BYD Song Max


The BYD Song Max is a compact multi purpose vehicle developed by BYD since 2017. Initially available solely as an internal combustion engine vehicle with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, BYD introduced the plug-in hybrid and battery electric versions since 2019. In 2022, BYD discontinued the petrol-powered Song Max and replaced it with the plug-in hybrid Song Max DM-i after it ended production of ICE vehicles.
The second-generation BYD e6 is a battery electric vehicle heavily based on the Song Max that is predominantly sold as taxis and other fleet usage, which is sold since 2021 in China and in right-hand drive export markets such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and India. A more upscale version of the e6, borrowing elements from the newer Song Max with design revisions and a more powerful electric motor has been available as the BYD M6 since 2024 for export markets.

Overview

BYD released previewed images of the BYD Song Max in April 2017. In September 2017, the Song Max was launched in China. Only one engine was offered at launch, which is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine capable of producing and of torque with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed DCT gearbox.
In April 2019, BYD introduced the Song Max DM plug-in hybrid during the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show. The Song Max DM is equipped with a 1.5-liter petrol engine producing an electric motor producing. At the same show, BYD also showcased the Song Max EV. It was sold in limited quantity in Beijing since October 2019 as the Song Max EV Zhixing Limited Edition. It has a maximum power output of and of torque.
The related fleet-oriented BEV model second-generation BYD e6 was made available in late 2021 in both left-hand drive and right-hand drive formats.

2021 facelift

The Song Max received a facelift in August 2020 for the 2021 model year. The facelift includes a minor restyle for the front bumper and a redesigned rear end. The interior update features a 12.8 inch screen in the center console and 6-seater 2+2+2 configurations and 7-seater 2+3+2 configurations. The updated model is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo inline-4 engine producing a maximum output of and. The transmission is a 6-speed DCT gearbox. BYD ended the production of ICE model in March 2022.

Song Max DM-i

The Song Max DM-i is the updated version of the previous Song Max DM for the 2022 model year. The Song Max DM-i is equipped with the more efficiency-oriented DM-i plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 1.5-litre engine plus electric motor, with extended roof models added. The Song Max DM-i has 6-seater and 7-seater models to choose from, among which the extended roof models are all 6-seater. With the extended roof, the Song Max DM-i is as high as 1880mm adding the extra height to the interior space. The 1.5-litre engine from the DM-i setup is code-named BYD472QA, drops the turbocharger and produces a maximum power of, and the permanent magnet synchronous electric motor model is TZ220XYE, powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries. The combined power of the BYD Song Max DM-i reaches.

BYD M6 / eMax 7

In March 2024, BYD showcased a right-hand drive Song Max EV in Thailand at the Bangkok International Motor Show, which adopts a refreshed styling. In May 2024, the vehicle was revealed with a new name, the BYD 'M6'. The nameplate was previously used by a larger MPV in 2010. Depending on the market, the M6 is available with two battery options, both using the company's blade battery system; Standard Range with a 55.4 kWh battery pack and NEDC range of, and Extended Range with a 71.8 kWh battery pack and NEDC range of. The electric motor produces a of torque with differing power outputs depending on the battery option; on the Standard Range models, and on the Extended Range models.

Markets

Hong Kong

The M6 went on sale in Hong Kong in June 2024 with 6-seater and 7-seater options.

India

The M6 is marketed in India as the BYD 'eMax 7'. It was launched on 8 October 2024 in two variants with differing battery options: Dynamic and Extended, each with a 7-seater and 6-seater configurations.

Indonesia

The M6 was unveiled for the Indonesian market in July 2024 at the 31st Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show. It is the first mass-produced battery electric multi-purpose vehicle to be sold in Indonesia. Imported from China, the M6 is offered with a choice of two variants with differing battery options; Standard and Superior. A 7-seater configuration is standard on both types, with an optional 6-seater configuration available on the Superior.
In 2024, the M6 was the best-selling battery electric vehicle in Indonesia.

Malaysia

The M6 was launched at Malaysia on 15 October 2024 with two variants available: Standard and Extended. The M6 for the Malaysian market is only available in a 7-seater configuration.

Philippines

The M6 is marketed in the Philippines as the BYD eMax 7. It was launched on 7 April 2025, in two variants: Standard and Superior Captain, each variant are 7-seater and 6-seater configurations, respectively.

Singapore

The M6 was launched in Singapore on 22 October 2024, in the sole Superior variant and 7-seater configuration.

Thailand

The M6 was launched in Thailand on 9 September 2024. Imported from China, it is offered in two variant levels with differing battery options: Dynamic and Extended. The Dynamic is the Standard Range model, while the Extended is the Extended Range model. The M6 for the Thai market is only available in a 6-seater configuration.

Vietnam

The M6 was launched in Vietnam on 23 October 2024, in the sole variant using the 55.4 kWh battery pack and 7-seater configuration.

Trademark dispute

In March 2025, BMW Indonesia filed a lawsuit against BYD for unauthorized use of the "M6" trademark. BMW argued that the "M6" name, used by the BMW M6, is globally recognized for its high performance and exclusivity within its M lineup. BYD countered that the claim was "vague", stressing that the model is always marketed under the full label "BYD M6" and accompanied by the company's branding. In June 2025, the Central Jakarta Commercial Court rejected BMW's claims and dismissed the case, as the court found sufficient distinction between BMW's "M6" and BYD's "BYD M6" in both branding and vehicle type.

Sales

Song Max

M6 / eMax 7