BYD eMax-9 DM-i: smart investment
In a highly competitive setting, we all seek for an edge that will help us do more, accomplish more and go further. Something that delivers exceptional value, provides impressive versatility and crucially, excellent efficiency.
What is that something? Enter BYD’s eMax-9 DM-i.
The eMax-9 DM-i is the brand’s entrant to the luxury 7-seat people mover segment. It’s a technological tour-de-force packed with features like BYD’s ADAS technology suite called DiPilot (Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane-Assist), a 360° camera, an enormous 15.6 inch infotainment screen with CarPlay/Android Auto, and luxurious features like massaging seats and V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) power sharing, all designed for high comfort, safety, and efficiency in this large family MPV. The driver gets a smaller 12.3 inch LCD display for the vehicle’s primary instrument panel. It even has 4G connectivity available, and being a high-tech BYD, offers over the air updates to its vehicle systems.
But at the heart of it all is BYD’s impressive DM-i technology (Dual-Mode Intelligent) is a plug-in hybrid system composed of a 1.5 liter turbocharged generator gasoline engine and an electric motor, offering a combined system output of a very broad 267 HP and 315 Newton-Meters of instant torque. The gasoline engine essentially charges the on-board battery and allows the eMax-9 to operate in electric mode by default. Best of both worlds, as the internal-combustion engine acts as a range extender.
With DM-i, you get very impressive overall efficiency and thus, an unparalleled range per tank of fuel: 170km in pure electric driving thanks to its 36.6kwh battery, with a total combined hybrid range of just over 1,000 kilometers for the top-tier Premium variant.
The lower Advanced variant offers a lesser but still noteworthy 95km of pure electric driving range with its 20.4kwh battery. The total combined range is down slightly to 945km but it’s lighter thanks to the smaller battery. Even with the Advanced trim, it trumps the Japanese luxury vans in range both electric-only and combined overall range. With the average Filipino Motorist driving 41 kilometers a day, you can go more than two full days driving your eMax-9 in full electric mode with the Advanced variant and more than four days with the Premium variant.
On the move, the eMax-9 is actually enjoyable to drive. You easily surge forward at the slightest prod of the throttle thanks to the instant torque. Body control is impressive, roll is minimal and steering, though a bit wooly is precise and accurate. The brakes are also reassuring. On the highway, the eMax-9 is a serene cruiser: the EV motor silently propels the luxurious people mover easily on a gentle cruise up to 80-90kmh. You do feel more relaxed and refreshed with silent motoring.
It’s also very versatile: the third row folds away, the middle row slides forward and back. You have 470 liters of cargo space with the third row up, expanding to 2,036 liters with them stowed. Perfect for hauling large items, or bringing the entire family on road trips!
But the real treat is in the second-row captain’s seats. They slode forward and back, adjusting for more legroom, or more space for the third row while also reclining for added comfort. The second row occupants also get their own controls for the multi-zone climate control system.
Should you ever need to travel great distances in a single day, the eMax-9 is an excellent choice. No wonder luxury vans like these are slowly replacing traditional sedans and popular cross-overs as everyday means of mobility for the well-heeled.
The comfort, refinement and almost zero NVH from a traditional internal combustion engine allows you to rest better, re-focus and recharge, your body at ease, your mind at peace during the journey.
That is why the eMax-9 DM-i is such a smart investment!
