New BYD e6 MPV set for UK launch with 258-mile range

BYD has quietly added a new electric MPV to its UK line-up, which looks to tempt taxi drivers with more than 250 miles of range and a capacious cabin.

Autocar has found official UK specifications for the second-generation e6, a five-seat MPV based on the Chinese-market Song Max. Although BYD refused to give more details, a launch here is expected to be imminent.

The original BYD e6 was the Chinese firm's debut model in the UK, arriving in 2013, when the brand was little-known and EV technology was still in its nascence. 

Sold in low volumes, primarily to taxi firms, it had a real-world range of around 140 miles and performance that compared favourably with other early EVs and ICE alternatives. However, priced at £47,000 (equivalent to £67,000 today), it was far more expensive than the likes of the Nissan Leaf and Vauxhall Ampera and was pulled from the UK after just a year.

The sleeker second-generation e6, landing in 2021, is related to its predecessor in name only. It's already sold in other right-hand-drive markets, including Australia, where it's priced roughly in line with the MG ZS EV, suggesting a UK price in the low-£30,000s is possible.

At 4695mm long, with a wheelbase of 2800mm, the e6 is slightly larger than Stellantis's small-van-based MPVs (the Citroën Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, Toyota Proace and Vauxhall Combo) but smaller than the likes of the Volkswagen ID Buzz and Lexus LM.

Equipped with a chunky 71.7Wh battery, it's capable of a competitive 258 miles per charge on the WLTP test cycle. However, it has a maximum charging speed of just 60kW so needs 90 minutes to get from 0-80% on a Type 2 fast charger. 

A single motor on the front axle makes 94bhp, taking the e6 from 0-62mph in 18.0sec.

Bolstering the car's appeal with city-based taxi drivers will be its capacious, flat-floored cabin, 580-litre boot and 11.2-metre turning circle - the latter roughly in line with the Volkswagen Golf. 

It's also equipped as standard with a 10.1in touchscreen and a 5in digital instrument display, plus rear parking sensors, four USB charging ports, keyless entry and a reversing camera. 

Full details of BYD's fifth UK model – after the Atto 3, Dolphin, Seal and Seal U – are expected in the coming months.

The Ocean hatchback is expected to follow shortly after, and other models including the Atto 2, Seagull and Sea Lion are also in the frame for European launches in the near future.