The BYD Song Max (Chinese: 比亚迪宋MAX) is a compact multi purpose vehicle (MPV) developed by BYD since 2017. Initially available solely as an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, BYD introduced the plug-in hybrid and battery electric versions since 2019. In 2022, BYD discontinued the petrol-powered Song Max and replaced it with the plug-in hybrid Song Max DM-i after it ended production of ICE vehicles.
The second-generation BYD e6 is a battery electric vehicle heavily based on the Song Max that is predominantly sold as taxis and other fleet usage, which is sold since 2021 in China and in right-hand drive export markets such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and India. A more upscale version of the e6, borrowing elements from the newer Song Max with design revisions and a more powerful electric motor has been available as the BYD M6 since 2024 for export markets.
Overview
BYD released previewed images of the BYD Song Max in April 2017.[2] In September 2017, the Song Max was launched in China. Only one engine was offered at launch, which is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine capable of producing 156 hp (116 kW) and 240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) of torque with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed DCT gearbox. The engine remained the only powertrain option until 2022.[3]
In April 2019, BYD introduced the Song Max DM plug-in hybrid during the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show. The Song Max DM is equipped with a 1.5-liter petrol engine producing 118 kW (160 PS; 158 hp) an electric motor producing 110 kW (150 PS; 150 hp).[4][5] At the same show, BYD also showcased the Song Max EV. It was sold in limited quantity in Beijing since October 2019 as the Song Max EV Zhixing Limited Edition. It has a maximum power output of 120 kW (160 PS; 160 hp) and 280 N⋅m (28.6 kg⋅m; 207 lb⋅ft) of torque.[6][7]
The related fleet-oriented BEV model second-generation BYD e6 was offered in late 2021 in both left-hand drive and right-hand drive formats.
Song Max (ICE)
Rear view
2021 facelift
The Song Max received a facelift in August 2020 for the 2021 model year. The facelift includes a minor restyle for the front bumper and a redesigned rear end. The interior update features a 12.8 inch screen in the center console and 6-seater 2+2+2 configurations and 7-seater 2+3+2 configurations. The updated model is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo inline-4 engine producing a maximum output of 120 kW (161 hp; 163 PS) and 245 N⋅m (25.0 kg⋅m; 181 lb⋅ft). The transmission is a 6-speed DCT gearbox.[8] BYD ended the production of ICE model in March 2022.[9]
2021 Song Max facelift (ICE)
Rear
Song Max DM-i
The Song Max DM-i is the updated version of the previous Song Max DM for the 2022 model year. The Song Max DM-i is equipped with the more efficiency-oriented DM-i plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 1.5-litre engine plus electric motor, with extended roof models added. The Song Max DM-i has 6-seater and 7-seater models to choose from, among which the extended roof models are all 6-seater. With the extended roof, the Song Max DM-i is as high as 1880mm adding the extra height to the interior space. The 1.5-litre engine from the DM-i setup is code-named BYD472QA, drops the turbocharger and produces a maximum power of 81 kW (109 hp; 110 PS), and the permanent magnet synchronous electric motor model is TZ220XYE, powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries. The combined power of the BYD Song Max DM-i reaches 145 kW (194 hp; 197 PS).[10]
2022 Song Max DM-i (PHEV)
Rear
BYD M6 / eMax 7
In March 2024, BYD showcased a right-hand drive Song Max EV in Thailand at the Bangkok International Motor Show, which adopts a refreshed styling.[11] In May 2024, the vehicle was revealed with a new name, the BYDM6.[12] The nameplate was previously used by a larger MPV in 2010. Depending on the market, the M6 is available with two battery options, both using the company's blade battery system; Standard Range with a 55.4 kWh battery pack and NEDC range of 420 kilometres (260 mi), and Extended Range with a 71.8 kWh battery pack and NEDC range of 530 kilometres (330 mi). The electric motor produces a 310 N⋅m (31.6 kg⋅m; 229 lb⋅ft) of torque with differing power outputs depending on the battery option; 120 kW (161 hp; 163 PS) on the Standard Range models, and 150 kW (201 hp; 204 PS) on the Extended Range models.
2024 BYD M6 (BEV)
Rear view
Interior
Markets
Hong Kong
The M6 went on sale in Hong Kong in June 2024 with 6-seater and 7-seater options.[13]
Indonesia
The M6 was unveiled for the Indonesian market in July 2024 at the 31st Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show.[14] It is the first mass-produced battery electric multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) to be sold in Indonesia.[15][16][17] Initially imported from China,[18] the M6 is offered with a choice of two variants with differing battery options; Standard (55.4 kWh) and Superior (71.8 kWh). A 7-seater configuration is standard on both types, with an optional 6-seater configuration (with second-row captain seats) available on the Superior.[19]
India
The M6 is marketed in India as the BYD eMax 7. It was introduced on 8 October 2024 in two variant levels with differing battery options: Dynamic and Extended, each with a 7-seater and 6-seater configurations.[20]
Thailand
In Thailand, the M6 went on sale on 9 September 2024. Imported from China, it is offered in two variant levels with differing battery options: Dynamic and Extended. The Dynamic is the Standard Range model (55.4 kWh; 420km), while the Extended is the Extended Range model (71.8 kWh; 530km). The M6 for the Thai market is only available in a 6-seater configuration.[21]
Vietnam
The M6 was previewed in Vietnam in September 2024 and will be on sale in October.[22]
Malaysia
The M6 was launched at Malaysia on 15 October 2024 with two variants available: Standard (55.4 kWh) and Extended (71.8 kWh). The M6 for the Malaysian market is only available in a 7-seater configuration.[23]
Singapore
The M6 arrived and went on sale in Singapore early October 2024, and only the 7-seater "Superior" variant (71.8 kWh) is being offered. It was officially launched on 22 October 2024.