Check out the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i’s 2 trims

At the 13th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS), BYD Cars Philippines, a subsidiary of ACMobility, has launched the all-new eMAX 9 DM-i. 

From the get-go, it is clear that the plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) model targets buyers seeking a family-friendly, three-row ride that is focused on providing the utmost in creature comforts, drivability, and safety. 

The BYD eMAX 9 DM-i, however, is available in two different trims in the Philippine market. There’s the entry-level Advanced and the top-of-the-line Premium. 

So, how do these two different variants differ from each other, and will you miss out on a lot if you pick the more affordable entry-level version? Let’s find out here by comparing the two trims side-by-side. 

Powertrain 

One of the biggest differences between the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i Advanced and Premium has to do with their powertrains. To be more specific, the entry-level Advanced gets a smaller Blade Battery with a capacity of 20.4 kilowatt hours (kWh), while the top-spec Premium has a larger 36.6 kWh battery. 

The result of the said gap between battery sizes is apparent differences in total range and all-electric range. 

For the entry-level Advanced trim, BYD says it can cover up to 95 kilometers (km) on electric vehicle (EV) mode. The Premium, meanwhile, can travel up to 170 km exclusively in electric power. To note, both figures are according to New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) testing standards. 

In connection to the aforementioned EV mode ranges, the Advanced has a lower total extended range of 945 km, while the Premium boasts 1,000 km of extended range. 

Otherwise, the two eMAX 9 DM-i trims both use the same 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline-fed range extender and permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). At maximum, the said powertrain system on both variants can generate up to 267 horsepower (hp) and 315 Newton-meters of torque. 

Additionally, the Premium comes with a higher maximum direct current (DC) charging rate of 73 kilowatts (kW) compared to the 41 kW charge rate of the Advanced. Both, though, have selectable drive modes, regenerative braking, and a vehicle-to-load system. 

Here’s a table comparing the battery sizes, ranges, and other relevant mechanical specs of the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i Advanced and Premium trims: 

BYD eMAX 9 DM-i variant	Advanced	Premium
Internal combustion engine	1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline
Electric motor setup	Single PMSM
Battery size	20.4 kWh	36.6 kWh
EV range	95 km	170 km
Extended range	945 km	1,000 km
Horsepower	267
Torque	315 Nm
Maximum DC charge rate	41 kW	73 kW
Drive train	Front-wheel-drive

For ride quality and handling, the two BYD eMAX 9 DM-i trims both use a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension setup. Only the top-spec Premium, however, comes with BYD’s DiSus-C Intelligent damping system, which can make real-time adjustments during cornering and on bumpy roads to provide a smoother, stabler ride. 

Exterior

On the outside, the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i Advanced and Premium do not diverge too much. Both get the same elegant styling details and dimensions. 

In terms of size, the two trims are 5,145 millimeters (mm) long, 1,970 mm wide, and 1,805 mm in height. Both also get a ground clearance of 157 mm and a wheelbase length of 3,045 mm. On the one hand, the Premium, with its slightly wider array of creature comforts, is heavier than the Advanced by 180 kilograms (kg). 

Also common to both trims are LED lighting fixtures, automatic headlamp functionality, power-folding and adjustable side mirrors with puddle lamps, rain-sensing wipers, a set of 18-inch wheels, and a panoramic sunroof. 

Exclusive to the top-spec Premium, however, is a hands-free door sensing sliding door and tailgate, and an automatic tilting function of the side mirrors when reversing. 

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Interior

Inside, both BYD eMAX 9 DM-i trims get a three-row layout with second-row captain seats and a third-row bench-type seat.

Both trims offer power-adjustable front seats, but only the Premium adds power adjustment for all seats and a massage function for the driver’s seat and second-row captain seats. The entry-level also lacks the lumbar support function and the automatic-folding third row that are present on the top-spec Premium. 

With regard to digital displays, the two trims come standard with a 15.6-inch central infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Likewise available for both is a voice assistant, over-the-air updates, 4G connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The two variants of BYD’s latest model also get a wireless smartphone charging pad and numerous USB ports. The Premium, however, does get a 12-piece speaker set, which has the potential to sound better compared to the Advanced six-piece speaker set. 

Other features found on both the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i Advanced and Premium are the following: 

• Ambient lighting (128-color for Premium only)
• Foot well lamps
• Sound-proof windows
• Triple-zone automatic climate controls
• Leather upholstery
• Push-to-start button
• Electronic parking brake
• Drive mode selector
• NFC card reader
• Keyless entry system
• Anti-glare rearview mirror

Exclusive to the top-of-the-line Premium is a car refrigerator that can hold up to six regular car bottles. 

Safety

Regarding safety, the two versions of the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i come standard with dual front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, middle-row side airbags, anti-lock braking, ISOFIX, electronic stability control, hill-hold and descent control, tire pressure monitoring, vehicle dynamic control, electronic anti-theft system, and a brake override system - among others. 

With regard to advanced driver assist systems (ADAS), however, only the Premium was fitted with BYD’s DiPilot suite. The aforementioned includes:

• 360-degree view camera
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic emergency braking
• Front and rear collision warning
• Rear-cross traffic alert and braking
• Intelligent cruise control
• Intelligent high beam control
• Door open warning
• Blind-spot detection
• Front-cross traffic alert and braking
• Traffic sign recognition
• Emergency lane keep assist

Price

As of this writing, the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i Advanced retails at P2.678 million, while the top-spec Premium trim is priced at P2.998 million. Available colors for both trims include Deep Sea Blue, Cosmos Black, and Aurora White. 

Final thoughts

While both trims of the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i have enough stuff to make for a plush daily ride, the Premium clearly takes it up a notch. It pampers its users with a longer range, a wider array of safety features, and a wealth of creature comforts. 

So, if money is no object, the Premium variant takes the cake when you want a hybrid multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that’s fit for a king. 

On the other hand, the Advanced can still fulfill the needs of a highly mobile family. It has the same amount of space and is just as powerful as its more expensive top-spec counterpart. 

On that note, serious would-be buyers of the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i should test-drive each trim first. Doing so, after all, will make for a better car-buying experience in the end. 

Also read:

Here are the BYD Tang DM-i’s strengths, weaknesses

Here are BYD’s hybrid offerings in PH

BYD Tang EV vs DM-i: what are the differences

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