The Dayun Yuanzhi M1 is an all-electric mid-to-large MPV from Dayun Auto. Serving as Dayun Group’s strategic entry into the passenger vehicle market, the Yuanzhi M1 was officially launched in November 2020. Positioned as an "all-electric all-rounder for both family and commercial duties", the vehicle focuses on flexible seating arrangements and practical cabin space, alongside a diverse selection of driving range options. Since its debut, the Yuanzhi M1 has undergone several annual facelifts, with official guide prices for on-sale models ranging from approximately RM177,800 to RM318,800 as of 2025.
The Yuanzhi M1 is an all-electric MPV built from the ground up on a dedicated EV platform. Early variants measured 4,850 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,780 mm in height, with a 2,880 mm wheelbase; later iterations grew to 4,885 mm long, 1,870 mm wide, and 1,785 mm tall, with the wheelbase stretched to 2,902 mm, leading the manufacturer to categorise select variants in the large MPV segment. The MPV offers versatile seating configurations including 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-seater layouts. The First Class Edition features an executive 2+2 four-seater arrangement, whilst the Premium Edition and lower trims provide 5-, 6-, or 7-seater options to cater to both family road trips and corporate chauffeuring. Power comes from a single front-mounted electric motor driving the front wheels, paired with a single-speed EV reduction gearbox. The Yuanzhi M1 variant line-up steps up across Standard, Elite, Luxury, Premium, and First Class editions, with varying trims paired with different battery range and seating configurations.
The exterior styling of the Yuanzhi M1 reflects mainstream EV design cues. Up front, it features a closed-off grille flanked by slim LED headlamps linked by a gloss black horizontal trim strip, accentuating the vehicle's visual width. The fog lamp housings are garnished with quasi-triangular chrome accents, complemented by black protective cladding along the lower bumper to add visual depth. Down the sides, a clean single waistline elevates the visual centre of gravity, whilst blacked-out A-, B-, and C-pillars create a floating roof aesthetic. Round the back, a sleek full-width LED taillight bar takes centre stage, topped by prominent "DAYUN" block lettering for enhanced brand recognition. Lighting equipment includes LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps, headlamp levelling, and automatic headlamp activation.
Inside, the Yuanzhi M1 adopts a wraparound cockpit layout with a symmetrical T-shaped dashboard, delivering a clean and contemporary ambience. Early mid-to-high-spec variants featured a floating central display, which was later upgraded to a digital cockpit comprising a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment head unit. The cabin is available in black or beige colour themes, fitted with synthetic leather or genuine leather upholstery.
The entire Yuanzhi M1 range is driven by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering a total power output of 145 kW (approximately 197 PS). Peak torque comes in two states of tune: 225 Nm on earlier and select standard models, and up to 320 Nm on flagship and extended-range variants. Top speed is rated at 170 km/h for standard variants and 185 km/h for higher-output models. The official 0–50 km/h acceleration sprint is completed in 4.3 seconds.
Energy is supplied by a ternary lithium (NMC) battery pack, available in several capacities across the range, primarily 72.27 kWh, 90.58 kWh, and 167.74 kWh. These correspond to pure electric ranges between 405 km and 550 km under CLTC or NEDC test cycles. Among them, select 2025 variants rated for 490 km pack a 70.08 kWh battery, whereas the 550 km extended-range variant is fitted with an ultra-large 167.74 kWh battery pack. In terms of charging, DC fast charging comes standard across the range, taking approximately 0.6 hours to recharge from low state-of-charge to 80%, with select top-spec trims featuring a liquid-cooled battery thermal management system to optimise charging performance.
The Yuanzhi M1 is engineered with a monocoque body structure. Ride comfort is managed by front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup—a refined layout common in this MPV class. Steering is handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system driving the front wheels. Braking duties are performed by front ventilated discs and rear solid discs, paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). The vehicle rides on 225/55 R17 tyres and comes with a tyre repair kit in lieu of a full-size spare tyre. Minimum ground clearance stands at 160 mm. Drive mode selection offers three profiles: Standard/Comfort, Eco, and Sport.
The Yuanzhi M1 has seen continuous upgrades to its on-board technology. Mid-to-high-spec variants feature a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, with range-topping variants incorporating an automotive-grade Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip that supports voice recognition, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and smart multi-scenario cockpit controls. The infotainment system includes 4G connectivity, smartphone screen mirroring, Bluetooth telephony, and intelligent voice control (for multimedia, navigation, and phone operations), along with remote vehicle controls such as unlocking via a smartphone app. The Premium Edition and above add a Bluetooth digital key, wireless smartphone charging pad, and a powered tailgate. The First Class Edition can be optioned with an on-board refrigerator, further elevating its executive appeal. Seat comfort is enhanced by generously cushioned synthetic leather or genuine leather seats.
In terms of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), select high-spec variants of the Yuanzhi M1 come equipped with Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features, comprising Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Auto Parking Assist (APA). The Premium Edition is fitted with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and a 360-degree surround-view camera system, backed by a Mobileye EyeQ3 processor. Furthermore, select trims provide auxiliary functions such as a Distance Warning system. Notably, local automotive portal PCauto lists the model with Level 1 driver assistance, suggesting that full Level 2 functionalities may be reserved for top-tier variants or available via optional packages.
Active safety features fitted as standard across the range include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Passive safety is addressed by driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, and curtain airbags, offering 4 to 6 airbags depending on the variant. The vehicle structure utilises a high-strength steel safety cage to ensure robust crashworthiness.
As one of the earliest new energy passenger vehicles rolled out by Dayun Group during its diversification from commercial vehicles, the Yuanzhi M1 was tasked with driving the brand's strategic transformation. In terms of commercial performance, the Yuanzhi M1 recorded cumulative sales of 6,506 units in 2024. Monthly deliveries peaked at 921 units in July 2024 before experiencing a continuous month-on-month decline, dropping to 301 units in October and registering zero deliveries by December. Its compact all-electric SUV sibling, the Yuehu, achieved 9,428 units over the same period, highlighting the Yuanzhi M1’s relatively modest sales volume. By June 2025, Dayun Auto’s overall brand sales fell to zero, pointing to severe market headwinds.
Several factors contributed to the subdued market reception of the Yuanzhi M1: first, limited brand equity, as Dayun faced steep hurdles in consumer awareness and retail network reach as a newcomer to the passenger EV segment; second, its price bracket of RM170,000 to RM320,000 put it in direct competition with formidable rivals such as the BYD Song MAX DM-i and GAC Trumpchi E8, against which it lacked clear differentiation; third, a noticeable gap remained in digital user experience and aftersales support networks compared to established carmakers and emerging EV start-ups. While the Yuanzhi M1 marked an early foray into the spacious all-electric MPV segment and demonstrated Dayun’s ambition to pivot from commercial to passenger vehicles, its overall competitiveness and brand resonance remain subject to the tests of time and market dynamics.
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