The year 2025 is drawing to a close. In the Thai automotive industry, this year marked a period of transformation with new Chinese entrants attracting Thai buyers with competitive prices for their new energy vehicles. The popular GWM Tank 300 Diesel outsold established market leaders nearing the end of their model cycles. Meanwhile, the compact SUV Jaecoo 5EV caused unusual delivery issues, requiring customers to pick up vehicles at Laem Chabang port and unexpectedly bear certain costs just before year's end. The electric cat-like ORA Goodcat reached its EV 3.0 production quota, signaling a price increase next year as the government ends EV 3.0 incentives on 31 December 2025, transitioning to EV 3.5 from 1 January.
Hyundai Santa Fe
Many dislike the taillights but overlook that taillights serve only as signals to alert following vehicles, unrelated to driving dynamics. Hyundai has finely tuned the suspension of this SUV model to achieve balance, combined with versatile interior design and a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with a fuel-efficient hybrid system. The new SANTA FE offers two trims: the Exclusive at 1,599,000 baht and the Prestige test model at 1,749,000 baht. Despite its tall, boxy shape, it drives exceptionally well with minimal body roll. The suspension perfectly eliminates imperfections and provides ample width to comfortably manage braking effort. The hybrid engine responds smoothly without gear shift hesitation, allowing quick acceleration at a tap. On the motorway, despite its angular body, wind noise is minimal as Hyundai engineers focused on aerodynamics to appeal to new customers. Road noise is also very low; only at high engine revs during sudden overtaking does engine noise become slightly noticeable. Nothing to fault here—forget the taillights and take it for a drive to see why it outperforms the CR-V.
BMW X3 XDrive M50
The powerful X3 sold in Thailand uses the B58B30M2 6-cylinder engine, a key strength of this M Performance model that still employs a high-performance engine amid the transition era. Worldwide customer feedback favors the engine's torque delivery over electric motors, offering a powerful, spirited steering feel—especially appreciated by long-distance drivers who dislike waiting to charge or searching for chargers in remote areas. The B58B30M2 engine features a 48V Mild Hybrid system, now indispensable in modern German powertrains. Combining a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder turbo gasoline engine with an electric motor positioned between the engine and the ZF 8-speed transmission yields a combined output of 393 horsepower and 580 Nm torque. The pure B58 engine alone delivers 375 horsepower and 540 Nm, while the crankshaft-mounted motor-generator adds 17 horsepower and 200 Nm, providing decisive torque assistance during acceleration beyond what the engine alone offers. The X3 M50 emphasizes emotional driving pleasure so much that BMW sees no need to create a separate X3 M. BMW data shows clear power increases, improving agility, cornering stability, and comfort over the previous generation. Wider rear wheels with 285/35R21 tires offer enhanced strength without harshness. The front-to-rear drive dynamics tuning results in a very smooth ride on 21-inch wheels, sharp cornering grip, and quieter driving when the exhaust valve closes. BMW X3 M50 xDrive (G45) is priced at 4,499,000 baht.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class E220d AMG Line
At 3,870,000 baht, this mid-size, high-tech sedan features the Mercedes-Benz OM 654 engine, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 13 percent. A full tank enables a range of up to 1,100 kilometers. The 196-horsepower, 440 Nm OM 654 M diesel engine is efficient, clean, fuel-saving, and delivers good acceleration. The 48V Mild Hybrid technology enhances hybrid functions such as boost, energy recuperation, and smooth start-stop operation—so seamless you might not notice when the engine shuts off or restarts. This mild hybrid links to a 9-speed 9-G Tronic automatic transmission, powering the rear wheels efficiently on long trips. The suspension leans toward a mature, refined feel but can still be sporty, offering confidence. The E-Class’s smoothness and efficiency are truly impressive.
New NISSAN X-TRAIL e-POWER x e-4ORCE
The New NISSAN X-TRAIL e-POWER x e-4ORCE, priced at 1,699,000 baht, is imported from Japan (CBU). The e-4ORCE system delivers an electric driving feel, as the X-Trail e-Power uses dual electric motors for propulsion. The gasoline KR15DDT 3-cylinder turbocharged engine generates electricity to charge the battery. The e-Power system combines with Nissan's new electric all-wheel-drive system called e-4ORCE, featuring dual motors with a combined output of 157 kW (213 hp): 150 kW/330 Nm at the front axle and 100 kW/195 Nm at the rear. The X-Trail e-4ORCE accelerates faster than a 2.0-liter Japanese 4WD combustion engine, achieving 0-100 km/h in 7 seconds. Its compact size is manageable since faster acceleration around 6 seconds could be difficult for typical drivers. The 55-liter fuel tank provides a 900-kilometer driving range when full. The dual motors and vehicle stability systems make the X-Trail e-POWER x e-4ORCE one of the most capable Japanese test vehicles for road grip, especially on wet surfaces. Acceleration is responsive, steering weight well-balanced, and the driving feel well-suited for both urban and off-road use. Although the price is somewhat high, the electric all-wheel-drive system’s torque delivery and performance make it a good value for an imported model.
