2027 BYD M9 plug-in hybrid takes aim at Kia Carnival in Australia

Key takeaways

• 2027 BYD M9 plug-in hybrid people mover confirmed for Australia
• Seven or eight seats, up to 145km EV range
• Arrives Q4 2026 to challenge the Kia Carnival

The 2027 BYD M9 is heading to Australia, handing the country's second-best selling car brand its first crack at the people mover market.

BYD Australia has locked in the plug-in hybrid seven and eight-seater for showrooms between October and December 2026, and it has the segment-dominating Kia Carnival squarely in its sights.

2027 BYD M9 powertrain and range

Both variants run BYD's DM-i 5.0 Super Hybrid system, pairing a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and driving the front wheels only.

The seven-seat Premium lands first. It carries a 36.6kWh Blade battery and claims up to 145km of electric-only range, plus up to 850km combined on the WLTP cycle. Government certification points to a 218kW total output.

An eight-seat Dynamic follows at a lower expected price, using a smaller 20.39kWh battery for a claimed 80km of electric range and 191kW.

Every M9 gets vehicle-to-load capability, so it can run appliances or camp gear straight from the battery. AC and DC charging are both supported, though BYD hasn't locked in local fast-charge rates.

Specs and performance

Size, space and safety

At 5145mm long, 1970mm wide and 1805mm tall on a 3045mm wheelbase, the M9 sits within a whisker of the Carnival's footprint.

Boot space is a claimed 470 litres behind the third row, around 25% less than the Carnival's 627 litres. Braked towing is rated at 1500kg and both variants carry a 654kg payload.

Safety was a clear priority. BYD built 73% of the structure from high-strength steel and fitted up to nine airbags, a 360-degree camera, five millimetre-wave radars, eight ultrasonic sensors and a full suite of driver-assist tech.

Australian availability

BYD hasn't confirmed pricing and says the numbers will land closer to launch. The brand is expected to target the Kia Carnival, which runs from roughly $54,560 to $76,840 plus on-road costs.

The M9 should comfortably undercut BYD's own luxury Denza D9 (from $85,990) and the plug-in hybrid GAC M8 (from $76,590 plus on-road costs). It becomes only the second PHEV people mover on sale locally, after the M8.

BYD Australia chief operating officer Stephen Collins said the M9 "offers superb EV-only driving for daily commutes and exceptional touring range for longer trips".

Pricing is the one number that still matters and it decides whether this is a real Carnival threat or just another name on the list. Land it near Sealion 8 money and Kia's grip on the people mover segment faces its stiffest test yet.

Frequently asked questions

How much will the 2027 BYD M9 cost in Australia?

Pricing isn't confirmed yet. BYD is expected to target the Kia Carnival, which spans roughly $54,560 to $76,840 plus on-road costs, with full details due closer to the Q4 2026 launch.

What is the electric range of the BYD M9?

The seven-seat Premium claims up to 145km of electric-only range on the WLTP cycle, while the eight-seat Dynamic claims around 80km.

When does the BYD M9 go on sale in Australia?

The M9 is due in Australian showrooms between October and December 2026, with the Premium arriving first and the Dynamic to follow.