The MPV market has long been dominated by a single giant, with Toyota's Innova frequently being the only name people remember. However, BYD, the Chinese auto giant, is quietly and effectively making its presence known in the Indian market, kicking off with the commercial-only E6, which proved to be an unexpected hit in the fleet world. BYD has stepped it up with the eMax 7, a more refined and family-friendly electric MPV that claims to challenge Toyota's power. Does this all-electric workhorse have a chance against the Innova in India's MPV market? Maybe it's because it's not so much of a workhouse!
To understand the eMax 7, it's worth looking at how its predecessor, the E6, set the stage for BYD in India. Sold primarily to fleet operators, the E6 earned a reputation for reliability, decent range, and impressive driving refinement—qualities worth noting how its predecessor, the E6, paved the way for BYD in India. The E6, primarily supplied to fleet operators, earned a reputation for dependability, decent range, and exceptional driving refinement—all of which are unusual in the EV fleet market. With the eMax 7, BYD aims higher, luring private owners with a luxury appearance and a competitive set of features, all while keeping prices reasonable.
The eMax 7 comes in two battery and motor configurations that should appeal to many customers. The entry-level model is powered by a 55.4kWh battery and a single motor that generates 161bhp, while the flagship model has a 71.8kWh battery and produces 201bhp. Both produce 310Nm of torque, with the larger battery version reaching 0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds, which is quite impressive for an MPV and should be one of the quicker MPVs on sale in India.
Range figures are also healthy. The 71.8kWh variant has an officially claimed range of 530km on the NEDC cycle, while the smaller battery promises 420km. BYD's real-world range claims are pretty accurate, and the eMax 7 has a relatively low power demand, so it doesn't lose range in enthusiastic driving modes. This benefits families because it reduces range anxiety on prolonged road journeys.
Performance & Handling:
The eMax 7 is surprisingly nimble for an MPV. The steering has a nice weight that provides drivers confidence even at fast lane changes, and the battery pack's low centre of gravity helps control body roll. Naturally, when you push it too far into a corner, the body roll and nose dive appear—an unsightly reminder that it still relies on MPV/crossover principles. However, having discs everywhere makes the braking feel appropriate for worry-free stoppages.
Overall, the way the car is handled deserves a thumbs-up, even if the relatively thick A-pillar creates a more pronounced blind spot- a feature which will prove infuriating when handling through tight city manoeuvres. But the ride is not, with the suspension balanced well toward comfort and control. Bumps in the road are sunk without too much fuss as far as an unpleasant " thud" goes; for daily driving, the smooth regenerative braking of this eMax 7 proves it to be a pretty comfortable, easy and pleasant machine to pilot.
One complaint, though, lies in the tyres. They are not generally known for good grip levels in performance vehicles. They fit the eMax 7 admirably for general driving purposes, but drivers who intend to take it through tight corners or aggressive bends might be slightly disappointed in these tyres. For families that would mainly use it in driving the kids to school and vice versa, for daily driving needs, the tyres would suffice.
BYD has made significant improvements to the interior and ergonomics of the cabin, making it stand out for those familiar with the E6. Access is pleasantly simple, thanks to the NFC swipe on the wing mirror, which is more Star Trek than Home Counties. Then, it's into the proper cabin, and the attention to detail becomes apparent. There are comfortable seats, adequate cushioning, and a nice tactile feel on the steering wheel. The layout is clean and functional, with a swivelling infotainment screen that is both distinctive and useful. The instrument cluster features BYD's preference for analogue dials, which many drivers may find refreshing compared to the standard of overly digital setups in EVs.
Seating is also flexible, with captain's chairs or bench seats available in the second row. Because of BYD's packaging, the third row has plenty of room, but this floor-mounted battery raises the knees-up seating position slightly, which may be uncomfortable on longer trips. And, while the seats are comfortable, they are somewhat short on thigh support, especially in the front rows, with the slope downwards being sufficiently pronounced to leave taller passengers sore after long drives. Toyota's Innova remains the most comfortable passenger vehicle, while BYD aspires to be the class leader.
Cargo space is adequate, measuring 180 litres with all rows on board and rising to 580 litres when the third seat folds flat. Folding the third row seems sensible. However, the height of the loading lip may need some work to get the large bags into place.
The eMax 7 shines brightest on the technological front. BYD has packed the cabin with features that any modern family would expect to find in a high-end MPV. In terms of needs, an NFC entry system, adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist, and roof-mounted AC vents for middle-row passengers were included. The infotainment system is dominated by a responsive 12.8-inch screen that swivels for ease of use and even gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Storage is well-organised throughout the cabin, with USB-C and USB ports, a wireless phone charger, and plenty of nooks for storing belongings. A panoramic roof and heavy sunblind create a sense of spaciousness, and front-facing passengers benefit from seat cooling. However, with such a bass-light system and unclear vocal rendering, you may be disappointed in the sound quality. Unfortunately, music playback is one of the other primary reasons you should buy a family car. A setup like the BYD Atto 3 would be much more exciting.
E-Max 7 has a premium yet less aggressive appearance. The front end of the "Dragon Face" design is clean and basic but definitely different. There is chrome, indeed, but nothing extravagant, just a few subtle strips around the bumpers and roofline to complement rather than overwhelm it. Smooth, rounded lines and a modestly swept-back roofline offer the new eMax 7 a more mature appearance--perhaps indicating sophistication in terms of its choices to meet the exacting needs of the family buyer.
Extra niceties such as multi-LED headlights and slim 17-inch alloy wheels hint at luxury, but the stretched roof spoiler gives away to an athlete's body. The eMax 7 is hardly a show-stopper but has a very approachable elegance that would fit in a premium MPV portfolio. In a category where utility typically takes precedence over aesthetics, the eMax 7 earns a fair rating.
BYD eMax 7 Specifications:
Powertrain Options:
55.4 kWh battery | 161 BHP | 310 Nm Torque
71.8 kWh battery | 201 BHP | 310 Nm Torque
Performance:
0–100 km/h: 8.6 seconds (for 201 BHP variant)
Top Speed: Not specified
Range (NEDC Claimed):
55.4 kWh variant: 420 km
71.8 kWh variant: 530 km
Seating & Boot Space:
Seating Capacity: 6 or 7 seats (configurable)
Boot Space: 180 litres with third row up; 580 litres with the third row folded
Price Range (Ex-Showroom):
₹26.9 lakh to ₹29.9 lakh
