The BYD M9 is the brand’s flagship MPV that’s on sale in international markets. In China, it is sold as BYD Xia, and the latest version was showcased at the 2026 International Automotive Supply Chain Expo.
BYD has not announced plans to launch the MPV in the UK or Europe, but we recently spent some time with the global-spec BYD M9 to see what it can offer buyers in the UK and Europe.
Design
The M9 has a large grille with chrome detailing and vertically stacked LED headlamps. A full-width LED light bar runs across the rear, while the tailgate carries illuminated BYD lettering.
The side profile features power-sliding rear doors, a long roofline, and large windows for all three rows. Chrome trim runs along the window line and lower doors, while the MPV rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.
At the rear, the M9 gets vertically positioned lighting elements connected by the full-width light bar. The rear bumper follows the same design as the front, with chrome trim running across its width.
Interior
The cabin has a seven-seat layout with second-row captain seats. Ahead of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The centre of the dashboard houses a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Higher variants also get a 12.3-inch passenger display and a 26-inch head-up display.
The infotainment system includes navigation, AI voice controls and over-the-air updates. Wireless phone charging and six USB ports are also available.
The front seats get electric adjustment, heating, ventilation and massage functions. The second-row seats add electric leg rests, heating, ventilation, massage and memory functions on higher variants. Fold-out tables are mounted behind the front seats.
Other features include a built-in refrigerator, three-zone climate control, a panoramic glass roof, ambient lighting, a fragrance system and up to a 28-speaker audio system.
Experience in the BYD M9
I spent time in the first two rows of the BYD M9, and it immediately felt like a large, comfort-focused MPV. The doors feel heavy and robust, but they are electrically powered at the front and rear, so they are not difficult to operate. Step-in height is manageable too, and unlike a large SUV, I did not feel the need for a side step.
The front seats are a clear highlight. Back support is very good, side bolstering felt perfect for someone of my height, and under-thigh support is very good to excellent. The head and neck support also felt comfortable, given my six-foot frame. In my usual driving position, I had about 20 cm of headroom, which is excellent. The conventional BYD steering wheel has a good balance of chunkiness and slimness.
Visibility is mostly good, but the raked windscreen and A-pillar bases create a noticeable blind spot. That feels like a design trade-off, as making the front more upright would make it look more van-like.
The cabin gets two wireless charging pads, a separate phone compartment, USB ports and a hollowed lower centre-console area that can hold a small handbag. Material quality is typical BYD: pleasant enough and slightly premium in places, but not truly luxurious. The soft-touch upper surfaces and sporty stitching help, though.
I liked the physical controls for volume, windscreen defrosting and drive modes, but fan-speed adjustment is still through the screen. A row of physical climate buttons would have made sense in a vehicle like this.
The second row is very comfortable. The fixed armrests do not fold away, but entry and exit are still not a problem, helped by B-pillar grab handles and seat movement. Back support is excellent, shoulder support is generous, and the headrest feels good.
I had more than 15 cm of headroom and up to 20 cm of knee room with the seat moved back. My shoes slid under the front seat, although my knees sit slightly high. Rear passengers also get a glass roof, roof-mounted air vents and a fold-out entertainment screen.
Specifications
The BYD M9 measures 5,145 mm in length, 1,970 mm in width and 1,805 mm in height. The wheelbase stands at 3,045 mm. Power comes from BYD’s DM-i plug-in hybrid system. It combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a front-mounted electric motor.
The petrol engine produces 115 kW and 225 Nm. The electric motor develops 200 kW and 315 Nm. The M9 can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The plug-in hybrid system uses a 36.6 kWh Blade Battery. There are two electric-only range figures available, depending on the variant: 203 km and 218 km (CLTC).
DC fast charging is supported at up to 73 kW. A 30-80% DC fast charge takes around 25 minutes. The M9 also offers Vehicle-to-Load capability with an output of up to 6 kW. Depending on the variant, the M9 is also available with a driver assistance system.
Price
People carriers remain a niche segment in the UK, with buyers generally choosing SUVs instead. If BYD experiments with the M9 in Britain, it would compete with models such as the Mercedes V-Class, VW Multivan eHybrid and Lexus LM.
Based on its size, equipment and positioning in overseas markets, we expect the BYD M9 to be priced between £55,000 and £65,000 if it ever gets here.
Trained as an automobile engineer, I’ve been following the global car market since 2005. Over the past 17 years, I’ve been involved in online automotive analysis and publishing, traveling the world to drive, evaluate, and experience new cars and technologies.
