BYD eMAX 7

The BYD eMAX 7 gets a dual-tone black-brown interior. The dashboard features smooth plastics complemented by a faux black wood finish. Soft-touch materials adorn key touchpoints, including the center console, armrests, and door pads. But some dashboard areas utilize hard plastics that slightly detract from the premium feel.

The BYD eMAX 7 is available in both six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations to cater to varying family needs. In the six-seater mode, the second row features individual captain's chairs that are plush and supportive, ideal for long trips. The seven-passenger version gets a bench-type seat.

Front seats are ventilated and electrically adjustable, six-way for the driver and 4-way for the passenger. Taller passengers may find the under-thigh support lacking, particularly in the second and third rows, because of the high floor design. The third row is best suited for children. It offers adequate headroom but limited legroom.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Upscale interior

Cons: Cramped last row

Features and Technology

At the heart of the BYD eMAX 7's dashboard is a 12.8-inch rotatable touchscreen infotainment unit. It supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. The interface is responsive and user-friendly, with features like voice commands, gesture controls, and satellite navigation. The system includes inbuilt apps and supports wireless connectivity.

The BYD eMAX 7 comes with a 5.0-inch full colour instrument cluster flanked by analogue dials. The semi-digital setup may feel dated compared to fully digital clusters found in some competitors. 

Pros and cons

Pros: User-friendly infotainment unit

Cons: Lacks heads-up display

Boot Space and Storage

With the rear seats up, the BYD eMAX 7 gets 705 litres of boot space. The flat floor, makes it easier to load and unload heavy items. The rear seats also fold flat in a 60:40 split configuration, significantly expanding the boot's versatility. With the seats down, the total boot space increases to 1,430 liters. The MPV also gets 445 litres of front trunk storage, a common feature in many EVs. 

The BYD eMAX 7 gets numerous storage compartments strategically placed throughout the cabin. The central console has ample space for personal items such as phones, wallets, and keys. There's also a convenient storage tray beneath the armrest. The door pockets are spacious enough to hold bottles, maps, and other smaller items. The glovebox is large enough to store documents, and there are additional compartments for smaller personal items, making sure that every item has its place.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Front boot area

Cons: No powered tailgate option

The BYD eMAX 7 measures 4,710 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width, and 1,690 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,800 mm. 

The eMAX 7 is a seven-passenger MPV based on BYD's e-platform 3.0 and tailored for both family use and commercial applications such as ride-sharing or executive transport. The car presents a clean, confident silhouette. The BYD eMAX 7 has a commanding road presence without looking bulky or overbearing. The proportions are well-balanced. A long, sloping roofline gives it a streamlined profile, while subtle sculpting along the flanks and fenders adds visual interest without unnecessary complexity. The sliding rear doors are neatly integrated, maintaining the flow of the design.

The front-end of the BYD eMAX 7 conforms to the Shenzhen-based company’s ‘Ocean Aesthetics’ design language. A wide, enclosed grille panel stretches across the nose. It’s flanked by slim, angular headlights with a crystalline structure. The MPV gets all-around LED lighting. The sculpted hood and sharp daytime running lights (DRLs) lend the car a high-tech, aggressive edge. Chrome or satin-finish accents enhance the front-end. Air intakes at the lower bumper area are more for visual balance than cooling. The flush door handles and minimal body cladding contribute to aerodynamic efficiency. A strong shoulder line runs from the front fenders to the rear tail lamps. 

The wheel arches are subtly flared and house stylish 18-inch or 20-inch aero-optimized alloy wheels, depending on the trim. The wheels, with their turbine-inspired design, enhance both aesthetics and efficiency.

At the back, the BYD eMAX 7 gets a full-width light bar that links the tail lamps. It echoes the front DRL treatment. The taillight graphics are modern and instantly recognizable. The rear hatch is clean and uncluttered, with integrated spoilers and minimal badging. A matte silver skid plate element at the bottom hints at crossover-inspired ruggedness.

The BYD eMAX 7 is available in Crystal White, Cosmos Black, Harbour Grey, and Quartz Blue colour options.

Pros: Futuristic lighting sequence

Cons: Conservative side profile

The Standard model returns a claimed mileage of 420km on a full recharge. The Superior trim with a larger 71.8kWh battery, provides a claimed range of 530km on a full recharge. Real-world mileage varies based on driving conditions and terrain. The eMAX 7 utilizes BYD's advanced 8-in-1 electric powertrain system, integrating components like motor, reducer, on-board charger, and battery management system. 

Pros and cons

Pros: Extended range

Cons: Some rivals offer better highway mileage

The BYD eMAX 7 is equipped with a full suite of advanced driver-assist features. It includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, driver attention monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot detection.

The MPV gets a comprehensive 360-degree camera suite. It comprises four wide-angle high-resolution cameras mounted at the front, rear, and under each side mirror. This system offers 3D panoramic surround view, transparent chassis view that simulates a see-through floor to aid navigation, and recording capability for incidents. 

The BYD eMAX 7 is equipped with a long-range millimetre-wave radar in the front grille, two medium-range radars at the rear for cross-traffic and blind spot monitoring, and additional corner radars for lane change assist and parking sensors.

Pros and cons

Pros: Comprehensive safety suite 

Cons: Some features are limited to higher trims

The BYD eMAX 7 is available in two variants. The Standard trim is equipped with a 55.4kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery. It produces 161PS/310Nm. The Superior model is equipped with a 71.8kWh LFP battery that outputs 201PS/310Nm. The Superior variant accelerates from 0 to 100kmph in approximately 8.6 seconds, while the Standard does it about 10.1 seconds. Both models have a top speed of 180kmph. The instant torque characteristic of EVs ensures brisk acceleration, making city driving and highway overtaking effortless.

The BYD eMAX 7 comes with a two-level regenerative braking system. The standard mode offers a gentle deceleration, while the higher setting provides a more pronounced braking effect.

The MPV comes with Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes. The differences between modes are noticeable. But the overall power delivery remains smooth and linear under all settings.

Pros and cons

Pros: Two powertrain options

Cons: Limited top speed 

The BYD eMAX 7 is equipped with a full suite of advanced driver-assist features. It includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, driver attention monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot detection.

The MPV gets a comprehensive 360-degree camera suite. It comprises four wide-angle high-resolution cameras mounted at the front, rear, and under each side mirror. This system offers 3D panoramic surround view, transparent chassis view that simulates a see-through floor to aid navigation, and recording capability for incidents. 

The BYD eMAX 7 is equipped with a long-range millimetre-wave radar in the front grille, two medium-range radars at the rear for cross-traffic and blind spot monitoring, and additional corner radars for lane change assist and parking sensors.

Pros and cons

Pros: Comprehensive safety suite 

Cons: Some features are limited to higher trims

Competitor Comparison

The Toyota Innova 3 is one of the closest competitors of the BYD eMAX 7. But they differ significantly in design and performance. The BYD eMAX 7 is a fully electric MPV with modern tech and a focus on sustainability, offering a range of up to 400km on a single charge. It features a spacious interior with advanced features like touchscreen infotainment, premium finishes, and a futuristic design. On the other hand, the Toyota Innova is a more traditional fuel-powered MPV, renowned for reliability, practicality, and comfort. The Innova excels in engine power and a more conventional driving experience, making it ideal for families who prioritize versatility and dependability.

Conclusion and Final Verdict

The BYD eMAX 7 impresses with its sleek design, impressive range, and innovative technology. It strikes a perfect balance between performance and sustainability. While still refining certain features, the eMAX 7 stands as a promising contender in the Philippines EV market.