BYD Song PLUS

Model Overview

The BYD Song PLUS is a core SUV under BYD Auto's dual-channel strategy encompassing the Dynasty and Ocean networks, having first debuted in September 2020. Positioned as a C-segment SUV, it offers three powertrain options: petrol, plug-in hybrid (DM-i), and fully electric (EV), serving as a crucial pillar in BYD's dual-track electrification strategy. Dimension-wise, it measures 4,775 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height, with a 2,765 mm wheelbase and a boot capacity of 574 to 1,440 litres. The 2025 Song PLUS DM-i Smart Driving Edition is available in 5 variants, priced between RM135,800 and RM175,800, while the Song PLUS EV Smart Driving Edition comes in 3 variants, priced from RM149,800 to RM175,800. By the end of 2025, cumulative domestic sales of the Song PLUS line-up had surpassed 1.57 million units, cementing its status as a blockbuster product in China's SUV market.

Design Language

The Song PLUS adopts BYD's signature "Ocean Aesthetics" design philosophy, blending the clean lines of a new energy vehicle with sporty styling cues. Up front, it features a closed-off front fascia paired with a borderless intake grille, complemented by full-width LED daytime running lights that visually widen the front profile. For the 2025 model year, the headlight clusters have been subtly revised, and the rear "Build Your Dreams" script has been replaced with an illuminated "BYD" emblem for enhanced nighttime presence. Along the sides, the vehicle retains its sleek silhouette, with the 2025 model introducing newly designed 19-inch dual-tone aerodynamic alloy wheels.

Inside, the cabin features a wraparound layout with dual-tone upholstery that elevates the overall ambience. The 2025 update introduces an Eclipse Blue + Sandstone Beige interior theme, alongside standard equipment including a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch adaptive rotating central touchscreen. The centre console retains essential physical switchgear, complemented by a 50W wireless smartphone charging pad up front, with newly added kit such as a head-up display (HUD) and a heated steering wheel.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2025 Song PLUS DM-i debuts BYD's fifth-generation DM (Dual Mode) super hybrid system, pairing a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with an electric drive motor. The internal combustion engine produces 74 kW (101 PS) and 126 Nm of torque, while the electric motor generates 160 kW (218 PS) and 260 Nm of torque, with system output channelled via an E-CVT. Energy is supplied by BYD's lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade Battery, available in 12.9 kWh, 18.3 kWh, and 26.6 kWh capacities, providing CLTC pure electric driving ranges of 75 km, 112 km, and 160 km, respectively. Under NEDC testing, combined fuel consumption drops to as low as 3.9 L/100 km, offering a total cruising range of up to 1,500 km on a full tank and full charge, with media real-world tests exceeding 2,000 km. The vehicle supports 2C DC fast charging, taking just 17 minutes to charge from 30% to 80% SoC. It completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds, onto a top speed of 180 km/h.

Meanwhile, the 2025 Song PLUS EV is driven by an 8-in-1 electric powertrain featuring a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 150–160 kW (204–218 PS) and 310–330 Nm of torque. Battery options include 71.8 kWh and 87.04 kWh Blade Battery packs, delivering CLTC electric ranges of 520 km and 605 km, respectively. Energy consumption is rated as low as 13.86 kWh/100 km. On the charging front, the base 520 km variant supports 90 kW DC fast charging, whereas the range-topping 605 km variant accepts up to 140 kW DC fast charging, taking as little as 28 minutes for a 30%–80% SoC top-up. A 6 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) reverse charging function is standard across the range, catering to outdoor power needs.

Chassis and Handling

Under the skin, the chassis setup consists of front MacPherson struts and a rear four-link independent suspension, tuned under the direction of BYD's chief chassis expert, Heinz Keck. The 2025 model sees the rear suspension upgraded to a four-link independent setup across the board, complemented by FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) variable dampers to strike an optimal balance between ride comfort and body control. Steering is handled by an electric power steering (EPS) system, while stopping power comes from front ventilated discs and rear solid discs paired with an electronic parking brake (EPB). Configured in front-wheel drive (FWD), it boasts a tight minimum turning radius of 5.55 metres. Drive modes include ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT, alongside seamless switching between pure EV and HEV hybrid modes.

Cabin and Equipment

The Song PLUS comes standard with the high-spec DiLink 100 intelligent cockpit system, powered by a 6 nm 5G chipset supporting high-speed 5G connectivity. The digital cockpit incorporates a three-screen layout comprising a 15.6-inch adaptive rotating infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster, and a HUD. The DiLink 100 system features full-scenario voice control with four-zone voice wake-up and "see and say" commands, alongside map desktop integration, three-finger gesture shortcuts, and extensive third-party app support. Cabin comforts include integrated front bucket seats (with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation), a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, rear air-con vents, and front acoustic double-glazed glass. Audio is delivered via a 6-speaker setup or a higher-specification sound system depending on the variant.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the 2025 Song PLUS is equipped as standard with 6 airbags (front dual, front side, and full-length side curtain airbags), alongside active safety systems such as ABS, EBD, Traction Control (TCS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The body shell utilizes a high-rigidity safety cage design.

For driver assistance, the 2025 Song PLUS Smart Driving Edition features BYD's "God's Eye C - Advanced Smart Driving Tri-Focal Edition" (DiPilot 100) system across the range. Utilising a 5R12V sensor suite, the setup integrates 29 ADAS sensors (12 cameras, 5 millimetre-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors), an in-house computing platform, and end-to-end AI large models. Key functions include Highway Navigation on Autopilot (supporting autonomous negotiation of tight curves, autonomous overtaking and lane changes, highway ramp entry/exit, and intelligent yielding to heavy vehicles) alongside intelligent parking (valet parking, remote parking, and automated parking across perpendicular, parallel, diagonal, and tight dead-end bays). Delivering Level 2+ driver assistance, the system supports adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane centring assist (LCA) at speeds from 0 to 130 km/h. Furthermore, the Smart Driving Edition features one-touch turn-signal lane changing and integrates a dedicated smart driving activation paddle on the left side of the steering wheel.

Market Performance and Reception

The Song PLUS stands as one of the benchmark new energy SUVs in China's automotive landscape. By the end of 2025, cumulative sales of the nameplate had exceeded 1.57 million units. In February 2025 alone, the Song PLUS DM-i registered 38,741 domestic sales alongside 21,216 export units, driving total global monthly sales past 60,000 units, while the Song PLUS EV recorded 11,263 domestic registrations. In December of the same year, the Song PLUS successfully defended its SUV sales crown. On the global stage, the Song PLUS topped China's vehicle export charts in the first half of 2025 with 134,000 units shipped overseas.

In terms of consumer feedback, the Song PLUS has garnered high praise for its practical cabin space, fuel efficiency (DM-i models), and real-world electric range. The implementation of fifth-generation DM technology positions the Song PLUS DM-i among the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. Making the DiLink 100 smart cockpit and DiPilot ADAS suite standard across the range has further sharpened its tech appeal. However, with BYD's rapid model lifecycle updates and the transition towards an independent Ocean network line-up, the Song PLUS entered a transition phase in late 2025, paving the way for next-generation successors like the Sea Lion 06. Key rivals in the segment include the Tesla Model Y, AION Y, Geely Galaxy L7, and Honda CR-V. Overall, bolstered by its dual-powertrain offering, generous standard tech and ADAS equipment, and strong value proposition, the Song PLUS firmly establishes itself as a C-segment SUV benchmark.