BYD M6 All-Electric MPV Launched Locally From RM 109,800

This new all-electric BYD M6 should serve as a tempting people-moving tool for the eco-conscious family. 

While the big news surrounding BYD this recent time has been regarding the possibility of its Denza D9 ultra-luxury Alphard alternative entering the Malaysian market soon, the Chinese automaker has however decided to dip its toes the all-electric people-mover market over here first with something a little bit more sensible. So say hello then to the family-oriented BYD M6, a 7-seat e-MPV that has recently landed locally wearing a rather attractive price tag starting from RM 109,800 for the Standard trim, before rising to RM 123,800 for the Extended variant. 

Now to kick things off with this M6, it is probably worth highlighting from the outset that this BYD is actually to be slightly larger than what its curvy looks might lead one to initially perceive. In fact, as the table below illustrates, its size is somewhat closer the larger Toyota Innova-type people movers than to the current (already rather capacious) Perodua Alza class of MPV. 

In elaborating more on its aforementioned curvy looks here meanwhile, a pair of LED headlights connected by satin silver strip make up the (now-familiar from the Atto 3) BYD Dragon Face of this M6. Its slightly sloped-roof profile is in turn accented by a set of 17-inch alloy wheels on both variants, which hides behind it a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension setup.

Both variants of BYD further feature a chromed accent trim right below the window line by the third row with the word ‘Space’ inscribed into it, while its rump looks a lot like any other generic modern minivan with a chrome strip running right across its two polygonal LED rear light clusters. The higher-end Extended trim is differentiated from its base-spec sibling from the outside from the presence of a roof rack up top, in addition with a panoramic glass roof right situated right in between it. 

Now as for what powers this all-electric MPV, the BYD M6 actually follows on from what was previously offered with its Atto 3 SUV counterpart (before its range was trimmed down to only one Extended Range variant in recent time). To that end therefore, it packs a single front-mounted electric motor that is mated to either a 55.4 kWh battery pack in Standard trim, or a larger 71.8 kWh unit in the Extended variant. 

Here is all you need to know about how both specs differ in the powertrain department, condensed into a handy comparison table: 

Moving finally onto where this MPV will be most critically judged by its prospective buyers, the BYD M6’s cabin handily brings with it more space and kit than what its price tag might initially suggest. Touching on the space front first, this seven-seat people mover could actually fit 7 actual (albeit medium-sized) adults comfortably within its brown faux leather cabin, while its already decent 180-litre boot is further capable of being expanded to an even capacious 580-litres when the rear-most row is folded flat. 

In terms of the available kit within on the other hand, the M6 headlines up front with a typically BYD rotatable touchscreen, which in this application measures 12.8-inches and features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Also on the standard equipment list across the range is an analogue gauge cluster with a 5.5-inch TFT screen, 6 speakers, a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function with a 3.3 kW peak output, electrically-adjustable and ventilated pair of front seats (only available on the Extended trim), cruise control, a PM 2.5 air filter, rear row air vents, an electronic parking brake, as well as an NFC Digital Key function. 

For those who enjoy a spot of carpool karaoke too, BYD is proud to tout that the M6 supports a Karaoke microphone feature, ‘offering an entertaining experience with full access to lyrics when the vehicle is stationary’. This feature will be available as an optional accessory for purchase.

Naturally for a family car, the BYD M6 is expectedly loaded with all the safety features one can reasonably ask for. Both variants come with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), ISOFIX child restraint anchorage points, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS). 360° view monitor and six airbags, though the Extended variant adds a few more active safety tech like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Front and Rear Collision Warning (FCW, RCW), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), and Lane Departure Assist (LDA). 

The BYD M6 is available in a choice of four colours: Crystal White, Ink Stone Blue, Cosmos Black and Harbour Grey. The aftersales package offered by local official distributor Sime Darby Beyond Auto with this all-electric people mover locally currently encompasses a 6 years or 150,000 km for the vehicle, 8 years or 160,000 km with a State of Health (SOH) above 70% for the battery warranty and 8 years or 150,000 km for the drive unit. 

Those who are ready to order an M6 today could be entitled to a complimentary home charger, as part of the ongoing exclusive early-bird offer for the first 300 bookings of Extended variant nationwide. Additionally, the first 100 customers who book any variant of BYD M6 at the event-exclusive launch at Dataran Karnival Shah Alam will receive a RM 800 charging credit. 

Besides these launch-specific benefits, BYD is offering a Year-End Sales Campaign for other models. Customers can take advantage of interest rates as low as 0.88%, a 3-year standard service package, free road tax, a home charger, and a special rebate if they register their vehicle before the end of the month.