Ready for Malaysia? Vellfire-sized 2026 BYD M9 PHEV MPV shown with right-hand drive; priced from "around RM 209k", but there's a cheaper e-hailing version too

The Hong Kong Autoshow set the stage for the global debut of the right-hand drive BYD M9; a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) MPV that's set for export to overseas markets too. Think of it as a slightly more 'mid-spec' Denza D9 and you're almost there.

Also known as the BYD Xia back in its home market of China, it measures 5,145 mm long, 1,970 mm tall, and 1,805 mm wide - all sitting on a 3,045 mm wheelbase. These sizes are close to the Toyota Vellfire in Malaysia, which measures 5,005 mm long, 1,950 mm tall, and 1,850 mm wide, spun from 3,000 mm wheelbase.

Though specs of the RHD, Hong Kong market car isn't fully shared just yet, the China version comes pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine and a front-mounted electric motor, for a total of 260 PS. Juiced by a Gen 2 Blade Battery, pure electric range is rated at 100 km to 218 km (CLTC), depending on variant.

Features include DiPilot ADAS suite, dual power sliding doors, optional projection sensors, Bluetooth and NFC keys, and privacy glass for the rear.

The 15.6-inch central display is powered by the DiLink 150 system, which supports DeepSeek AI voice control, “sentinel mode,” karaoke without microphones, and cross-brand phone connectivity.

Prices for the M9 in HK are not announced just yet, but our sister site BitAuto HK says it'll be "below HKD 400,000", which pegs that to be approximately RM 209,000. The Vellfire is priced at HKD 699,670 (~RM 365,000).

An e-hailing version?

Rather uniquely, BYD also has a specialised version of the Xia/M9 made for ehailing - the Linghui M9. It's sold under the lower-cost, taxi-specific Linghui brand, and as such it's a more 'cut-spec' MPV.

It still retains the same 1.5-litre PHEV powertrain, and 2+2+3 layout. The screens are smaller (12.8-inch touchscreen) and it gets Huawei HiCar system, alongside DiLink 100 infotainment system - a little lower rent than on the standard car.

These cut features may not matter too much for buyers however, as the prices are also a lot lower than the regular M9. Prices in China start at just CNY 188,880, or roughly RM 110k when converted directly.