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BYD taps into premium people mover segment with eMax 9 DM-i
Filipinos have a real connection with the people. As I've always said, we basically like to hang out in groups. The extended family unit we belong to – not to mention our network of friends – are the support systems that provide us with security, joy, and love.
Perhaps that is why this is an important category for any automaker. And BYD did it again. The brand is expanding its multi-purpose vehicle (or MPV) portfolio by adding a larger hybrid-powertrain model after the all-electric eMAX 7 (which introduced BEV powertrain in this segment).
Called the BYD eMax 9 DM-i, the three-row seven seater in BYD's teaser, boasts three primary common features that should help it gain traction in an already competitive domain: power, luxury, and space.
Relative to the eMax 7, the eMax 9 is 5.145 meters long versus 4.71 meters, 1.97 meters wide versus 1.81 meters, and 1.805 meters tall versus 1.69 meters.
Power
Its inspiring combo includes: The permanent magnet synchronous motor and 1.5-litre engine (the latter also serves to charge the motor's battery) can deliver a range of up to 1,000 km. In a recent real-world, local test conducted by BYD Cars in conjunction with the Automobile Association Philippines, the eMax 9 drove 1,261 km without any hypermiling tricks. that's impressive.
You can also top up the Lithium Ion Phosphate BYD Blade battery using alternating current or direct current via any standard CCS Type 2 charge point. The front-wheel driven hybrid has 271ps and 315Nm on tap. There are two battery capacities available, depending on which variant you choose: Advanced gets you 20.4kWh; The premium is 36.6kWh. This brings us back to the border. You should get a maximum of 945 km in the former, up to 1,000 km in the latter (or, yes, try to cross 1,261 km). Both should accelerate to 100 kmph in a little over eight seconds.
Every purchase of any variant comes with a portable charging cable, a wall-mounted 7kW charger and vehicle-to-load (or V2L) technology via a V2L adapter. V2L will allow you to power external devices etc. no matter where you are. This means you can count on the eMax 9 to be your companion on adventures even off the usual grid.
luxury
If you ask me, luxury is something that you should be able to see and feel before you even get into the vehicle. The front fascia of the eMax 9 does not disappoint in this regard. It communicates presence and authority with a large grille using the so-called Dragon Face design language, which is flanked by signature LED lighting (with DRLs) and air vents towards the sides of the bumper. The vehicle rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, and gets rain-sensing front windshield wipers. There are turn signal repeaters on the side mirrors.
On the side, it has body-coloured wheel arches and a silver strip that runs from the side of the front bumper, through the panel and to the rear bumper. This feature is also reflected on the upper portion of the vehicle, which runs from the A pillar to the D-pillar where it widens.
Meanwhile, the powered tailgate also gets LED illumination, as well as a high-mount brake lamp on the extended roof spoiler. The rear wiper has been placed away from view for better aesthetics.
Of course, luxury is best experienced in the cabin. eMax 9 offers a variety of tools. The leather-wrapped front seats are power-adjustable with lumbar support. There are plenty of touches of leather deployed elsewhere, along with soft-touch materials for a more upscale feel. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the large 15.6-inch infotainment display complete a decidedly digital experience. And, yes, you can also use wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB, or Bluetooth for hands-free calling or audio streaming.
Although I wish the air-conditioning controls were placed outside the screen with their own analog buttons. Having said that, the eMax 9 boasts of a tri-zone auto-climate system and a PM2.5 particulate filter for a better, healthier in-cabin experience.
As far as entertainment is concerned, your content will get expression through eight speakers in the case of Advanced and 12 speakers in Premium. There's also voice assistance, the ability to update over-the-air, and other niceties. Look up and see the sunroof which unfortunately doesn't extend beyond the front row roof.
The second row, which has the best two seats in the house, is arguably the place to be. In the Advanced, you get manual, six-way adjustable. The Premium, which I tested, gets four-way power-adjustment, plus lumbar support, a head rest with side wings, and power-adjusted leg rests. Second row passengers can also set up some tables behind the first row seats. In premium they (and the driver, actually) also get ventilation and massage functions. Business class, anyone?
A total of 10 bottle/cup holders, three USB-A charge points, and three USB-C charge points are also scattered around to keep passengers hydrated and their devices charged. Then there's a 12V power socket and a wireless charger. A bonus for the premium version is a refrigerator that can hold up to six bottles.
The third row, which can power-stow/deploy at the press of a button in the case of the Premium, has good space for two average-sized adults or maybe three small children. There's an armrest on either side, as well as a cupholder and charge point (USB-C on the left, USB-A on the right). Deploying the third row also opens up more space under the floor.
“The BYD eMAX 9 DM-i represents the pinnacle of our electrified vehicle innovation, where technology and luxury go together in perfect harmony,” said Bob Palanca, Managing Director of BYD Cars Philippines. “This is a great statement of progress for Filipino families and professionals who want sustainable mobility and value smart ownership.”
“BYD eMax 9 DM-i redefines what luxurious electric mobility means for Filipino families. It embodies our mission to make world-class electric mobility accessible to Filipinos who aspire to drive beyond the ordinary,” said Adam Hu, Country Head of BYD Philippines.
safe place
I'm moved by BYD's core pricing of “power, luxury and space”. Rather, I would like to change the last attribute to “Safe Location”. With its wealth of security features, the eMax 9 is exactly that: a safe place. Complementing the comfort through its DiSus-C suspension, which electronically adjusts the vehicle's dampers to enhance ride stability and prevent jittery experiences on all terrains, is BYD's DiPilot advanced driver assistance system that “enhances driver confidence and peace of mind.”
Based on our limited drive time and through some short practice runs at the Ayala Greenfield Estate in the foothills of Mount Makiling, I found the vehicle to be stable even through sudden turns at speed, and surprisingly maneuverable when the accelerator was depressed. Undoubtedly, NVH is best reduced through its electrified nature.
It includes a number of features including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot detection and lane keeping assist. A crisp feed from the eMax 9's 360-degree panoramic camera and rear cross-traffic alert work together to give the driver all the assistance he needs. Just in case, the vehicle can deploy eight airbags.
The BYD eMax 9 DM-i is priced at P2.678 million for the Advanced Edition and P2.998 million for the Premium, both available in Cosmos Black, Deep Sea Blue, and Aurora White exterior colors.
BYD claims comprehensive warranties for the model: eight years/160,000 km for the Blade battery, eight years/160,000 km for the drive unit, and six years/150,000 km for the vehicle. The BYD eMax 9 DM-i will be on display at the EV Summit Tech Tour at Alabang Town Center from November 7 to 9. For more information visit www.bydcarsphilippines.com,
