2022 BYD e6 price and features: New Chinese brand launches second electric car in Australia as EV alternative to Volkswagen Golf and Peugeot 308 wagons

Emerging Chinese brand BYD has launched its second model in Australia, with the all-electric e6 small wagon now on sale.

The e6 is priced from $39,999 plus on-road costs, although its driveaway pricing stretches from $40,968.10 (ACT) to $43,268.09 (WA), making it Australia’s second cheapest all-electric model, behind the T3 small van ($36,005 to $37,822.24 d/a) that BYD arrived with last July.

But buyers need to get in quick, because just 15 examples of the e6 are up for grabs, all of which are finished in Crystal White or blue/black paintwork. For reference, limited stock of the T3 is also still available, ahead of BYD’s first full-time models being released next year.

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Locally, small wagons are few and far between these days, with only Volkswagen and Peugeot indefinitely committing to load-lugging Golf and 308 variants respectively, so the e6 doesn’t have a lot of competition. In fact, from an all-electric perspective, it has none.

Speaking of the second-generation e6’s powertrain, it features a front-mounted electric motor that produces 70kW of power and 180Nm of torque, to enable a top speed of 130km/h.

The e6 is fitted with BYD’s 71.7kWh Blade battery, which offers 415km of WLTP-certified range and can be charged with a 60kW DC fast charger (CCS plug) in as little as 90 minutes, while it also supports 6.6kW AC charging (Type 2 plug) and regenerative braking.

Standard equipment includes halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels (with a space-saver spare), keyless entry and LED tail-lights.

Inside, push-button start, a rotatable 10.1-inch touchscreen multimedia system, a four-speaker sound system, a 5.0-inch multifunction display, single-zone climate control and leather upholstery feature.

Safety-wise, the e6 comes with speed limit recognition, hill-start assist, tyre pressure monitoring, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors as well as four airbags (dual front and side), anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control system (TCS).

Measuring 4695mm long (with a 2800mm wheelbase), 1810mm wide and 1670mm tall, the e6 has a tare weight of 1930kg, provides 580L of cargo capacity and comes armed with MacPherson-strut front and multi-link rear suspension.

As reported, BYD has big plans for Australia, with six full-time models due to launch by the end of 2023, including the Yuan Plus mid-size SUV and EA1 small hatchback. Even a yet-to-be-revealed ute is set to be built at the dedicated right-hand-drive production line in China.

The rollout forms a key part of local distributor Nexport’s ambitious plan to make BYD a Top Five brand in Australia in the next 2.5 years. Time will tell if it’s executed to perfection. Stay tuned.