BYD Song Max

The BYD Song Max is a compact multi purpose vehicle (MPV) developed by BYD since 2017. Initially available solely as an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, in 2022 BYD replaced the petrol-powered Song Max with the plug-in hybrid Song Max DM-i after it ended production of ICE vehicles.

The Song Max is not available with a battery electric powertrain. 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 right-hand drive 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 156 hp and 240 Nm of torque with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed DCT gearbox. The engine remained the only powertrain option until 2022.

In April 2019, BYD showcased the Song Max DM plug-in hybrid during the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show. The Song Max DM is equipped with a 1.5-liter engine producing 118 kW an electric motor producing 110 kW. This version was never sold, and BYD only started offering the Song Max DM-i in 2022 with the newer fourth-generation DM-i plug-in hybrid system after it ended production of ICE vehicles. At the same show, BYD also showcased the Song Max EV, which was also never sold. Instead, the related fleet-oriented BEV model second-generation BYD e6 was offered in late 2021 in selected right-hand drive markets.

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 120 kW and 245 Nm. The transmission is a 6-speed DCT gearbox. BYD ended the production of ICE vehicles in March 2022, and concentrates on PHEV and BEV models.

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 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 81 kW, 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 145 kW.

BYD M6
In March 2024, BYD showcased the 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, BYD M6. The nameplate was previously used by a larger MPV in 2010.

The M6 went on sale in Hong Kong in June 2024 with 6-seater and 7-seater options. It is equipped with a 71.8 kWh blade battery with an electric motor producing 150 kW and 310 Nm.

The M6 was launched in Indonesia on 17 July 2024 at the 31st Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show, with two variants: Standard (55.4 kWh; 420km) and Superior (71.8 kWh; 530km). The Standard variants is standard with a 7-seater configuration, and the Superior variant has the option of either 7-seater and 6-seater (with the second-row captain seats) configurations.