China's leading electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD, has unveiled the M6, the first electric MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) in Indonesia, at the 31st GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS). As the region's first electric MPV, the M6 is expected to meet the needs of Indonesian consumers for environmentally friendly and versatile vehicles, in line with the growing demand for electric vehicles in the country.
The M6 offers two seating configurations, seven and six seats, and is available in three variants: Standard 7-seater, Superior 7-seater and Superior Captain 6-seater. The price ranges from Rp 379 million ($23,400) to Rp 429 million ($26,500).
Equipped with BYD Blade batteries with a capacity of 55.4 kWh or 71.8 kWh, the M6 can travel up to 420 km or 530 km (NEDC) on a single charge. The 115kW DC fast charge allows the batteries to be charged from 10% to 80% in 40 minutes.
The electric BYD M6 is an evolution of the internal combustion engine that was once popular in China but has been out of production for some time. The company will stop making combustion vehicles altogether in 2022, and is now focusing on electric vehicles.
The only BYD-branded MVP in China is the Song Max DM-i, which was launched in 2022 but is no longer listed on the BYD website. BYD's main MPV in China is currently the Denza D9, which has sold over 10,000 units per month in the last four months.
Although the M6 in Indonesia shares a name with the same model in China, its design is based on the Song Max. However, the M6 incorporates modern electric vehicle elements such as sleek LED lights, a closed grille and a prominent BYD logo on the front. BYD says the M6 offers a "smarter and greener" travel option for drivers in Indonesia, reaffirming its commitment to the local market.
BYD's launch of the M6 in Indonesia coincides with the government's plan to sell 50,000 four-wheeled electric vehicles by 2024. In 2023, electric vehicles sold in Indonesia reached 17,501, increasing by 70% compared to the previous year. While Hyundai and Wuling dominate sales, BYD and other Chinese EV manufacturers are becoming more active in the market.
Currently, BYD vehicles sold in Indonesia are still imported, with the first 1,000 units arriving on July 2. However, BYD is scheduled to start producing electric vehicles in Indonesia in 2026, with a US$1.3 billion factory expected to produce 150,000 units per year. In addition to the M6, BYD has also launched other models such as the Dolphin and Atto 3 in the region, marking the company's expansion into new markets and segments.
