BYD Song

The BYD Song (, after the Song dynasty) is a series of compact crossover SUVs produced by BYD Auto since 2015.

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 Max compact 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]

Song (2015)

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 and 240 Nm of torque and a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine capable of producing 205 hp and 320 Nm 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.

Song Pro (2019)

The Song Plus is a compact crossover SUV produced since 2019, which was offered alongside the first-generation Song until 2022. It was initially offered in three variants: an internal combustion engine (ICE) version with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the plug-in hybrid Song Pro DM and the battery electric Song Pro EV. Since 2022, only the plug-in hybrid version remains available, which has been upgraded to the newer DM-i plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The Song Pro became available in global markets in 2024, mostly in Latin American countries. In Philippines and Australia, it is known as the Sealion 5 DM-i.[11]

Song Plus (2020)

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.[12][13]

Song L EV (2023)

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.

Song L DM-i (2024)

The Song L DM-i is a mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV that went on sale in July 2024 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. Instead, it is similarly sized to the Song Plus, which has been phased out. It is equipped with the DM-i 5.0 system first introduced with the Qin L and Seal 06.[14]

Song Ultra EV (2026)

The Song Ultra EV is an variant of Song L DM-i as a mid-size battery-electric SUV, but built on a different platform with revised front and rear fascia which increases its overall size. This model was unveiled through MIIT filings in January 2026.[15]

Song Max (2017)

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, then battery electric and plug-in hybrid in 2019. Since 2022, it is solely available in a DM-i plug-in hybrid version. 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.

Sales

See also

• List of BYD Auto vehicles

External links

• Official website (in Chinese)