CHENNAI: A global biggie in the electric vehicle industry, BYD crossed a production milestone of 90 lakh new energy vehicles — electric and hybrid — last month. And, according to industry sources, it is set to hit a crore this month.
The brand has made a mark in India as well, selling electric passenger cars, battery energy storage, and electric buses. Its subsidiary, BYD India, has done well so far despite the ‘Chinese’ tag. The BYD e6 — a 5-seater MPV — was well-received for its spacious cabin, battery capacity, and long range. Now, BYD has introduced the BYD eMAX 7 — a 6- or 7-seater MPV. This model is a direct competitor to petrol-diesel MPVs such as the Toyota Innova.
I took out this EV in Tamil Nadu, for a drive along the Chennai-Mahabalipuram route. Here’s my take
Design and space
The eMAX 7 features a sleek, free-flowing body style with aerodynamic lines. Its large, MPV stance is evident from every angle. Measuring 4.71m long, 1.69m tall, and 1.81m wide, the vehicle has an imposing presence.
The front fascia, which BYD calls “dragon-face”, features LED headlamps connected by a chrome strip, which gives it a smiling appearance. Well, this dragon looks friendly. The alloy wheel design and tail lamp are also eye-catching.
Inside, the two-tone black-and-brown interior lends a sense of luxury and space. The longer, wider cushion provides a comfortable driving experience, and the front seats are ventilated. The dashboard features a 12.8-inch rotatable infotainment display, a 5-inch instrument cluster, a wireless phone charger, and an elegant gear lever. The expansive 1.42 sqm panoramic glass roof adds to the spacious feel.
The second row is available in two- or three-seat configurations, while the third row can seat two passengers. With a 2.8m wheelbase, the eMAX 7 boasts impressive cabin space. Boot space is 180 litres, expandable to 580 litres by folding the third row. The middle seats can also be split 60:40 to increase storage space.
Most vehicle functions, including climate control, are accessed via the 12.8-inch touchscreen, which can be somewhat distracting while driving. Overall, cabin comfort is good. However, with the battery pack under the floor, the second and third rows have a somewhat ‘knees-up’ seating position.
Powertrain
The eMAX 7 is available in two variants. I tested the top-spec ‘Superior’ variant, which features a 204bhp e-motor mounted at the front axle and a 71.8kWh battery pack, offering a claimed range of 530 km.
The MPV accelerates smoothly, reaching 100 km/h from a standstill in 8.6 seconds, with linear power delivery that’s ideal for city driving and overtaking. The 310Nm of torque is instantly available, with none of the lag seen in petrol-diesel vehicles of similar size.
The ‘Premium’ variant has a 55.4 kWh battery pack and a range of 420km. Both variants are available in 6- and 7-seat configurations.
Comfort
The BYD eMAX 7 is well-suited as an electric family car. It performs smoothly on highways, handles potholes well, and is easily manoeuvrable in crowded city areas. The suspension setup supports long journeys, and features such as AC vents in all rows, cushioned seats, roominess, and large windows enhance the travel experience.
Verdict
With a real-world range of close to 500km, the eMAX 7 is well-suited for long trips. This capable vehicle, with its modern technology and comfort features at a competitive price point, is likely to appeal to both fleet operators and individual buyers.
Pricing
Variant: Premium
Battery capacity: 55.4kWh
Seating options: 6 and 7 seaters
Price: L26,90,000 (6 seater); L27,50,000 (7 seater)
Variant: Superior
Battery capacity: 71.8 kWh
Seating option: 6 and 7 seaters
Price: L 29,30,000 (6 seater); L29,90,000 (7 seater)
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