Car review: Budget-friendly BYD M3e lacks bells, whistles and polish

BYD's M3e seven-seater lacks bells, whistles and polish, but is unbeatable on the price front

The BYD M3e has an unpretentious van-like design and handles decently. ST PHOTOS: ARIFFIN JAMAR
Inside, the swathe of hard hollow plastic and fake leather lining its interior commensurates with its wallet-friendly price tag. The seating arrangement frees up an aisle for easy access to various rows. The last row can be flipped up to unleash a sizeable cargo area. ST PHOTOS: ARIFFIN JAMAR
Inside, the swathe of hard hollow plastic and fake leather lining its interior commensurates with its wallet-friendly price tag. The seating arrangement (above) frees up an aisle for easy access to various rows. The last row can be flipped up to unleash a sizeable cargo area. ST PHOTOS: ARIFFIN JAMAR
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China has been advancing by leaps and bounds in recent years, as any repeat visitor will attest. But looking at the BYD M3e, you would never have guessed.

The electric seven-seater is the second car available here from the Shenzhen-based manufacturer, following the e6 compact multipurpose vehicle (MPV), which BYD has produced since 2009.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 14, 2020, with the headline Car review: Budget-friendly BYD M3e lacks bells, whistles and polish. Subscribe