BYD eMax 7 review - Comfort is a Great Priority

It wasn't that long ago that BYD was an unknown brand to Indians. Their first offering, the e6 MPV was initially just for fleet operators and was eventually made available to the mass market. The main reason we never saw many e6s on the road was because of BYD India's small dealer network. In addition, BYD was vying for market share in the fiercely competitive Innova segment. While the new eMax 7 is an updated e6, the upgrade is quite a big one and makes for a more promising product from the Chinese brand. But does it deliver? Does it have what it takes to dethrone the Innova from its high chair?

BYD eMax 7: Design

From a design standpoint, the e6 MPV's body style is very noticeable but it's safe to say that the eMax 7 is a more 2024 version of that car. The face is quite simple with the glamorous headlights stealing the entire show. Most of that is due to the fact that the front end doesn't have too much going about it. I mean it isn't boring per se but it is what you call "Minimalist Design" in today's day and age. The eMax 7 is not trying to pass as an SUV by any means and it is by all means an MPV. Very true to its segment.

The profile is by far my favourite angle to view this car from with its hunkered-down proportions and surprisingly stunning-looking wheels. From the rear, it again looks very inoffensive with that lightbar connecting the taillights and the reworked bumper is a neat touch. Quite a sharping-looking package from the Chinese I'd say.

BYD eMax 7: Interior & Features

On the inside, BYD seems to have heard about the shortcomings its customers have with e6 and has focused on those details. To begin with, the eMax 7 can be had as either a 6 or 7-seater, unlike the previous car which was restricted to just 5 occupants. If it were up to me, I'd opt for this in its 6-seater format as the captain seats in the second row are just perfect to snooze. Getting in is very easy as the car sits quite low and once in, you will notice that you have ample amounts of knee and headroom. The seats are extremely comfortable but taller passengers would feel the need for a bit more under-thigh support.

You can easily access those third row of seats in this 6-seater version and it's surprising how well BYD has curated this extra row. It's obviously no lounge like the middle row but even then it is far from cramped. Knee room is pretty decent and headroom is equally good so even if someone has to do longer journeys in this space, it won't feel like a punishment. All rear-seat passengers get their own individual AC vent but there could have been an integration of additional charging ports for passengers in the 3rd row. The boot space is generous at 180 litres but if you don't have people sitting in the last row, you can fold them seats down to expand your boot to a total capacity of 580 litres.

The cabin of the eMax 7 has a relatively neat design and the use of high-quality materials is quite generous. The black dash and brown seats do a very good job of complimenting each other. The party trick though has to be the 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen. Depending on your preference, you can operate it horizontally or in tablet mode at the push of a button. The whole system works exceptionally well and it is very easy to operate even on the move. The centre console is new as well and is actually the only place where you would find any physical buttons.

Something that doesn't do justice to the rest of the car though is the instrument cluster. My issue isn't really with the fact that at this price point, you get analogue dials but with the TFT screen between them. This 5-inch unit looks extremely 2010 because of the washed-up graphics. Yes, the info it displays is very basic and does the job, but keeping in mind it is in the same car that has one of the best infotainments right now, it does look awkward. The features list is stacked with a 360-degree camera, a large panoramic glass roof, two wireless phone chargers, a PM 2.5 air filtration system, a 6-speaker audio system, a powered tailgate, 6 airbags, TPMS, lock/unlock using an NFC card and level 2 ADAS.

BYD eMax 7: Driving Impressions

The eMax 7 is offered strictly in two variants, Premium and Superior. The Premium features a 55.4kWh battery pack with a front-mounted motor that produces 163PS. The Superior on the other hand though has a much larger 71.8kWh battery pack and an even more powerful motor with 204PS and 310Nm of torque. BYD claims it can do 0 to 100 kph in just 8.6 seconds and has a driving range of 530 kilometres on a single charge.

The Blade Battery Technology from BYD is by far one of the most sought-after batteries in the world of EVs with the brand running it through some of the most rigorous tests that include the nail penetration test and an extreme strength test that sees a 46-tonne truck driving right over the battery. The placement of the cells and the tight packaging is actually reflected on the road in how well the battery manages to conserve and deliver power.

Standard and Larger are the two different regeneration modes but the difference felt between the 2 is not night and day. There are three drive modes as well - Eco, Normal and Sport and here there is a decent amount of difference in the way the vehicle behaves. Obviously, in Eco, it drives more calmly and has a very unhurried nature. Switch into Sport and that's when you feel the rapid electric boost just chucking this 3-row MPV easily past 100 kph.

Being a people carrier, ride quality has to be a top-tier priority for the eMax 7, especially keeping in mind it intends to lock horns with the Innova. It's effortless on highways and doesn't feel break a sweat. You barely feel any of the road's imperfections travel through the cabin and even the ones that do get in aren't harsh. Body roll is also well controlled and the eMax 7 actually has the ability to take on a corner at slightly higher speeds without passengers feeling the need to hold on for their lives. In the city, the car delivers equally well and it's very easy to manoeuvre it around without feeling the large size.

Now, regardless of which mode driving mode you are in, the vehicle steering wheel lacks feel. Yes, it's an EV but even then, BYD could have addressed the issue better. At least in Sport mode, the driver should have a sense of connection to the road.

BYD eMax 7: Verdict

Prices for the eMax 7 start from Rs 26.90 lakh (ex-showroom) while the Superior variant starts at Rs 29.30 lakh (ex-showroom) and while it is not perfect it still brings a lot to the table. The ride quality is exceptional and so is the rear set experience. The tech is some of the best in its class and the powertrain easily has the capacity to convince you that range anxiety is a thing of the past. It might not be the flashiest of cars in terms of road presence and the driving dynamics could be a bit more lively but if you're looking for something to move your entire family in and want it to be friendly towards the planet, then looking toward the eMax 7 might just be your best option.