BYD eMax 7 India Launch Next Month: What We Know So Far

BYD India is gearing up to launch the eMax 7, an all-electric MPV, in early October. The eMax 7 is a significantly updated iteration of the BYD e6, which has been on Indian roads since 2021. With its new design, advanced features, and upgraded powertrain, the eMax 7 aims to solidify BYD's presence in the electric MPV market and provide strong competition to the popular Toyota Innova Hycross.

The most noticeable update in the eMax 7 is the addition of a third row of seating, a feature absent in the five-seater e6. Sources indicate that the new MPV will be offered in both 6- and 7-seater configurations. While the inclusion of additional seats will inevitably reduce the cargo space compared to the e6, BYD has upgraded the seating materials, replacing the previous fabric upholstery with a premium leatherette.

The eMax 7’s most direct competitor, the Toyota Innova Hycross and even the Maruti Suzuki Invicto, offer a similar seating layout in a slightly larger body, creating an interesting matchup in terms of space and versatility. However, while the Innova Hycross focuses on hybrid technology, the eMax 7 is a pure electric vehicle (EV). 

BYD is aiming to differentiate the eMax 7 with a slew of new features. One of the standout additions is the brand’s signature 12.8-inch rotating infotainment screen. This screen was a popular feature in the earlier e6 model and will likely be a key selling point against the competition. The eMax 7 also offers a fixed panoramic glass roof. The redesigned centre console now includes faux wood and aluminium inserts, alongside more premium-looking switchgear and soft-touch materials on the dashboard. The inclusion of an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite further boosts the vehicle's technological appeal.

Internationally, the BYD eMax 7 is offered with two battery options: a 55.4 kWh battery delivering a claimed range of 420 km, and a 71.8 kWh battery that extends the range to 530 km. The smaller battery generates 161 bhp, while the larger one produces 201 bhp. Both variants feature a torque output of 310 Nm, marking a substantial improvement over the existing e6, which produces 94 bhp and 180 Nm of torque. 

For the Indian market, BYD already provides the 71.8 kWh battery option in the e6, making it likely that this larger battery will continue to be available with the eMax 7. However, there is still no confirmation on whether the smaller 55.4 kWh battery option will be introduced in India. The addition of a more affordable, smaller-battery variant could broaden the vehicle’s appeal, especially in a market where cost and range anxiety are significant factors for EV adoption.

In terms of pricing, the eMax 7 is expected to see only a minor increase over the existing e6, which is priced at ₹29.15 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Industry sources suggest that the eMax 7 will be priced between ₹30 lakh and ₹33 lakh (ex-showroom, India), placing it in direct competition with the Toyota Innova Hycross, which tops out at ₹30.98 lakh for its top-spec ZX (O) hybrid variant.