With the advent of electric propulsion, Build Your Dreams (BYD) has crafted an electric multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) called the BYD eMAX 7. This electric MPV is available in two variants: Superior and Premium. Offering both 6- and 7-seater configurations to cater to families seeking versatility. Here are the details.
Battery, Variants, and Range: What Does It Feel Like on the Road?
The Superior variant of the BYD eMAX 7 comes equipped with a 71.8 kWh battery, delivering 200 bhp and 31.6 kgm of torque. It accelerates from 0-100 kph in just 8.6 seconds, with BYD claiming a top speed of approximately 160 kph. This variant offers a driving range of 530 km, making it potentially suitable for long-distance journeys.
The Premium variant is powered by a slightly smaller 55.4 kWh battery, producing 180 bhp and 28.6 kgm of torque. It reaches 0-100 kph in 10.1 seconds, with a top speed of around 150 kph, and offers a driving range of 420 km. It may prove to be the ideal city car, though further testing and a comprehensive review will give us a clearer picture.
When talking about batteries, concerns over range anxiety often come hand-in-hand with fears regarding warranties. BYD has addressed this with an 8-year warranty for the battery, motor, and motor controller, as well as a 6-year warranty for the DC-DC assembly, high-voltage electric control assembly, OBC, and other components.
Exterior and Interior: What Does It Look and Feel Like in Your Garage?
Externally, the BYD eMAX 7 features a sleek yet functional design, with a streamlined body profile. It sits on comfortable 17- or 18-inch wheels, depending on the variant, paired with all-season tyres. The large wheel arches, wider stance, and a complete LED lighting system give this MPV a distinct presence, setting it apart from its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts.
With large windows, wide rear doors, roof rails, and a generous boot space of 520 litres (which expands significantly with the third row of seats folded down), the eMAX 7 focuses on practicality. The large tailgate and low loading lip further enhance its usability, though we’ll need to conduct our own review to confirm how well these features perform in real-world use.
Stepping Inside: Comfort and Features
The BYD eMAX 7 has been thoughtfully designed on the inside, with both 6- and 7-seater configurations available. The large rear doors make entry and exit easy, a feature particularly welcome for a family-oriented vehicle.
The 6-seater version features individual captain seats in the second row, providing a comfortable and spacious experience, complete with armrests and reclining capabilities. The 7-seater variant features a traditional second-row bench, offering more seating capacity at a possible cost to individual comfort—though only a full review will confirm this.
Inside the eMAX 7, BYD has included a suite of technological features aimed at enhancing convenience and entertainment. The infotainment system, available in 10- or 12.8-inch versions depending on the variant, is centred around a large touchscreen, providing easy access to navigation, music, and vehicle settings. Smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, as is expected in modern vehicles. Additional features include ambient lighting, a digital instrument cluster, steering wheel controls, and various ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) safety features.
A panoramic sunroof, another welcome addition, adds to the feeling of space inside the car, a particularly valuable feature when the car is full of passengers.
The Final Touch: Colours
The BYD eMAX 7 is available in a selection of eye-catching colours, including Glacier Blue, Crystal White, Midnight Black, Silver Grey, and Emerald Green. The finishes are sleek and clean, adding to the vehicle’s overall appeal.
Pricing and Competitors
So, what’s the price? The BYD eMAX 7 comes with a price tag of Rs. 26.90 lakh (ex-showroom), a machine that currently lacks a direct competitor in the electric MPV segment.
However, potential buyers may also consider internal combustion engine alternatives like the Volkswagen Taigun and the Mahindra XUV700. In the electric vehicle market, the BYD eMAX 7 could find itself in a unique position—unless Tata’s Harrier EV arrives soon, but that’s still some time away.
