The BYD Xia plug-in hybrid minivan will sell in overseas markets as “BYD M9”. The first batch of China’s biggest NEV maker’s MPV is prepared to leave the Middle Kingdom. Mexico is most likely the first market for the BYD M9.
The BYD Xia minivan was first shown at the Chengdu Auto Show in August 2024. Its Chinese name derives from the first ruling dynasty in traditional Chinese historiography. On January 8, 2025, the BYD Xia officially entered the domestic market with a price range of 249,800 – 309,800 yuan (34,750 – 43,100 USD). Soon, this vehicle will go global under the M9 name.
BYD Xia’s overseas name
The international name of the BYD Xia was disclosed during the press conference for international media. The video shared by Mexican blogger Daniel Chavarría shows this sizeable MPV with the “BYD M9” inscription on the license plate.
This naming strategy is understandable since BYD sells the M6 electric minivan in a number of international markets, including Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and more. The BYD M9 will enter the global market as the flagship model of the M-series. The first market to get the new MPV is, most likely, Mexico. BYD sold around 40,000 cars here last year. In 2025, BYD set a higher sales goal of 80,000 units.
The first batch of the BYD M9 for overseas markets was spotted in Shanghai during the shipment preparation. We can see at least two car carriers loaded with minivans in various body colors. These are probably display vehicles, not intended to be sold. However, BYD aims to launch the M9’s sales in Q3 this year.
More about BYD Xia / M9
The BYD Xia minivan is a large car with dimensions of 5145/1970/1805 mm and a wheelbase of 3,045 mm. Its front end boasts a large chrome-plated grille and blocky headlights with a chrome-plated “dragon whiskers” element between them. From the back, the car features a single taillight unit and an illuminated BYD emblem. The BYD Xia’s B and C pillars are blackened. The car also has rear sliding doors.
The interior of the BYD Xia offers a 2+2+3 layout with a pair of captain chairs in the second row. The center console of the minivan has three screens. Its main monitor has a diameter of 15.6 inches, while the instrument panel and the front passenger screen have a diameter of 12.3 inches. The Xia also offers some high-end touches, such as a cooling and heated storage box, folding tables, and a ceiling-mounted monitor.
The BYD Xia minivan adopts a 5.0 DM system with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine for 115 kW (154 hp) and an electric motor for 200 kW (268 hp). It has two battery options, 20.4 kWh and 36.6 kWh, suitable for 100 – 180 km (CLTC conditions).
The BYD Xia costs 249,800 – 309,800 yuan (34,750 – 43,100 USD) in China. For comparison, BYD’s high-end minivan Denza D9 costs 339,800 – 469,800 yuan (47,260 – 65,350 USD) in the domestic market.
