In a long overdue move, Sime Darby Beyond Auto finally introduced the electric BYD M6, into Malaysia. Boasting a seven-seater layout and comes in Standard or Extended versions, the M6 starts at RM109,800 on the road.
With a new design, the M6 is basically a facelifted version of the BYD E6, which was previously slated for the Malaysian market. The slim headlamps are connected by a full-width silver trim piece that reflects BYD’s revised design language. The MPV has full-width tail lamps with detailed accents and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Both specs are nearly identical on the outside, save for the addition of the roof rack railing on the Extended variant, alongside a radar unit on the front bumper. Standard exterior equipment of BYD M6 include 17-inch alloy rims, LED headlights, Full-width LED tail lights, Sequential turn indicators (rear)
On the dashboard is a 12.8-inch rotatable touchscreen that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The M6 has an analogue instrument cluster with a five-inch multi-info display between the two dials, a design in contrast to the digital displays found in the Dolphin, Atto 3, and Seal.
Standard interior equipment of the BYD M6 includes keyless entry with NFC key card unlock, automatic climate control with separate rear blower adjustments, synthetic leather upholstery, 360-degree surround view monitor, six-speaker audio system, and a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function.
There are two powertrains. Propelling the Standard is a front-mounted electric motor producing 163 horsepower and 310 Nm while a gutsier motor with 204 horsepower and 310 Nm is available with the Extended. For the Standard and Extended versions, this corresponds to a 0-100 km/h time of 10.1 and 8.6 seconds, respectively.
With its 55.4 kWh battery, the Standard can travel up to 420 kms (NEDC). With a 530 km range and a 71.8 kWh battery, the Extended travels even farther. The M6 may be charged using both AC (7 kW) and DC (up to 89 kW for the Standard version and 115 kW for the Extended version). The higher-spec variant can be charged from 10% to 80% capacity in just 40 minutes.
The Blade Battery, which is exclusive to BYD, powers the M6. High impacts and harsh circumstances, including compression, bending, heating to 300 degrees, and overcharging by 260%, are all tolerated by this battery system without resulting in an explosion or fire.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
To be honest, I wish BYD had chosen a better name than M6—an iconic name used by a well-known German brand. Maybe MI6 might have been more appropriate—just kidding. But this electric MPV, with its lowest common denominator styling, competitive range, and its reasonable price, put it in good stead to take on the segment.