The Song nameplate consists of several different models. It includes the original first-generation Song, later renamed to Song Classic and was sold until 2019. Another versions are the slightly larger Song Pro was introduced in 2019, followed by the more upmarket Song Plus in 2020, a larger electric vehicle called the Song L EV since 2023, and a plug-in hybrid called the Song L DM-i. The Song nameplate is also adopted by the Song Maxcompact MPV. Since 2024, the Song Plus is exported overseas as the BYD Seal U and BYD Sealion 6.
Similar to other BYD models, the Song has been available in petrol, plug-in hybrid DM (Dual Mode) system, and pure EV powertrains. The petrol versions were discontinued in March 2022 as BYD ended ICE vehicle production.[1] The Song is part of Dynasty series product line, although since 2022 the Song Plus is offered through the Ocean Network dealerships.
The Song is BYD's best-selling vehicle, and one of the most popular SUV in China by ranking first in the SUV segment in 2022. In that year, the Song sold 478,811 units, surpassing the Tesla Model Y and Haval H6 in the market.[2]
The original BYD Song debuted on the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2015, and went on sale in October 2015. It was positioned below the mid-size S6 crossover, and is BYD's first entry to the compact crossover market.[3] Prior to its introduction, the petrol-powered first-generation Song was planned to be marketed as the BYD S3, similar to the petrol powered F3 compact sedan and S6 mid-size crossover, which for its hybrid variants were renamed to the Qin and Tang using the Chinese dynasty naming system. However, BYD reversed course shortly before its launch, and S3 was named the Song for all variants including the ICE engined version, plug-in hybrid version, and electric versions.[4][5][6]
Two powertrains was offered at launch. A 1.5-litre turbo-charged petrol engine capable of producing 154 hp (115 kW; 156 PS) and 240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) of torque and a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine capable of producing 205 hp (153 kW; 208 PS) and 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) of torque. The 1.5-litre engine could be had with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic gearbox while the 2.0-litre engine could only be had with a 6-speed DCT gearbox.[7][8] Early models with S3 badging has black graphic details on the front bumpers and regular BYD badge instead of the single body color and Dynasty-badging Song.
Later in 2018, a second facelift updating the BYD Song with the new "Dragon Face" design language.
2017 BYD Song
Rear view
Song DM
BYD introduced the Song DM (Dual Mode) plug-in hybrid in April 2017, following the F3DM compact car and F6DM prototype. The Song DM is nearly identical to the regular Song apart from the badging. Song DM is capable of utilizing both the HEV and EV modes with the 1.5-litre turbo engine and dual motors, delivering a range up to 80 km (50 mi). The plug-in outputs up to 333 kW (453 PS; 447 hp) and a torque of 740 N⋅m (546 lb⋅ft) in HEV mode and manages 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 4.9 seconds. Fuel efficiency is 1.4 L/100 km (170 mpg‑US; 71 km/L).[9]
BYD Song DM
Rear view
BYD Song DM (facelift)
Rear view
Song EV300 and EV400
The Song EV300 and the Song EV400 are both electric versions of the Song based on the regular petrol-powered BYD Song, and both use 218 hp (163 kW) and 310 N⋅m (229 lb⋅ft) electric motors. The Song EV300 has a NEDC range of 270 km (168 mi) and a 60 km/h (37 mph) range of 300 km (186 mi) running on a 48 kWh battery pack while the Song EV400 runs on 62 kWh ones.[10] As for the exterior appearances, the EV300 is identical to the regular Song and Song DM, while the EV400 received redesigned bumpers.
BYD Song EV400
Rear view
2018 facelift
A facelift was launched in 2018 featuring the new BYD dragon face and connected tail lamps. Despite being marketed as a "brand new generation", the 2018 model shares the same body as the previous models.
The Song Pro was introduced in early 2019. Based on the BNA (BYD New Architecture) platform shared with the Qin Pro,[15][16][17] the Song Pro is positioned in the Chinese A+-class SUV segment, equivalent to a space between the global C-segment and D-segment.[16][11] Its front end design adopts the "Dragon Face 2.0", the second-generation BYD Dragon face design language.[16]
The Song Pro was available in three different powertrains, namely the petrol-powered Song Pro (until early 2022), the fully electric Song Pro EV (until 2021) and the plug-in hybrid Song Pro DM.
