SHAH ALAM: The BYD M6 all-electric 7-seater family multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) is launched here today.
BYD distributor Sime Darby Motors is offering it in two variants of Standard and Extended.
The Standard is priced at RM109,800 (on-the-road without insurance) and the Extended is RM123,800.
Zhao (left) and Gan at the launch.
The Standard comes with 55.4kWh battery for a range of 420km (NEDC) and a 0-100kph dash of 10.1 seconds.
The electric motor delivers 120kW and 310Nm of torque. It has a DC charging rate of 89kW and kerb weight of 1,800kg.
The Extended version has a 71.8kWh battery, a range of 530km and 0-100kph sprint of 8.6 seconds. The motor delivers 150kW and 310Nm of torque.
It has a DC charging rate of 115kW and kerb weight of 1,915kg.
While AC charging for both variants is limited to 7kW, the M6 also supports Vehicle-to-Load (VTL) capability.
Both the front-wheel drive M6 use BYD's LFP (lithium iron phosphate) Blade battery, which is cheaper and more robust than the NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) battery found in more expensive electric cars.
With today's launch, BYD now offers four models of different body-styles. The Chinese marque entered Malaysia with the Atto 3 SUV in December 2022, followed by the Dolphin hatchback in 2023 and then the Seal sedan in early this year.
The M6 launch was followed by scheduled media test drives, interactive displays showcasing the MPV's advanced features and experts talking about the BYD brand and electric technology.
To woo buyers, BYD is offering a free home charger to the first 300 customers who book the Extended variant.
The first 100 customers to book any variant of the M6 at the launch event in Dataran Karnival Shah Alam here will get a RM800 charging credit.
The electric MPV comes with a six-year/150,000km vehicle warranty, eight-year/160,000km high voltage Blade battery warranty and eight-year/150,000km Drive Units warranty which covers motor, motor controller, DC assembly and high voltage electric control assembly.
The M6 features a Dragon face styling with crystal diamond starlight floating LED headlight.
At the rear, it gets floating light charming LED taillights with dynamic turn signals and a light bar.
Wheels are the 17-inch type with Star Speed Dynamic design.
Power steering is the electric-type with front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspension along with front ventilated disc brakes and rear solid discs.
The M6 has a wheelbase of 2,800mm, length of 4,710mm, width of 1,810mm, height of 1,690mm and bootspace of up to 580 litres.
Inside, there are a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen powered by BYD Di-Link system that integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, five-inch TFT full LCD combination instrument cluster, six speakers, Bluetooth connectivity and multiple USB type A and C ports.
Other features include keyless entry and start, PM2.5 air filtration and automatic air conditioning.
The M6 also supports NFC Digital Key function that allows users to conveniently securely unlock, lock and start their vehicles with a compatible smartphone or wearable device.
The black-and-brown interior theme is used while the upholstery is synthetic leather.
Safety features are six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX childseat anchoring points, anti-lock braking system, electric parking brake, electronic stability programme, traction control, auto hold, hill hold control, 360-degree vies monitor and four rear radar sensors.
The Extended variant gets additional front ventilated and power-adjusted front seats, door open warning, autonomous emergency braking, front and rear collision warning, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert and brake, lane departure assist, emergency lane keeping assist, intelligent cruise control, intelligent high beam control, panoramic glass roof, roof racks and electric tailgate with remote opening.
Available colours are Crystal White, Ink Stone Blue, Cosmos Black and Harbour Grey.
At the regional level, BYD first rolled out the M6 in Indonesia in July followed by Thailand last month.
The M6 comes in seven and six-seat formats in Indonesia, while it's only specified as a six-seater in Thailand.
BYD does not sell the electric M6 in its home market.
BYD Malaysia managing director Eagle Zhao said the company is committed to bringing products that meet the diverse needs of customers.
"The M6 is our latest offering designed specifically for family-oriented customers.
"It stands out as an electric MPV delivering a unique driving experience and comfort that sets it apart from other MPVs.
"This model comes equipped with advanced safety features which are essential for a family vehicle, ensuring peace of mind during every journey.
Meanwhile, Sime Darby Motors Southeast Asia managing director Jeffrey Gan said the M6 serves to bridge the gap between eco-conscious driving and the practical needs of larger families.
"With the M6, we are not only offering a sustainable transport solution but also redefining what families can expect from an electric vehicle in terms of space, versatility and advanced features," he said.
