Weltmeister W5 Philippines Review: Affordable 400km EV Crossover?
Beyond First Impressions: The Future-Ready EV
After analyzing this hands-on review, I believe the Weltmeister W5 represents a significant shift for Philippine EV adoption. Targeting buyers considering premium crossovers like the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5, it offers full electric mobility at Php 2.6 million – undercutting the Nissan Leaf’s Php 2.8M price point. The video reveals nuanced ownership insights: While its 52kWh battery delivers 350-360km real-world range in Manila traffic (officially 400km), charging costs just ₱520 per full charge at ₱10/kWh rates. Founder Freeman Shen’s expertise from Geely and Volvo lends credibility, though the brand’s 2018 market entry is relatively new.
Technical Specifications & Performance
The W5 400km variant features a permanent magnet motor generating 215 horsepower and 315 Nm of torque. Unlike combustion engines, acceleration is instantaneous and near-silent – a trait highlighted when the host notes the vehicle was running during exterior filming without typical engine noise. Regenerative braking offers three settings:
- Level 0: Coasting with no resistance
- Level 1: Moderate energy recovery
- Level 2: Aggressive deceleration (brake lights activate) akin to Nissan’s e-Pedal
Practical engineering includes front ventilated disc brakes, an 18-inch wheel setup, and a flat rear floor enabling three-adult seating. The 488L trunk expands to 1,500L, housing a portable emergency charger alongside the included wall-mounted home unit.
User Experience & Practical Considerations
Exterior highlights include signature flush door handles (button-operated or push-release), a battery-level-indicating front logo, and cooling vents replacing traditional grilles. Key interior observations:
- The 15.6" touchscreen dominates but lacks Android Auto/Apple CarPlay – a notable tech omission
- Drive controls use a rotary gear selector with Eco/Sport modes
- Front/rear USB ports exist, though rear passengers lack climate controls
- Panoramic sunroof and power-adjustable front seats enhance comfort
Critical pain points emerged during testing: touch-sensitive climate controls require screen navigation instead of physical buttons, rear passengers miss center armrests, and piano black plastics attract fingerprints. The video host emphasizes, "A car of the future should have features modern cars already offer."
Ownership Economics & Philippine Context
Charging logistics are vital for buyers. Using Meralco’s ₱9-₱11/kWh rates:
- Full charge costs ~₱520 for 350km range
- Slow portable charger adds ~20km range hourly
- Fast-charger stats require further testing
Compared to ICE rivals:
| Model | Price (PHP) | Fuel/Electricity Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Weltmeister W5 | 2.6M | ₱520/350km |
| Nissan Leaf | 2.8M | Similar charging costs |
| Mazda CX-5 Turbo | ~2.3M | ~₱3,500+/350km (gas) |
Post-purchase support remains unaddressed in the video. I recommend verifying CASA (certified aftersales service) locations and battery warranty terms.
Actionable Insights for Prospective Buyers
- Calculate commute alignment: Map daily routes against 350km range; factor in traffic degradation
- Audit home charging: Ensure electrical capacity for wall charger installation
- Test critical features: Verify infotainment responsiveness and regenerative braking feel
- Compare rivals: Schedule Nissan Leaf and BYD Dolphin test drives
- Research incentives: Confirm current EV tax exemptions under Philippine EVIDA law
Maintenance tip: Unlike ICE vehicles, the sealed front compartment only needs brake fluid and washer top-ups, reducing service complexity.
Final Verdict
The Weltmeister W5 delivers a compelling entry point into Philippine EV ownership with crossover practicality and significant fuel savings. Despite tech gaps like CarPlay absence, its Php 2.6M price and 350km real range make it a viable alternative to premium-priced electrics. As charging infrastructure expands, such accessible EVs could accelerate electrification nationwide.
When considering the W5, which factor matters most to you—charging convenience, upfront cost, or tech features? Share your priority in the comments!
