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

BYD Cars Philippines entered the country’s multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment not too long ago. Its entry came in the form of the all-electric eMAX 7, offering modern Filipino families a technologically sound, sustainable ride. 

On that note, we take a look at its two available variants — Standard and Superior Captain — to help car buyers select which trim best suits their motoring needs. 

To start things off, let’s look at its dimensions and capacities: 

	Standard	Superior Captain
Dimensions (LxWxH in millimeters [mm>)	4,710 x 1,810 x 1,690
Wheelbase (in mm)	2,800
Ground clearance (in mm)	170
Turning radius (in meters)	5.80
Curb weight (in kilograms)	1,800	1,895
Maximum cargo capacity (in liters)	580
Seating capacity (persons)	7	6

 

Exterior 

Outside, both the BYD eMAX 7 Standard and Superior Captain grades wear the same fascia and have similar appointments. 

At the fore, these MPVs look much like their stablemates, the BYD Atto 3 crossover and Tang electric sport utility vehicle. Some semblance of the marque’s other models, such as the Sealion 6 DM-i, as well as the Seal and Han electric sedans, can be made out of its seamless front end. 

Found here is a pair of LED headlights with automatic on and off functionality, a chrome center strip bearing the “BYD” emblem, and a strong chin. 

To its sides are slightly ascending bodylines that add to the stable stance of the MPV. The plain-looking flanks get some decorative elements, namely blacked-out pillars, electronic two-tone side mirrors (black trim), and body-colored door handles. 

Both BYD eMAX 7 variants ride on two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 series tires. 

Finally, the rear end gets a roof-mounted spoiler, LED taillamps, rear fog lamps, and two reflectors on each side of the MPV’s bumpers. 

Here are some of their notable exterior features: 

• Manual-adjust headlights 
• With daytime running lights 
• Side mirror-integrated turn signals 
• Rear fog lamps 
• Spoiler-integrated third brake lamp 
• Sequential rear turn signal 
• Variable intermittent front wipers 
• With rear windshield defogger 

Here is how the two variants differ, exterior-wise: 

	Standard	Superior Captain
Power tailgate	N/A	With (one-touch open, close)
Roof rails	N/A	With

 

The BYD eMAX 7 is available in the following colors: 

• Quartz Blue 
• Cosmos Black 
• Crystal White 
• Harbour Grey 

Check out our in-depth look at the electric MPV’s pallete, here. 

Interior 

When it comes to their cabins, the BYD eMAX 7 Standard and Superior Captain also have a bunch of similarities. 

For example, the instrument cluster and the infotainment system offer the same functionalities and real estate size: 

• Five-inch LCD instrument panel 
• 12.8-inch rotating infotainment display with Apple Carplay, Android Auto, Bluetooth 
• Six speakers 
• With voice assistant
• With 4G connectivity 
• With over-the-air update capabilities 

The same can be said of its air conditioning system, which offers the following functionalities: 

• Automatic climate 
• With PM 2.5 air filter 
• With physical switches and touchscreen-integrated controls 

Below are other interior features shared by the two BYD eMAX 7 variants: 

• Soft-touch panels 
• With coat hanger 
• With sun visors 
• With grab rails 
• With keyless entry 
• With push start button 
• With power windows 
• With Type-A, Type-C charging ports 
• With 12-volt power socket 

Differences between the BYD eMAX 7’s Standard and Superior Captain variants are evident with its seats. Let’s start with the front seating: 

	Standard	Superior Captain
Driver’s seat	Manual 6-way	Power 6-way
Front passenger’s seat	Manual 6-way	Power 4-way

 

The second-row seats for the seven-seater, entry-level BYD eMAX 7 Standard come in a bench-style layout with 60:40 split folding adjust feature. Meanwhile, the range-topping six-seater Superior Captain offers more space with its captain’s chairs that have independent folding functionalities. 

Both third-row seats get some decent space with fold-down features. 

Those who will opt for the BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain will also enjoy the following amenities: 

• Ventilated seating 
• Panoramic glass roof
• Ambient lighting 
• Wireless charging pad 

Electric powertrain, chassis 

Propelling the BYD eMAX 7 is an all-electric powertrain system, consisting of a permanent magnet synchronous motor that spins the front wheel axle. The said mill is juiced by the BYD Blade lithium iron phosphate battery with varying sizes, based on the variant. 

Below is a table that shows the difference in the trims’ power figures: 

	Standard	Superior Captain
Maximum power output (in horsepower)	160	201
Maximum torque (in Newton-meters)	310
Battery capacity (in kilowatt-hours)	55.4	71.8
Driving range (in kilometers)	420	530
Top speed (in kilometers per hour [kph>)	180
Acceleration speed (0-100 kph in seconds)	10.1	8.6

 

Every purchase of the BYD eMAX 7 comes with the below accessories: 

• Portable charging cable
• Wall-mounted charger (seven kilowatts)
• Vehicle-to-load (V2L) adapter 

Braking power comes from ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. These are coupled by a MacPherson strut setup at the fore and a multi-link suspension arrangement at the back. 

Safety 

Since the BYD eMAX 7 is touted as a smart family carrier, it is not surprising to see it loaded with safety technologies, both standard and advanced. 

Basic safety features come in the form of the below systems: 

• Airbags 
• Seatbelts
• Traction control system 
• Electronic stability control 
• Anti-lock braking 
• Hill hold control 
• Tire pressure monitoring 
• Electronic anti-theft alarm 
• Vehicle dynamic control 
• Electronic brake-force distribution 

The aforementioned are standard for both the BYD eMAX Standard and Superior Captain variants. 

On the other hand, those picking the top-tier MPV will get the following safety benefits through the brand’s DiPilot advanced suite of safety features: 

• 360-degree camera system 
• Radar system 
• Cruise control 
• Lane keeping assist 
• Automatic emergency braking 
• Lane departure assist 
• Blind spot detection 
• Predictive collision warning 
• Rear cross-traffic alert 
• Rear cross-traffic braking 
• Door open warning 

Pricing 

The BYD eMAX 7 has the following sticker prices: 

• BYD eMAX 7 Standard: P1.498 million 
• BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: P1.748 million 

Final thoughts 

At under P2 million, the BYD eMAX 7 offers modern Filipino families a good value proposition for a car that can help them transition to a cleaner means of transportation. 

Not only does it come with charging components upon purchase, but it also offers a tech-savvy ride with a robust list of safety technologies to keep its would-be owners peace of mind while on the road. 

The bottom line is, those who want to step into the world of electric mobility without breaking the bank can stick to the BYD eMAX 7’s base trim. However, those who want to enjoy the small, yet finer amenities, as well as some advanced safety technologies, will have to dish out more dough. 

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