BYD eMax 7 review: Electric MPV with features and specs

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The eMax 7 is BYD’s three-row electric MPV in India. Successor to the e6, the eMax 7 packs more punch. How’s it driving? Read our first drive report:

BYD eMax 7 review: Electric MPV with features and specs
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Chennai: When the e6 was launched in India in 2022, we knew very little about the BYD brand. In 2024, with some great products in the form of the Atto 3 and Seal, the brand has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in global markets. The Chinese manufacturer’s electric cars offer a good dose of performance, beauty and range. Importantly, be it the Atto 3, Seal or the e6, the BYD badge is increasingly being seen on Indian roads, and reportedly, has a strong order book. Cutting a long story short, riding on the positive momentum, BYD has launched the successor to the e6 in India. We got a chance to drive the eMax 7 for a few hundred kilometres in Chennai, and here are our initial opinions about the updated electric MPV:

Design: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
While the Atto 3 and Seal are attractive, the eMax 7 adopts a much simpler design language. It is over 4.7 metres long, rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and has a wheelbase of 2,800 mm. Dimensions are unchanged, with minor changes on the exterior. The 5-spoke, Y-shaped alloy design is new, and the brand says the inner part of the all-LED headlamp has been reworked. The grille is flush with a swipe of brushed finish. Similarly, the tail lamps are new. The LED unit looks upmarket and is end-to-end connected. There are four colour options to choose from.

Interior: Addressing the elephant in the room
For the e6, the cabin felt spacious for a 5-seater and feature appointments were disappointing. While the e6 seemed like a steal for fleet owners, the brand is attempting to attract a new audience with the eMax 7. With more features, an extra set of seats, flexibility in seating, and a focus on safety, the eMax 7 has no competition in the market.

Firstly, the interior layout has been revamped to accommodate third-row seats. Taller passengers will lack space and would prefer to ride only shorter ones. Thanks to a huge fixed sunroof and quarter glass, passengers will not feel claustrophobic.

BYD eMax 7 review: Electric MPV with features and specs

The eMax 7 is available in 6- and 7-seater configurations, and charges a ₹ 60,000 premium for the middle-row bench seats compared to the BYD Captur. Compared to the e6, the second-row legroom has decreased, however, it is still pleasant and comfortable. The new brown leatherette fabric is new and feels premium. Dedicated AC vents and charging ports are available, however, BYD could have also considered sun blinds and ventilation for the middle-row passengers.

The front row seats are spacious, supportive and electrically adjustable. The cabin gets a large 12.8-inch rotatable touchscreen, which comes with several new features. The output of the 360-degree camera is vibrant. The new gear selector feels premium, and the central area has been redesigned. Wireless charging is also the latest introduction. The soft touch on the door panels is a welcome change, but the dashboard could have been revised. It is basic in look and feel, and the manual inside rearview mirror certainly steals some points.

BYD eMax 7 review: Electric MPV with features and specs

Trims: Power for customers
Available in two trims, the range-topping Superior comes with Level-2 ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems), panoramic sunroof and powered and ventilated front seats. What differentiates the Superior and Premium are the motor and battery pack options. The Superior trim comes with a 71.8 kWh battery and the Premium a 55.4 kWh battery, which promise a claimed range of 530 km and 420 km respectively. The motor is a much-improved unit. The Superior trim generates 201 hp and the Premium 163 hp. Torque is the same at 310 Nm. In comparison, the e6 delivered 95 hp. A 7kW AC wall box charger comes as standard and supplementary with the eMax 7, which takes about 10 hours to fully charge the car.

BYD eMax 7 review: Electric MPV with features and specs

Drive: Familiar but sharp
We got a chance to drive the Superior trim. The eMax 7 feels livelier and sharper right out of the blocks, especially in Sport mode. There are three drive modes to choose from. Possibly, when fully loaded, the eMax 7 will feel more fun to drive than the e6. There are two levels of regeneration, and the larger mode feels quite intrusive. Regeneration cannot be turned off completely.

The ride is comfortable and the springs do a good job of handling road undulations at low speeds. There is a new steering wheel, which feels more compliant than before. Despite not being the most exciting car to drive, the eMax 7 lives up to its MPV tag. Handling is predictable and there is some amount of body roll around corners. Overall stability is good, and the braking power of the all-disc brakes is good too. The view from the driver’s seat is clear and wide, however, it is not as impressive as in high-seating SUVs. The Level 2 A-DAS adds a host of safety features, which are limited to the Superior trim. The price difference between the Premium and Superior trim is ₹ 2.4 lakh.

BYD eMax 7 review: Electric MPV with features and specs

Verdict: No competition
The BYD eMax 7 doesn’t excel in any area, and in terms of price and functionality it can pose a threat to the Toyota Innova Hycross. Compared to the e6, the eMax 7 feels luxurious to drive, better equipped and more premium. Sold as a CBU (completely built unit) in India, the BYD eMax 7 serves the purpose of carrying large families in comfort.

Kumud Sharma

https://diarytimes.com/

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