BYD launched the Linghui M9, a plug-in hybrid people mover for China’s ride-sharing market, sharing its platform with the Xia DM-i.

BYD has launched the Linghui M9, a plug-in hybrid people mover targeting China’s ride-sharing and taxi market, sharing its powertrain and platform with the BYD Xia DM-i. It features a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and electric motor, a 20.4kWh battery, and an estimated 100km electric range under CLTC testing—about 80km in real-world use. The M9 has a 3,045mm wheelbase and closely mirrors the Xia DM-i’s dimensions and design, with expected high-end features like sunroofs and rear cameras. It is one of four new Linghui models, all rebranded versions of existing BYD vehicles, including three all-electric sedans. The M9 is not expected to enter Australia, where Denza’s D9 will instead compete with the Kia Carnival. The Chinese people mover market is increasingly competitive, with models like Geely’s Galaxy V900, Xpeng X9, GAC M8, and Zeekr 009 also vying for attention.