BYD eMAX 7 vs e6 – Is the Replacement Much Better?

BYD has launched the eMAX 7 electric MPV in India which is replacing the e6

This comparison between the new BYD eMAX 7 and e6 is great to experience what has changed. I am comparing the two in terms of prices, specs, features and design. You would already know that the eMAX 7 is the replacement for the e6 in our market. BYD is making concrete efforts toward establishing itself as a favourite EV maker on the slightly premium end of the segment. It currently sells the Atto 3, Seal and now the eMAX 7 in our market. Despite their hefty price tags, these are considered value propositions because of what they offer. With the latest eMAX 7, BYD becomes the first carmaker to launch a 6-/7-seat electric MPV in India. Let us delve into the details of this comparison here.

BYD eMAX 7 vs e6 – Price

The new BYD eMAX 7 is available in two variants – Premium and Superior. Both of these offer 6- or 7-seat configurations. The prices start at Rs 26.90 lakh and go all the way up to Rs 29.90 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, car buyers get all sorts of options to pick up the trim which meets their requirements completely. It is available in 4 body colour alternatives – Quartz Blue, Harbour Grey, Crystal White and Cosmos Black. On the other hand, the BYD e6 was on sale for Rs 29.15 lakh, ex-showroom. Remember, it was initially available only for commercial use. However, after the first few months, the Chinese auto giant made it available for private buyers too.

BYD eMAX 7 vs e6 – Specs

In terms of specifications, the new BYD eMAX 7 offers two battery pack choices – 55.4 kWh and 71.8 kWh. The aim is to keep the costs in check and allow all sorts of buyers to go for the option which makes more sense according to their lifestyles. Both these batteries feed an electric motor mounted on the front axle. With the smaller battery, the electric motor generates a decent 161 hp and 310 Nm of peak power and torque. The NEDC-certified range is 420 km. To complete a 0-100 km/h sprint, you need 10.1 seconds. Also, it supports 89 kW DC fast charging capabilities. On the other hand, with the larger battery, the power and torque are at 201 hp and 310 Nm, respectively. The Chinese automaker claims a range of 530 km on a single charge and it supports 115 kW DC fast charging. Completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in this configuration reduces the time to 8.6 seconds. This is pretty respectable for a car of this size and demeanour.

On the other hand, the outgoing BYD e6 was available in a single trim. It had a 71.7 kWh Blade Battery pack which powered an electric motor. On the WLTP cycle, the combined range for the city and highway was a decent 415 km on a single charge. This configuration generated a humble 94 hp and 180 Nm of peak power and torque. Hence, the new eMAX 7 is evidently much more powerful than the e6. Apart from that, going from 30% to 80%, using a DC fast charger, took 35 minutes. In this section, the new model is definitely better in every regard.

BYD eMAX 7 vs e6 – Features

This is one area which has become immensely important in the last few years. Customers want their vehicles to be feature-laden. In fact, the new-age buyers look for the latest gadgets and gizmos in terms of connectivity, tech, safety and convenience. Accordingly, car makers are equipping their products with the utmost functionalities to pamper the occupants. The newly launched eMAX 7 is a prime example of that. Its main highlights are:

• 12.8-inch Rotatable Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• 5-inch TFT Full LCD Instrument Cluster
• Panoramic Glass roof
• Synthetic Leather Seats
• 6-speaker Audio System
• Voice Assistant
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 4 USB Slots
• Regenerative Braking
• Follow Me Home Headlight
• PM2.5 Air Filter
• Tyre Repair Kit
• Electric Opening of Trunk
• 6- and 7-seat Layout
• 6-way Electric Adjustable Driver’s Seat
• 6-way Manual Adjustable Passenger’s Seat
• Ventilated Front Seats
• Keyless Entry and Start
• Electrically Adjustable and Foldable ORVMs
• Wireless Phone Charging
• Upper AC Vents
• V2L Technology
• One-touch Up/Down Windows for all 4 Doors with Anti-pinch Function
• Automatic AC
• Height Adjustable Headrests
• 6 Airbags
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• ABS with EBD
• Electric Parking Brake
• Electronic Stability Control
• Hill Hold Control
• Brake Disc Wiping System
• ADAS Features
• 360-degree Camera
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Blind Sport Detection

On the other hand, the BYD e6 used to offer:

• 10.1-inch Rotatable Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• Bluetooth and WiFi Connectivity
• 6-way Adjustable Front Seats
• Leather Seats
• CN95 Air Filtration
• 580-litre Boot Compartment
• 6 Airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Electronic Stability Program
• Automatic Air Conditioning
• Tilt Adjustable Steering Wheel with Controls
• Keyless Entry with Push Start/Stop Button
• Fabric Upholstery
• 4-speaker Audio System
• Bluetooth and USB Connectivity

Design and Dimensions

Even though the BYD eMAX 7 is replacing the e6, there are significant changes in terms of the design of the two vehicles. For starters, the Chinese car marque has done a thorough job in ensuring that the eMAX 7 bears enough new elements not to be called a mere facelift of the e6. The electric MPV gets a sleek LED headlamp section at the front connected by a chrome slab. The lower section of the bumper is much more exciting with various black materials and sporty splitter-type components underneath the bumper to lend a rugged appearance. On the sides, the alloy wheels look modern and the black side pillars with chrome surrounds enhance the premium quotient. At the rear, the shark fin antenna and the roof-mounted spoiler elevate its sturdy stance. I like the connected LED taillamp design and the premium-looking bumper.

On the other hand, the outgoing e6 also possesses that MPV-ish silhouette. However, the headlamp cluster, bumper, grille area and completely different in comparison to the eMAX 7. Admittedly, the side section resembles the new eMAX 7 quite a lot. We see the same curve on the window frames with chrome inserts, black side pillars and the typical bulge on the quarter glass. The design of the alloy wheels was different. Finally, the rear section was also unique with LED taillamps connected via a chrome belt. It had a shark fin antenna and roof-mounted spoiler along with a sporty bumper. All in all, there are enough differences between the front and rear to establish the individual identity of the eMAX 7.

My View

Now, in this case, it is clear that we can’t choose between the two since the e6 will no longer be on sale going forward. But we can attempt to answer the question of whether the new model is better than the outgoing model at this price point. I must admit that I certainly believe that BYD has done a commendable job by pricing the new eMAX 7 at the price range between Rs 26.90 and Rs 29.90 lakh, ex-showroom. The fact that the outgoing model, with much fewer features and a less powerful powertrain, was also priced at almost the same price in the top trim is mighty impressive. Essentially, you get a much better car at almost the same price.

Also Read: BYD eMAX 7 Electric MPV Launched – All You Need To Know