torque, allowing it to go from 0 to 100 kph in as little as 4.5 seconds.
Words and photos by Julian Panlilio and Sam Surla
