BYD’s M6 Minivan Gets a Hybrid Refresh and a New Mission

BYD just won’t let a good platform go to waste. The M6 minivan, once known in China as the Song Max, was recently spotted during road tests with a refreshed interior and a new plug-in hybrid system. It’s a classic BYD move, reviving a familiar model with modern tech for a second life, this time with a global audience in mind.

The original Song Max minivan first hit the Chinese market back in 2017 with a traditional gasoline engine. BYD, being BYD, quickly followed up with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and full-electric (BEV) versions. After a final update in 2022, the model was pulled from China. But the story doesn’t end there. The BEV version found its way to overseas markets as the M6, and now it seems BYD is bringing it back home with a significant makeover.

A Familiar Face with a Modern Core

Spy shots show the updated M6 keeps its familiar shape but gets a cleaner front grille with horizontal bars and large headlights. Around back, it features separated taillight units. It’s a safe, conservative design that won’t offend anyone, which is often the point in the minivan segment. The vehicle’s dimensions remain practical for families, measuring 4710 mm long, 1810 mm wide, and 1690 mm tall, with a 2,785 mm wheelbase that promises decent interior space.

It’s inside where the real changes are. The M6 gets a completely redesigned center tunnel that looks far more modern. It now houses two wireless charging pads, a neat cluster of physical buttons for essential controls, and two cupholders. To free up all that space, the gear selector has been moved to the steering column, a common touch in today’s EVs. The new D-shaped steering wheel features a “BYD” emblem, a clear signal that this model is destined for international markets, not just China. A floating central touchscreen and an LCD instrument cluster complete the tech-forward dashboard.

Interestingly, the front seats in the test car were covered in fabric, while the second-row seats were wrapped in leatherette. This could hint at different trim levels or a practical choice for durability in a family hauler.

New Hybrid Heart, Same Practical Soul

While there’s no official word on the powertrain, experts expect the M6 to feature BYD’s latest DM-i 5.0 plug-in hybrid system. This slick setup combines a super-efficient 1.5-liter engine (producing around 99 hp) with a potent electric motor (delivering 215 hp). It’s the kind of tech that makes BYD a leader, offering impressive fuel economy for daily driving and enough electric punch to make the M6 feel quick and responsive. You can learn more about this kind of terminology in our guide to Chinese EV lingo.

This new hybrid option joins the existing all-electric M6 sold in other countries. The BEV model offers a single 201 hp motor powered by either a 55.4 kWh or a 71.8 kWh LFP battery, with a claimed NEDC range between 420 and 530 km. Adding a PHEV makes the M6 a more versatile player, appealing to buyers who aren’t ready to go fully electric. It’s a strategy BYD has perfected across its lineup, including with models like the BYD Seal 06 GT.

The revival of the M6 shows how BYD cleverly repurposes its existing assets. Instead of designing a new minivan from scratch, it’s giving a proven platform a hybrid refresh and a new mission. This keeps development costs down and speeds up time to market, helping BYD maintain its relentless pace in the competitive China EV sales race and expand its global footprint. It’s a smart, pragmatic approach that continues to pay off.