Credit: Linghui
- The Linghui M9 MPV is the third product from BYD’s mobility sub-brand Linghui, with display vehicles now arriving at stores.
- The Linghui M9 is built on BYD’s Xia MPV and measures 5,200 millimeters in length.
BYD’s (HKEX: 1211) mobility-focused sub-brand Linghui announced on Friday that the Linghui M9 MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) will officially go on sale on June 29.
This is the newest model from the Linghui brand, targeting both the business mobility market and the family market.
Display vehicles of the Linghui M9 are arriving at the brand’s stores nationwide, the brand said yesterday.
Linghui is a new automotive brand created by BYD for the mobility market, officially unveiled in February this year, with a focus on the ride-hailing market and corporate clients.
The move aims to prevent mainstream models from being used in large numbers as taxis, which would dilute BYD’s brand image.
According to earlier regulatory filings, the Linghui M9 is built on BYD’s Xia MPV, with a length of 5,200 millimeters, a width of 1,970 millimeters, a height of 1,805 millimeters and a wheelbase of 3,045 millimeters.
The Linghui brand stressed that the M9 balances business gravitas with family comfort, in order to meet diverse mobility needs.
The upcoming launch of the Linghui M9 marks a further expansion of the brand’s product lineup. Linghui has previously rolled out two all-electric sedans, the e7 and the e9.
The first model, the Linghui e7, was released in April this year with a starting price of 95,800 yuan ($14,090). Built on BYD’s Sealion 06 EV platform, the car targets the ride-hailing market.
The flagship sedan, the Linghui e9, went on sale on May 9 with a starting price of 150,800 yuan.
The Linghui e9 is built on BYD’s Han sedan and is positioned as a C-class all-electric sedan. It is equipped with BYD’s second-generation Blade Battery and the latest flash charging technology. The system can replenish the battery from 10% to 70% in five minutes.
The Linghui brand said its models will integrate a range of BYD’s core technologies. These include the God’s Eye advanced driver-assistance system and the DiSus intelligent body control system.
BYD offers a large number of models in the affordable market, many of which have become the top choice for ride-hailing services. This stems from the strong operating economics of these models.
That may also weigh somewhat on BYD’s brand image. By establishing Linghui as a separate sub-brand, BYD is seeking to consolidate its corporate business.
BYD’s sub-brand entities will draw on group resources as needed, with R&D, production and procurement costs settled independently.
($1 = 6.7998 yuan)
