BYD M6 DM vs Toyota Veloz Hybrid, Electrified MPV Showdown for the Masses

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.COM - The arrival of the BYD M6 DM has made the competition in Indonesia’s electrified family car segment livelier. The BYD’s first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) for the domestic market now faces the Toyota Veloz Hybrid, which has been active in the electrified MPV segment for longer. It would not be an overstatement to say that both models have the reputation of electrified MPVs for the masses, given their strong sales in the national automotive market. Although both adopt hybrid technology, the approaches differ considerably. The BYD M6 DM places greater emphasis on an electric-car-like driving experience with a plug-in hybrid system, while the Toyota Veloz Hybrid arrives as a full hybrid that is simpler for daily use without external charging. In terms of dimensions, the BYD M6 DM sits in a larger class than the Toyota Veloz Hybrid. The car measures 4,710 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width, 1,690 mm in height, with a wheelbase of around 2,800 mm. Meanwhile the Toyota Veloz Hybrid measures 4,475 mm in length, 1,750 mm in width, 1,700 mm in height, wheelbase 2,750 mm, and ground clearance reaching 205 mm. The larger dimensions make the BYD M6 DM expected to offer a roomier cabin, especially for passengers in the second and third rows. However the Veloz Hybrid still has an advantage in practicality and high ground clearance that suits various road conditions in Indonesia. The biggest difference between the two lies in the electrification technology used. The BYD M6 DM uses the Dual Mode (DM) plug-in hybrid system with an electric-first approach. In many conditions, the electric motor becomes the primary mover, while the petrol engine acts as a generator and also helps drive when needed. This character makes the BYD M6 DM’s driving experience feel closer to a pure electric car, especially when the battery is full. On the other hand, the Toyota Veloz Hybrid uses the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) full hybrid technology with a 1.5-litre Atkinson Cycle engine and an electronic CVT (e-CVT). This system operates automatically without needing external battery charging. In other words, Veloz Hybrid users simply refuel with petrol like a normal car, while the hybrid system works on its own to improve fuel efficiency. BYD claims the M6 DM’s fuel consumption can reach around 65 km per litre under ideal conditions, with a combined range of more than 1,600 km when the battery and petrol tank are full. In addition, BYD M6 DM is also claimed to be able to travel up to 105 km in pure electric mode before the petrol engine kicks in. Meanwhile Toyota claims New Veloz Hybrid’s fuel consumption reaches 28.9 km per litre for combined use. In field testing, its efficiency reportedly varies from 24 km/litre to 35.5 km/litre depending on road conditions, vehicle load, and driving style.