BYD eMAX 9 DM-i

If you think that the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i’s exterior design is luxurious, then you should definitely check out what’s inside. Upon entering, you are greeted by an abundance of soft-touch materials and premium leather finishes around the vehicle. Its seats are very well-padded and offer top-notch comfort and ergonomics for everyone on board. Both variants come with ventilated driver and front passenger seats. However, only the Premium variant gets a ventilation function for its middle row seats as well. The higher trim also gets a massage function for its driver and middle row seats.

Moreover, drivers of both variants get a high-tech cockpit, which includes a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster and a leather-wrapped multicontrol steering wheel with voice recognition. Additionally, for entertainment and information accessibility, this luxury MPV comes with a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, USB, voice assistant, 4G connectivity, OTA updating, and a BYD Cloud Service, and is linked to a 12-speaker system for the Premium variant. On the other hand, the Advanced variant gets the 8-speaker version.

In terms of practicality, you have plenty of room all around the vehicle. This MPV can effectively accommodate seven passengers. Even with the third row seats up, you still have a respectable cargo space at the back. Aside from these, you have multiple compartments, ten bottle/cup holders (front: 4, 2nd row: 4, 3rd row: 2), six USB charging ports, and a 12V power socket for both variants. And for a more convenient and luxurious vibe, the Premium variant also gets a wireless charger, a 12V power socket, and a refrigerator.

The BYD eMAX 9 DM-i’s luxurious design just screams wealth and power wherever it goes. Its front end looks elegantly subtle yet dominant at the same time courtesy of its huge grille with a stylish chrome pattern. It sports hypermodern-looking LED headlamps with DRLs. It flaunts a sleek side profile accentuated by sharp character lines, bulbous curves, and chrome finishes. Both variants come with power-adjustable and folding door side mirrors. However, only the Premium variant gets auto adjustment on reverse and memory functions for its mirrors. The higher trim also gets automatic 2nd row sliding doors.

Meanwhile, trailing behind this vehicle at night is definitely enjoyable thanks to its sharp-looking LED tail lamps, which are connected by a double-layered light bar in the middle. It also comes with a high-mount brake lamp for better visibility. And, for a more premium look, the Premium variant gets a hands-free tailgate for an easier loading and unloading of cargo. This MPV also features front and rear sequential turn signals, which enhance its overall luxurious appearance on the road. 

The BYD eMAX 9 DM-i measures 5,145 mm in length, 1,970 mm in width, and 1,805 mm in height. It has a 3,045 mm wheelbase and a 157 mm unladen ground clearance. This luxury MPV runs on a sporty-looking set of 18-inch multispoke alloy wheels.

In terms of suspension, the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i utilizes a MacPherson Strut at the front, while a 4-Link Independent at the rear. Despite its size and weight, this MPV handles sharp turns or corners really well. It is light and nimble to maneuver inside the city. And, on top of this, it effectively absorbs bumps and other road imperfections, leading to a stable and comfortable riding experience for all passengers.

The BYD eMAX 9 DM-i runs on the brand’s Super DM-i technology that combines a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor, which produces a motor power of 271 PS and a motor torque of 315 Nm, with a 1.5L Turbo High Efficiency Generator, which primarily acts a range extender.

The Premium variant is powered by a 36.6 kWh BYD Blade battery pack that delivers an NEDC driving range of 170 km. On the other hand, the Advanced variant’s motor is powered by the 20.4 kWh version of the same battery pack, which has an NEDC driving range of 95 km. Both variants’ battery packs have a fast DC charging time of 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes.

Combining both the battery pack and the fuel from the engine’s tank will give you a whopping 1,000-km extended range for the Premium variant, while 945-km for the Advanced variant. This MPV is equipped with four drive modes: Economy, Normal, Sport, and Snow. Both variants utilize a front-wheel drivetrain.

WIth all of these in mind, this luxury MPV delivers an impressive performance, while remaining efficient wherever it goes. It is one of those MPVs that you can confidently use both as your daily driver in the city and your weekend car for your long-distance trips out of town. For an MPV, it is impressively quick off the line, and yet it remains very quiet and calm inside the cabin. 

In terms of safety, both variants of the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i come with a 360-degree view camera with see-through mode, six sensors (front: 2, rear: 4), and cruise control (adaptive for the Premium variant). 

However, only the higher trim gets the rest of the brand’s DiPilot driver assistance systems. The Premium variant also has an automatic emergency braking system, front and rear collision warning, rear cross traffic alert and brake, intelligent cruise control, intelligent high beam control, lane departure assist, and blind spot detection among others. 

Additionally, this luxury MPV gets front and rear disc brakes. Its braking setup is supported by an anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake override system, electronic stability control, and a traction control system among others.

The BYD eMAX 9 DM-i is changing the game when it comes to family transportation. Despite its price, it is still arguably one of the most accessible, practical, feature-packed, and high-valued luxury MPVs within the local market at the present time. Hence, it definitely deserves more attention from local consumers.