The BYD eMAX 9 DM-i could be the first non BEV for BYD Malaysia.
BYD has just shown its eMAX 9 DM-i MPV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The eMAX 9 DM-i is set to make its public appearance at the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit and Greenbelt 5 Fashion Walk this month, which may indicate that this advanced hybrid MPV make its way to our shores.
The eMAX 9 DM-i boasts BYD’s latest Super DM-i hybrid technology, promising smooth and efficient performance ideal for both city driving and long-distance journeys. Given how many of BYD’s fellow rivals from China are bringing in hybrid and plug-in hybrid people carriers, it could be time for something like this to make an entry as well.
BYD Malaysia’s Evolving Strategy
Currently, BYD Malaysia has focused primarily on launching Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), with models like the Atto 3 and Seal dominating the EV segment. However, the landscape is shifting. BYD is establishing a local assembly (CKD) plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak, set to begin operations in 2026. This strategic move aims to make EVs more affordable and competitive for Malaysian buyers by leveraging CKD incentives, which exempt these models from excise duties and sales tax until December 31, 2027. While the specific models for CKD assembly are yet to be confirmed, this commitment to local production could open doors for a wider range of BYD vehicles, including PHEVs like the eMAX 9 DM-i.
The Rise of PHEVs and Hybrids in Malaysia
The Malaysian automotive market is experiencing significant growth in electrified vehicles. In 2024, nearly 47,000 EV, hybrid, and battery EV units were sold, a substantial increase from the previous year. While BEV sales saw an impressive 45% rise in 2024, the market for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and hybrids is also expanding. Chinese rivals such as Chery and GWM are actively introducing PHEV and hybrid models to Malaysia. Chery’s Lepas brand, for instance, is set to enter Malaysia in the first half of 2026, with its L8 D-SUV expected to lead with a PHEV powertrain.
GAC Motor’s M8 PHEV MPV is also available for booking, and GWM has confirmed local assembly for its Wey G9 PHEV MPV. Toyota also offers hybrid MPVs like the Innova Zenix Hybrid Electric. This increasing competition in the PHEV and hybrid segments suggests a growing consumer appetite for these electrified options.
The Performance of Electric MPVs in Malaysia
While BYD has seen success with its BEVs, the performance of electric MPVs specifically in Malaysia is a key consideration. The email highlights the eMAX 9 DM-i as a “premium family-focused model.” The Malaysian market has seen the introduction of other electric MPVs, such as the Zeekr 009, indicating a nascent but developing segment. With BYD’s strong presence in the Malaysian EV market, having delivered over 20,000 pure electric models in under three years, and its upcoming CKD operations, the introduction of a sophisticated PHEV MPV like the eMAX 9 DM-i could be a strategic move to capture a broader family-oriented market looking for both luxury and efficiency.
While BYD Malaysia has primarily focused on BEVs, the upcoming CKD operations, the growing popularity of PHEVs and hybrids, and the entry of rivals with similar offerings create a compelling case for the introduction of the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i. Its Super DM-i hybrid technology could offer a desirable balance of performance and fuel efficiency, potentially appealing to Malaysian families seeking a premium and sustainable mobility solution.
