Premium Electric Vehicle for the Masses?

BYD — short for Build Your Dreams — may not be a well-known brand in India, but it is one of the biggest EV players in the world. In fact, it surpassed Tesla to be the top EV manufacturer in the world in 2022 by volume (Battery EVs + Plug-in Hybrid EVs). Its lithium-ion battery — the Blade — is also regarded as the most technologically advanced car battery in the world. With that pedigree, BYD is gunning to have a strong presence in the Indian EV market. However, while that calls for multiple passenger vehicles in different segments (which may take a while), its first product — the e6 — was not catered towards the passenger vehicle market. Instead, it was launched as a commercial offering for ride hailing services, offering an electric substitute to some outstanding MPVs like the Toyota Innova Crysta. Following the launch of the e6 to commercial buyers, BYD also made the car accessible to personal car buyers, making it a proper contender against successful MPVs and SUVs from Toyota and Mahindra. Does the e6 pack enough to be a solid footing for BYDs ambitions in India? Let’s have a look.

BYD e6 Pros and Cons 

BYD e6 Exterior Design 

The BYD e6 poses a design that leans towards practicality, rather than making a bold statement. Its exterior styling is more utilitarian than avant-garde, featuring clean lines and a streamlined silhouette. The front fascia is marked by a simple yet elegant grille, incorporating the BYD logo. The overall design exudes a sense of efficiency, with the focus being on aerodynamics to enhance range. While it doesn’t look bad in any way, the e6’s design feels very last-gen, and is comparable to the very first iteration of the Innova Crysta.

BYD e6 Interiors 

Inside the e6, you're welcomed by a well thought-out interior that maximises available space. The cabin feels airy, thanks to large windows and a clever layout. While the material quality is not luxurious, it is still of good quality, and doesn’t leave you wanting for more. The clean dashboard design also exudes a sense of ease. However, while there is much to love about the interiors, the best part is the utilisation of space. Whether it's legroom, headroom, or cargo space, the e6 excels on all fronts, albeit only as a 5-seater. A 7-seater option would’ve been great to have, but it was probably ditched in order to accommodate a larger battery. 

BYD e6 Comfort 

The e6's seats offer a commendable level of comfort, with sufficient support and bolstering for longer journeys. There’s ample legroom, headroom, and knee room for all five passengers, and the large boot can accommodate luggage for five passengers, making this a great intercity vehicle. Since the suspension is also adapted to accommodate the heavy battery, the ride stays flat and doesn’t get bouncy even when driving solo, or with load. Whether navigating urban streets, or cruising on highways, the e6 maintains poise, absorbing bumps and undulations with finesse.  

BYD e6 Performance and Handling

Under the hood (or somewhere under the skin), the e6 is equipped with a 70 kW electric motor. Now yes, the power figure — which roughly translates to 94 bhp — may not sound like a lot for a car this size, but the 180 Nm of instant torque makes sure the e6 has linear and quick acceleration, especially at lower speeds. The top speed is a rather low 130 km/h, but unless you plan on breaking the speed limit often, it should be more than enough, even on interstate highways. While the e6 may not boast sports car-like dynamics, it manoeuvres through urban environments with agility. The handling is precise, making parking and navigating tight spaces a breeze. The e6's performance is tailored to meet the demands of daily commuting rather than aggressive driving, and that is something which also comes across from the way it looks.  

BYD e6 Battery, Charging, and Range

BYD is the leader in Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery tech globally, and the e6 gets BYD’s best LFP battery yet — the Blade. The battery gets its name from the design of its cells, which look like blades. While getting into its details will probably require an article of its own, the battery pack is tested to be the safest EV battery in the world, passing tough tests like nail penetration, induced short circuits, and many more. In fact, it also passed tests where the battery was put in a 300 degree celsius furnace. 

The battery pack in the e6 has a capacity of 71.7 kWh, and BYD claims that it can be charged from 0% to 100% in 1.5 hours on a public fast charger. Charging it to full at home on an AC charger would take about 12 hours, and a full charge returns a WLTC (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle) range of 520 km for city, and 415 km for mixed driving. It is important to note that WLTC figures tend to be much lesser than ARAI claimed figures which most manufacturers advertise for their EVs in India, and the WLTC figure is likely to be close to the actual real world driving range. For reference, the BYD Atto 3 has an ARAI certified range of 521 km, while the WLTP (The Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) range (same as WLTC) is 418 km, which is right in the ballpark of the real world range.

BYD e6 Key specifications 

BYD e6 Safety Features

While the BYD e6 doesn’t have a crash test rating yet, it packs a good amount of safety features. The blade battery in itself is one of the safest in the world, having gone through various tests which we wrote about in the ‘battery’ section of our review. Advanced driver assistance systems are also part of the offering, including collision avoidance and lane-keeping assistance, contributing to safer drives. The e6's robust structure, coupled with four airbags and electronic stability control, instil confidence in its occupant protection capabilities. Other safety features like a tyre pressure monitoring system and ISOFIX child seat mounts are also included.

BYD e6 Technology and Infotainment

The e6 packs a crisp 10.1-inch infotainment system, which features built-in navigation. The user interface is intuitive, ensuring ease of use while driving. However, tech enthusiasts seeking great features might find the e6's infotainment system somewhat basic, since it strangely doesn’t even support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay — a feature that is available in even A-segment hatchbacks nowadays. It serves its purpose without overwhelming the driver with unnecessary complexities, but leaves room for improvement.

Is the BYD e6 for You?

Costing over ₹30 lakh on road, the BYD e6 is a pricey affair. At this price range, there are many SUVs and MPVs that offer more on almost every front. However, while they are better on other fronts, what they are not, is electric. With an effortless electric drivetrain under the skin, the e6 offers a very quiet, comfortable, and relaxing driving experience. A real world range of over 400 km also allows for intercity commutes, and backed by up to 60 kW DC fast charging capabilities, you can easily do road trips in this. Its nimble handling also allows it to be a great city commuter, and its suspension feels settled at highway speeds, with not much vertical movement. What it is then, is a great electric all-rounder that is spacious and practical, and can make for a great upgrade for someone who’s moving away from an ageing Innova or Ertiga.