This particular version of all-electric BYD MPV didn’t actually officially go on sale new over here.
So as one might do on a lazy weekend, this writer found himself perusing the classifieds for something interesting. And this certainly fit the bill, because why is there a BYD e6 on sale right here in Malaysia?
In fact, there are not one, but two of these obscure-for-Malaysia all-electric BYD people movers currently being offered on a popular Malaysian auto classifieds site. Considering that they were not officially offered over here, this then naturally raises the question: why are they offered for sale here?
But before getting to that, some may be wondering what exactly a BYD e6 is. And from the looks of it at least, many might assume for it to be related to the M6 that the Chinese automaker (not BMW) is officially selling over here.
While it is indeed true that the e6 is essentially an M6 with a slightly altered face, where it interestingly differs is in its seating configuration. Such is as while the M6 comes with seven seats, the e6 makes do with just five.
If being pedantic also, the M6 does feature a more powerful motor and a slightly more upmarket interior. But we’re digressing here, because, getting back to the question, why are there two of these e6s now being sold as used cars locally?
Now one reasonable hypothesis is that BYD initially considered bringing in the e6 during its Malaysian debut back in 2023, with these units potentially forming part of a pilot batch registered for testing purposes. The fact that both cars are being sold through Sime Darby Auto Selection — whose parent company is the official distributor of BYD vehicles in Malaysia — does lend some weight to this theory.
But given that the e6 also serves as a common taxi in Singapore, it is perhaps more amusing to imagine these e-MPVs being used for a particularly ambitious cross-border fare, only to run out of juice before making the return trip across the causeway… and then being left in Malaysia forevermore.
Jokes aside, it is worth pointing out that these supposed 2023 model year e6s are currently listed at just RM60,800. That places them roughly in line with the cheapest used BYD Dolphins on the market, making them a rather tempting proposition for those seeking a family- and eco-friendly runabout amid today’s high fuel prices.
Do note, however, that unlike the Dolphins on sale, there is no mention of any official warranty coverage for these unofficial e6 units. As such, it would be wise to check with the seller on aftersales support before committing.