The petrol version Song Pro is powered by the same 1.5-litre turbo engine producing 113 kW (154 PS; 152 hp).[18]
BYD Song Pro
Rear view
Song Pro EV
The Song Pro EV was released alongside the petrol and plug-in hybrid Song Pro in July 2019. The model is powered by a 71 kWh ternary lithium battery and has a combined power output of 135 kW (184 PS; 181 hp).[18][19] BYD claimed an NEDC electric range of 502 km (312 mi).[20] It was available until 2021 as a 2019 model year.[21][22]
BYD Song Pro EV
Rear view
Song Pro DM
The plug-in hybrid version was powered by the same 1.5-litre turbo engine as the petrol version while producing 118 kW (160 PS; 158 hp) with a fuel consumption of 1.4 L/100 km (170 mpg‑US; 71 km/L).[18]
BYD Song Pro DM
Rear view
2021 facelift
The Song Pro received a facelift and was updated with the DM-i powertrain from December 2021 for the 2022 model year. From 2022, the DM-i is the only remaining Song Pro model on sale. The Song Pro DM-i is powered by a 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid engine connected with the EHS system producing 173 kW and 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) acceleration is completed in 7.9 seconds. It is equipped with an E-CVT gearbox.[23]
2022 BYD Song Pro DM-i
Rear view
2023 facelift
In 2023, the Song Pro DM-i received another major facelift, updating the styling of both the front and rear end of the vehicle.
The Song Plus is a larger compact crossover SUV produced since 2020. Initially available solely as an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, in 2021 BYD introduced the plug-in hybrid Song Plus DM-i and the battery electric Song Plus EV. The petrol model was phased out in 2022 after BYD ended production of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
In 2023, BYD introduced the Song Plus EV as the BYD Seal U in Europe. The plug-in hybrid Seal U DM-i was introduced later in 2024. In mid-2024, the model was introduced in Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Thailand as the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i.[24][25]
The Song L EV is a larger and lower SUV in the mid-size crossover SUV segment (B-class in China) using the Song nameplate that was produced since 2023. The Song L EV is based on the e-Platform 3.0.
In July 2024, the Song L DM-i plug-in hybrid went on sale in China. It is an entirely different vehicle compared to the Song L EV, with minimal resemblance in styling and based on a different platform. It is equipped with the DM-i 5.0 system first introduced with the Qin L and Seal 06.[26]
The Song Max is a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) using the Song nameplate that was produced since 2017. It was available as a petrol-powered model, until it was replaced by a DM-i plug-in hybrid version in 2022. A simplified, battery electric version of the Song Max is marketed as the second-generation BYD e6 for ride-hailing and taxi fleet use. Since 2024, an upgraded version of the e6 went on sale as the BYD M6 in some export markets.
^"【图】搭1.5T动力/年中推出 曝比亚迪S3实车图_汽车之家" [BYD S3 real car picture revealed with 1.5T power/launched in mid-year]. www.autohome.com.cn. 21 January 2015. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
^"比亚迪的BNA架构到底是什么东西?e平台又是指什么?" [What exactly is BYD's BNA architecture? What does e-platform mean?]. www.sohu.com. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
^ abc"搭载L2 Plus级驾驶辅助 实拍比亚迪宋Pro DM_太平洋汽车网" [Real shot of BYD Song Pro DM equipped with L2 Plus level driving assistance]. www.pcauto.com.cn. 31 May 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
^"先行者的再进化 全面解读比亚迪BNA架构_凤凰网汽车_凤凰网" [The re-evolution of forerunners comprehensively interprets BYD’s BNA architecture]. auto.ifeng.com. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
^"比亚迪宋Pro EV参数曝光,续航里程为502公里-车视界" [BYD Song Pro EV parameters revealed, range is 502 km - Car Vision]. www.sohu.com. Retrieved 13 July 2024.
^"舒适好开/性能表现有惊喜 测试比亚迪宋Pro EV_评车_一猫汽车网" [Comfortable and easy to drive/performance is surprising test BYD Song Pro EV]. news.m.emao.com. Retrieved 13 July 2024.