Buying battery electric vehicles isn’t some mythic dream anymore in 2025. You can have a sedan, crossover, or SUV even without selling your soul. However, there’s one void left in the market and that’s the MPV space. It’s the only hot-selling arena where there isn’t an attainable EV—until recently.
BYD Cars Philippines has launched the eMax 7 that’s available as a 7 or 6-seater. It starts at a friendly price of P 1,498,000. That price range is where many hybrids compete, and BYD just drops a family EV right in the center. Will it have a ripple effect, or is it still too early for a full electric MPV? I borrowed the top-of-the-line eMax 7 Superior Captain trim priced at P 1,748,000 to get my own answer.
The first thing I noticed is that the eMax 7 looks like the BYD Atto 3 from the front. I had an event where the latter was parked beside me, and side by side, things can be confusing, especially if they’re of the same color. The silhouette also looks like an elongated Honda Jazz (that I love!) giving it a cool dad/hip mom vibe. The rear also has a European feel to it with its simplicity. I like this minimalist approach because it makes the BYD eMax 7 at home wherever you fancy.
Once inside the cabin, the experience is almost familiar. If you have the key, the default setting of the eMax 7 is to start the car immediately once you open the door, with the aircon activating a few seconds after. There are still analog gauges in front of the driver, the shifter is at its usual position, and you can easily see the air controls on the touchscreen.
The downside is you’ll have an awkward position when using the shifter if the cup holders are in use. The lack of tactile buttons for the aircon is also frustrating. I also wish the mechanism for the horn was a bit softer. Quick beeps are hard to make which is crucial, since the car is so quiet outside that it could be considered a hazard to unsuspecting pedestrians.
As for the second row, finally, someone did it the right way. I’m not talking about the comfortable captain seats too. I’m referring to the air vents at the sides of the ceiling that are more effective than putting them behind the center console where your knee will block it. BYD proved that having a panoramic sunroof is not a hindrance for such placement. And yes, the captain seats are comfortable for long drives.
The second row has their own air flow control as well as USB charging ports in Type-A and Type-C shapes. Meanwhile the third row has their own air vents too and a cup holder for both occupants. The backrests are also adjustable and best of all, the seats are comfortable even for adults - granted the second-row occupants give you a bit of leg space and you’re of average Filipino height. Sitting position and seat materials back here are suitable for a long drive.
Even with the third row up, there’s enough space at the back for carry-on suitcases and a few more duffle bags. What’s unfortunate is BYD didn’t utilize the space under the hood for a front trunk and just left it gaping open.
Despite being an EV, there’s not much adjustment to do when driving the eMax 7. The throttle isn’t aggressive, and the default level of regenerative braking feels more like a car is coasting in neutral. Feints on the throttle won’t register unless you step a little deep every time. This way, you won’t make your passengers dizzy when you’re still getting to terms with this EV. There’s also two other driving modes that can affect power delivery, Eco and Sport. But even in Normal mode if you floor the throttle quickly, the eMax 7 will gladly unload its 204 horsepower and 310 Nm of torque onto the pavement.
In my one week with the eMax 7, I was using around 10 percent from my places of work in Metro Manila (QC, Makati, BGC) and then going home to San Rafael, Bulacan. That’s one way with a cruising speed of 100 km/h on the highway. Apparently, I’m a heavy user as I consume 20 percent every day at the minimum.
But if you’re working within the city, traffic isn’t a burden to the range as many people assume. In fact, going from my workplaces in Makati/BGC to my former place in QC during rush hour only depleted 10 percent from the battery. That means you’ll have 10 days of driving with a single charge of the eMax 7. If traffic is a bit mild, like Sunday driving on roads away from malls, most likely you’ll only use 5 to 8 percent depending on how many errands you have within the day.
Of course, things are different when you have a fully-loaded car. I drove the eMax 7 from San Rafael, Bulacan to Timberland in San Mateo, Rizal via NLEX and Commonwealth with six adults of varying sizes. Technically the car was carrying the weight of 7 but don’t judge me on that. My consumption basically doubled at 20 percent one way although that’s a bit thrifty considering the hill climb we went through going up to Timberland itself. Going back was more frugal as the car only used 12 percent.
Passengers are guaranteed of a good nap too since the ride is at par with segment leaders. When driven alone, it feels more like a hatchback than a sizable MPV because it doesn’t feel hollow. It doesn’t jump out at humps and road imperfections, even when taken at speed. Cornering is also above average as the car has minimal body roll thanks to its battery placement and ride height. Combine all of that with the quiet cabin, comfortable seats, lots of space, and the BYD eMax 7 is a dream for the family.
The DiPilot, BYD’s Advanced Driver Assist System, is also one of the best in the market right now. It has the smoothest Lane Departure Assist I’ve tried and you can even tweak it. Those who don’t want the intrusive nature of LDA can set it to warning only so the car will only put out visual and audible warnings if you’re veering away from your lane. Otherwise, it will take over the steering wheel to keep you centered. It’s also very smooth in its engagement that you’d think a human is doing the steering for you; unlike others where it’s a mess of vibration and over correction. The Cruise Control also has a setting for how fast you want it to accelerate, while the Collision Prevention sensors work as intended when wayward motorcycles engage in front of you.
There’s no other way to say it - the BYD eMax 7 Superior Captain is enticing. It’s one of those cars that will linger in your mind once you drive it. “Really? All of this for only P 1,748,000” will be replaying in your head. I can understand if you’re still not ready to go electrified and will just end up with a combustion engine car. But, if you’re considering a hybrid, the eMax 7 will certainly make you get past that layover and jump straight into the full EV space.
Words and Photos by Vincent Villa
Do you intentionally not mention the battery range/capacity? its the most important feature of any EV. Probaly battery range would be very much shorter if loaded by 5 to 7 people.
ReplyDeleteVincent didn't include it, but if you need the complete specs here they are:
Deletehttps://www.carguide.ph/2025/04/here-are-specs-variants-colors-of-2025.html
Not really, no. If they brought in a DM-i version of it, that would've been an instant buy for us.
ReplyDeleteDon't feel forced to choose now. BYD has at least two more interesting models to launch for mainstream buyers. However, this Emax 7 is not bad as an EV: 400 to 500 kms. range is plenty. I only wished they installed a tub in the frunk to use all that empty space.
DeleteOk rin cguro ito pang grab
ReplyDeleteit kinda sounds silly, but among the line up of BYD PH, this is my favorite lol. Maybe I just like the wagon look.
ReplyDeleteCause I also like the Honda Jade, the Mazda 6 Wagon, and the Subaru Levorg :P
Most PH prices are ₱200K–₱1.7M higher than China.
ReplyDeleteeMAX 7 variants are surprisingly cheaper or comparable in the Philippines — possibly due to localized incentives or strategic pricing.
Very good pricing for this EV MPV from BYD
ReplyDeleteNo wonder BYD dealerships already sold hundred units of it this year