BYD eMax 7 MPV to launch on October 8

BYD India will announce prices for the eMax 7 electric MPV on October 8, and dealer sources tell us that deliveries are likely to commence before Diwali. Essentially, the eMax 7 is a heavily updated iteration of the e6 MPV, with three-row seating and more features and tech.

1. BYD eMax 7 likely to get two seating options
2. Will come with a panoramic glass roof
3. To be aimed squared at the Innova Hycross

BYD eMax to cater to a wider audience

The The BYD eMax 7 is expected to come in both six- and seven-seat layouts. While this seating layout will significantly reduce the cargo room offered by the current e6, the seats have been upgraded and now feature leatherette upholstery, giving the MPV a more premium edge over the e6.

BYD eMax 7 interior.

The eMax 7 will be equipped with a fixed panoramic glass roof, an ADAS suite and a redesigned centre console with faux wood and aluminium inserts. It will also get more premium-looking switch gear and soft-touch materials on the dashboard.

BYD eMax 7: battery, range details

Overseas, the BYD eMax 7 comes with two battery pack options: a 55.4kWh unit with a claimed range of 420km and a 71.8kWh unit with a 530km range. BYD already offers the 71.8kWh battery on the e6 in India, and we expect the same setup to continue on the eMax 7. It is not yet known if the company will offer the MPV with the smaller battery pack in India. The eMax 7’s output is 163hp with the smaller battery and 204hp with the larger battery; torque is rated at 310Nm for both variants. 

BYD eMax to rival Innova Hycross

Dealer sources tell us that BYD wants to aim the eMax 7 squarely at the Innova Hycross as both MPVs are quite similar on the equipment front and in terms of seating configuration.  

It is expected to come in both 6- and 7-seater configurations.

It’s the powertrain that is the major differentiator between the two. The Toyota MPV comes with a petrol-hybrid powertrain, whereas the eMax 7 will continue to be a pure-electric MPV. The eMax 7 will have an edge over the Toyota with regard to some features, especially with BYD’s signature 12.8-inch rotating infotainment screen.

As for pricing, the eMax 7 will not see a major price hike over the outgoing e6 which was priced at Rs 29.15 lakh, ex-showroom. Sources tell us the eMax 7 will be priced at about Rs 30 lakh-Rs 33 lakh (ex-showroom) which puts it squarely against the Toyota Innova Hycross that tops out at Rs 30.98 lakh, for the top-spec ZX(O) hybrid variant.