BYD is expanding its Australian new energy vehicle line-up with the M9, a premium people mover that combines seven- or eight-seat practicality with significant electric-only driving capability.
Confirmed for Australian showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2026, the M9 will be BYD’s first entry into the local people-mover segment and will be offered exclusively with the company’s latest DM-i 5.0 Super Hybrid powertrain. BYD says the model has been developed with both families and fleet operators in mind.
For fleets looking to reduce fuel consumption without moving immediately to a fully electric people mover, the headline specification is the M9 Premium’s targeted EV range of up to 145km under WLTP testing. Combined range is expected to reach up to 850km.
The DM-i system pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor. The seven-seat Premium uses a 36.60kWh BYD Blade Battery, while the eight-seat Dynamic will use a smaller 20.39kWh battery. Both variants will be front-wheel drive and support AC and DC charging as well as Vehicle-to-Load functionality.
That electric driving range could make the M9 particularly relevant for fleets where vehicles spend most of their working day on predictable metropolitan routes but still need the flexibility to cover longer regional journeys without relying solely on charging infrastructure.
At 5,145mm long and riding on a 3,045mm wheelbase, the M9 is positioned as a large-capacity passenger vehicle. It provides seating across three rows and offers 470 litres of luggage capacity with all seats in use. A 1,500kg braked towing capacity adds another element of versatility for fleet applications.
The seven-seat Premium will lead the Australian launch, with an eight-seat Dynamic variant to follow. Premium models will include heated and ventilated front seats, while the second row uses captain’s chairs with heating, ventilation and a near zero-gravity seating position.
Safety equipment will also be important for organisations assessing the M9 for passenger transport duties. BYD says 73 per cent of the vehicle structure is manufactured from high-strength steel, while available equipment includes up to nine airbags, a 360-degree camera, five millimetre-wave radars, eight ultrasonic sensors and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems.
BYD Australia Chief Operating Officer Stephen Collins said the combination of electric driving and longer-distance capability was designed to broaden the M9’s appeal.
“The M9 offers superb EV-only driving for daily commutes and exceptional touring range for longer trips,” Collins said, adding that the model would also suit fleets focused on lowering operating costs.
For fleet buyers, the M9 adds another electrified option to a people-mover segment where passenger capacity, utilisation and time on the road can make the transition to full battery-electric operation more challenging.
The ability to complete substantial daily distances on battery power while retaining petrol-powered touring capability could make the M9 worth considering for corporate transport, community services, hospitality, tourism and other high-occupancy fleet applications.
Australian pricing and final specifications will be announced closer to launch. BYD notes that the quoted EV and combined range figures are target values based on global product information and remain subject to final Australian specification, ADR testing and verification.
