BYD Australia has confirmed that the M9 plug-in hybrid people carrier will arrive by the end of 2026 to tackle the top-selling Kia Carnival and Hyundai Staria. Closely related to the Denza D9 already on sale down under, the M9 will launch in seven-seat Premium form with an eight-seat Dynamic to follow afterwards.

Unlike the Carnival and Staria, the M9 will be equipped as standard with BYD‘s ‘DM-i 5.0 Super Hybrid’ powertrain, which combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor. BYD Australia is yet to confirm outputs, but the M9 makes up to 218kW of power in China, comfortably more than the 180kW 1.6-litre turbo hybrid Carnival and Starias. It also out-grunts the 200kW V6 petrol Staria.

Luxurious car interior from rear passenger perspective with tan leather seats and a wide digital dashboard including a large center touchscreen and steering wheel.
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Both 36.60kWh and 20.39kWh batteries will be available depending on the model, with up to 145km of electric range and 850km of combined electric and petrol range (both figures on the WLTP cycle). Each version supports AC and DC charging, as well as Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, but speeds are yet to be announced.

BYD’s latest, ultra-efficient powertrain delivers a blend of performance, efficiency and long-range capability – up to 145km¹ of EV range and up to 850km¹ of combined range for the top-spec M9 Premium according to WLTP testing.

Measuring 5145mm long, 1970mm wide and 1805mm high, and riding on a 3045mm wheelbase, the M9 is 10mm shorter in length, 25mm narrower, 30mm down on height and 45mm shorter between the wheels than the Carnival. Behind the third row lies 470 litres of cargo space, and the M9 is rated at 1500kg for braked towing capacity.

BYD hasn’t revealed the M9’s standard features, but it has confirmed that the models will have up to nine airbags, a 360-degree camera system, eight ultrasonic sensors and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance system tech.

“The BYD M9 will be well suited for Australians needing space and practicality while also expecting efficient performance with BYD’s advanced DM Super Hybrid powertrain technology,” said BYD Australia chief operating officer Stephen Collins.

Australian pricing and specifications for the BYD M9 will be announced closer to its local arrival in the fourth quarter of this year.