Ford Ranger Wildtrak (Extra Pack) 2.0L Turbo 4x2 6AT (Arctic White)
The Ranger Wildtrak (Extra Pack) 2.0L Turbo 4x2 6AT in Arctic White is a new double-cab pickup assembled in Thailand. After a decade-long wait, Ford launched what is considered the best-driving pickup in the Thai segment. The new design connects three models: New Ranger, New Everest, and New Raptor, each clearly differentiated to cover diverse customer groups and meet demands across Southeast Asia, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries importing these Thai-assembled vehicles. The test vehicle is the two-wheel-drive Wildtrak with a 2.0-liter single-turbo diesel engine producing 170 horsepower and 405 Nm torque. While the engine might seem small, this 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder 16-valve turbocharged diesel with intercooler offers sufficient performance for enjoyable highway driving, especially on mountainous routes like Khao Chord in Si Sawat. The Ford Ranger Wildtrak (Extra Pack) 2.0L Turbo 4x2 6AT in Arctic White costs 1,104,000 baht.
A5 Sportback e-Hybrid Quattro
This coupe-style sedan is actually a hatchback powered by a gasoline engine combined with an electric motor. The rear hatch, including the rear window, opens electrically. The A5 e-Hybrid is entirely new, built on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC). It marks the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) for the A5 series, enhancing convenience for drivers and passengers. It includes technical innovations for daily travel: a new high-voltage battery with approximately 45 percent increased capacity, adjustable regenerative braking, and pure electric driving up to 110 kilometers (real-world range about 96 km). The 2.0 TFSI engine produces 185 kW (252 hp), with an electric motor delivering up to 105 kW. AC charging power increases to 11 kW, reducing full charge time to 2.5 hours. Regenerative braking levels can be adjusted via paddle shifters. The A5 e-Hybrid offers an EV mode maximizing electric-only driving, drawing from the 29.5 kWh battery. The hybrid system automatically manages power usage based on navigation data, maintaining battery charge for city driving in low-emission zones. The hybrid management system optimizes performance, flexibility, and comfort, switching automatically between EV and hybrid modes. The A5 Sportback TFSI e quattro Tech Plus is priced at 3,299,000 baht.
BMW i5 M60 XDrive
This dual-motor, all-wheel-drive car delivers 601 horsepower and 820 Nm of torque, exceeding the previous M5. The BMW i5 M60 xDrive is an electrified M model that accelerates from 0-100 km/h impressively. It represents BMW's latest electric vehicle achievement, balancing driving feel and price without conflict. As an M electric car, it stands out among siblings like the i4 M50, i7 M70, and iX M60, sharing electric performance while defining its own style without concern for traditional customer preferences. The i5 M60’s dual motors provide remarkable energy efficiency. Achieving top acceleration requires planned, multi-step effort and steering control through corners, where it handles sharply with excellent grip. If cornered too quickly, understeer appears, followed by rear slide, but the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) intervenes to keep the car on track. The stability system allows confident control when cornering slightly over speed, and throttle input can influence rear dynamics. However, excessive throttle can make regaining control challenging due to the high torque compared to the 530e combustion model. The BMW i5 M60 xDrive is priced at 5,599,000 baht.
Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC Coupé AMG Dynamic (Imported)
The CLE 300 4MATIC Coupé AMG Dynamic, imported and priced at 3,950,000 baht, features a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbocharged Mercedes gasoline engine with a 48V Mild Hybrid system. Its starting price is higher than the Audi A5 but lower than the BMW 4 Series 430i, with similar overall value when considering options and financing. The CLE showcases Mercedes’ current clean and flowing design language with balanced curves. It lacks overly aggressive detailing. The 2.0-liter turbo inline-4 engine with Mild Hybrid 48V powers all four wheels with a 45:55 front-to-rear torque split. The 9-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission delivers 258 horsepower and 400 Nm torque, accelerating 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/h. The 48V starter-generator allows some fuel-free driving phases and energy recovery during deceleration. A motor placed between the engine and transmission provides a brief 23 horsepower and 204 Nm boost for quicker response. The engine includes improved turbocharging, CAMTRONIC variable valves, CONICSHAPE cylinders with NANOSLIDE coating to reduce friction. The quick-shifting 9-speed automatic includes paddle shifters for spirited driving. The 4MATIC AWD system offers stable handling on wet or dry roads, complemented by DYNAMIC SELECT modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport) tailored for smooth road driving. Overall, the CLE is stylish, good to drive, and priced reasonably.