Here are the BYD eMAX 7's strengths, weaknesses

Three-row models are the go-to rides for many Filipino car buyers. As a culture, after all, we value the ability to travel together with family and friends. The result is the sheer popularity of multi-purpose vehicles (MPV). Ayala-led BYD Cars Philippines is well aware of this fact and has introduced the eMAX 7 to expand its growing portfolio. 

With a price range of P1.498 million-P1.748 million, the BYD eMAX 7 offers a lot for would-be adopters. It has an all-electric powertrain resulting in emissions-free driving, plus, it boasts a roomy interior with enough space for up to seven adult-sized occupants. 

Like any automobile, however, the eMAX 7 has its own set of strengths and some weaknesses that buyers should be aware of. 

Pros

Sleek MPV design

Unlike the ungainly MPV nameplates of the past, the BYD eMAX 7 boasts a sleek exterior design that will surely appeal to modern tastes. 

From the front, the BYD-made seven-seater comes with a sharp-looking fascia similar to the ones found on the BYD Atto 3. Specifically, it has sharp-looking LED headlamp clusters, a shapely lower front bumper, as well as a decent amount of silver and chrome trims. 

Viewed from the side, the model comes with an athletic profile filled with crisp character lines and a generously sized greenhouse. It doesn’t have bulging wheel arches or odd proportions, but the model’s side section leans more towards functional elegance. 

Its rear, on the other hand, is more on the quiet side, mainly due to its simple-looking lower rear bumper. Then again, the aforementioned part of the MPV does have some striking details, such as its reasonably-sized roof-mounted spoiler and its wrap-around LED taillights. 

Wrapping up the appearance of the BYD eMAX 7 is a set of 17-inch alloy wheels that come in a two-tone color scheme. 

Additionally, the BYD eMAX 7 comes with a host of exterior features that will make using the vehicle easier and more pleasurable on a day-to-day basis. It has automatic headlamp functionality, power-adjustable and folding side mirrors, roof rails, and puddle lamps - among others. 

For reference, here are the dimensions of the BYD eMAX 7:

Length (in millimeters)	4,710
Width (in mm)	1,810
Height (in mm)	1,690
Wheelbase length (in mm)	2,800
Ground clearance (in mm)	170

Loads of amenities

Despite its relatively accessible starting price, the BYD eMAX 7 comes with numerous amenities geared towards comfort. 

For starters, both the entry-level Standard and top-spec Superior Captain variants of the BYD-made MPV get leather upholstery, automatic air-conditioning, and a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Also common between the two eMAX 7 trims are technologies such as a voice assistant, 4G connectivity, over-the-air software updates, and access to the BYD smartphone app. 

Added convenience is likewise present on the BYD MPV courtesy of the aforementioned features:

• Door handle lights
• Foot well lights
• Six bottle/cup holders
• Keyless entry
• NFC card reader
• Analog gauge with 5-inch LCD display
• Two coat hangers

Moreover, the model has a default trunk capacity of 180 liters, which is more than enough for grocery shopping and other chores. With the second row down, the model can fit up to 580 liters of cargo. 

Exclusive to the BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain, however, are key features that further improve on-board comfort. Although it can only accommodate six occupants, it features power-adjustable front seats with ventilation, second-row captain's seats, a panoramic glass roof, and an ambient lighting system. 

Peppy powertrain

As mentioned above, the BYD eMAX 7 uses an all-electric powertrain. To be more exact, it is propelled by a single motor setup capable of churning out 201 horsepower (hp) on the Superior Captain and 160 hp on the Standard. Both trims can generate up to 310 Newton-meters of torque. 

With the said amount of output, the eMAX 7 stands as one of the more peppier MPV models in the market right now. 

Additionally, the BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain provides a range of 530 kilometers (km), which is plenty enough for daily driving in the city and for out-of-town trips. Topping up on range is likewise made fast and easy by its CCS2 port and direct current charging feature, which can fill up its Blade battery from 30-80 percent in just 30 minutes. 

To ensure stability and handling, the model uses a MacPherson strut suspension for the front and a multi-link suspension for the rear. Stopping power for the ride is handled by disc brakes for all four wheels. 

Comprehensive safety

Apart from being plentiful in power and amenities, the BYD eMAX 7 also has a comprehensive safety kit. 

For its standard gear, it has dual front airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, hill-hold control, tire pressure monitoring, and vehicle dynamic control - among others. 

On the Superior Captain variant, the aforementioned are reinforced by the following advanced driver-assist systems: 

• 360-degree view camera
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keep assist
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure assist
• Blind spot detection
• Predictive collision warning
• Rear collision warning
• Rear cross-traffic alert and braking
• Door open warning

Cons

Some driving amenities missing

As shown above, the BYD eMAX 7, even its entry-level Standard trim, comes equipped with numerous features. 

For some reason, however, the model lacks rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Mind you, many drivers can get by without those two features, but having them will significantly contribute to usability. 

BYD eMAX 7: specifications

Model	BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,710x1,810x1,690
Wheelbase (mm)	2,800
Ground clearance (mm)	170
Wheel size	17-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Power-adjustable front seats Wireless smartphone charging pad Triple-zone automatic air-conditioning Ambient lighting Sunroof Leather steering wheel Front seat ventilation
Infotainment system	12.8-inch rotating touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Six
Powertrain
Motor setup	Single motor
Range	530 km (NEDC)
Battery capacity	71.8 kilowatt hours
Horsepower	201
Torque	310 Nm
Drivetrain	Front-wheel-drive
Technology
ADAS	360-degree view camera Adaptive cruise control Lane-keep assist Automatic emergency braking Lane departure assist Blind spot detection Predictive collision warning Rear collision warning Rear cross-traffic alert and braking Door open warning
Price	P1.748 million

Final thoughts

In summary, the BYD eMAX 7 is a good buy. Sure, it may lack certain driving amenities that are already present in other BYD nameplates, but its balance of comfort, performance, and space is too hard to ignore for those in the market for an all-electric, friendly vehicle. 

With that said, many will be eyeing the BYD model as their next big car purchase. And, if you’re one of these looking to get the eMAX 7, we highly encourage you to take it out for a test drive first. 

Also read:

BYD Cars PH formally reveals eMAX 7 features, specs

Here are the BYD eMAX 7's 4 hues

Here's a closer look at the PH-spec BYD eMAX 7's variants