If you want to buy a hybrid SUV priced between 100,000 and 150,000 yuan (21390$), consider the BYD Song Pro DM-i. It looks good and is very fuel-efficient. Check it out if you’re unsure among many brands and models.
Many people know the BYD Song Pro DM-i. This car is a star product in the BYD Song family. In the first half of this year, it won the title of A-Class SUV sales champion. By August, the cumulative sales of the Song family, including the Song L DM-i and Song PLUS DM-i, surpassed 1.67 million units, making it a market leader. On September 23, the second-generation Song Pro DM-i officially launched. This model shows significant improvements over the previous generation. It features BYD’s fifth-generation DM technology and new exterior and interior designs. The new car offers four configurations, priced from 112,800 to 142,800 yuan (20360$). The new model is now available in stores. Let’s explore its highlights.
The new Guochao Longyan aesthetic design concept is more impressive. BYD’s models always catch the eye with their designs. The addition of Guochao elements fits our domestic models well. The second-generation Song Pro DM-i maintains sleek body lines. The new Guochao Longyan aesthetic design exudes the unique fashion of urban SUVs.
The biggest change is in the front of the car. The Dragon Face design remains, but it received an upgrade. The official term is “Awakening of the Dragon Spirit.” The large grille is less prominent. The black color scheme makes it look less jarring. It appears more refined than the previous generation.
The headlights have sharper shapes. The dragon claw design inside remains essential to BYD’s Dragon Face aesthetics. All versions, except the base model, support adaptive high and low beam functions.
From the side, the second-generation Song Pro DM-i looks similar to the previous model. It features smooth lines. The rear roofline remains flat, providing ample headroom for rear passengers. The design avoids hidden door handles, which I find practical. The D-pillar trim has a new shape, adding a touch of style. The car measures 4735 mm in length, 1860 mm in width, and 1710 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2712 mm. The length has been slightly reduced.
The new car comes in four colors: Black, Mountain Blue, Snow White, and Time Gray. These colors draw inspiration from the vibrant culture of the Song Dynasty. They showcase the rich cultural heritage of the new national trend design. Today, I photographed the Time Gray model. I personally like it.
The changes at the rear focus on the brand logo and the rear bumper. The tail logo switched from “Build your Dream” to “BYD.” The lower bumper design simplified to match current aesthetics. The continuous tail light shape remains the same, but it now features all-red coating. All models come with a metal roof rack for easy installation of additional equipment.
The top model features 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The design showcases precise craftsmanship and clear layers. It pairs with low rolling resistance tires for great looks and excellent fuel efficiency. Today, we experience the second-generation Song Pro DM-i 75KM. This model uses 18-inch two-tone wheels. The piano black and polished spokes enhance its sporty appeal.
Interior style improves in quality, space remains spacious. The second-generation Song Pro DM-i looks more refined than before. Its appearance has significantly improved. The interior quality also sees a boost. The center console changes from a trapezoidal layout to a popular T-shaped layout. The details and materials in the interior have improved. The new car features a fresh interior color, “Amber Brown.” This shade appears lighter than the brown in the Song L DM-i. It looks fresh, elegant, and resistant to dirt.
In the high-end model, the panel in front of the passenger seat features an embedded pattern. It lights up with the interior ambient lights. The connection between the upper and lower layers of the center console, along with the edges of the door panel trim, uses metal-textured strips for decoration. The multi-color ambient lights enhance the stylish feel.
The new steering wheel design lacks bright color accents. However, it offers a better grip and appearance. The multifunction buttons on both sides are clearly divided. They are easy to use. The 8.8-inch LCD display shows clear fonts. It provides a wealth of information.
The rotatable Pad screen on BYD models receives high praise. The built-in apps offer variety, expandability, and playability. Users can connect external controllers to play games. The top model features a 15.6-inch screen, while other models have a 12.8-inch screen.
The height and width of the central instrument panel feel just right. The central armrest allows my elbow to rest comfortably while driving. The new car still uses a crystal gear lever. Common buttons use physical forms and display in Chinese, which is quite unique. The top model still includes a 50-watt wireless phone charging panel, but unfortunately, it only has one. The storage space below is spacious and includes a 12V power outlet.
The front seats in the new car changed from a one-piece design to a traditional adjustable headrest structure. This design better suits various heights and postures. The seats offer excellent comfort. In the top model, the driver’s seat features eight-way electric adjustment, along with ventilation and heating functions.
The rear seat has a central armrest. It features independent air conditioning vents and a power outlet. The rear seatbacks fold flat to expand trunk space. The seating position and passenger space match the previous generation. Legroom remains spacious.
The second-generation Song Pro DM-i features significant upgrades. It uses BYD’s fifth-generation DM technology. The 1.5L plug-in hybrid engine achieves a global record heat efficiency of 46.06%. The electric drive system’s efficiency reaches 92%. The vehicle also includes a seven-in-one power domain control and a power-type blade battery designed for plug-in hybrids. This combination results in an impressive NEDC fuel consumption of just 3.79L per 100 kilometers when running low on battery. It offers a full electric range of up to 1400 kilometers.
The vehicle offers four driving modes. The EV mode suits city use. It starts quickly and quietly. The HEV series mode provides better power during rapid acceleration. The parallel mode delivers confidence at high speeds. The engine direct drive mode improves fuel efficiency. This car features a combined AC and DC charging port. It supports a maximum charging power of 18 kW. It takes only 34 minutes to charge from 30% to 80%. The second-generation Song Pro DM-i base model has an electric range of 75 kilometers. There’s also a model with a range of 115 kilometers available.
Summary: Unsure about which car to buy? Choose BYD. The BYD Song family proves its strength with 1.67 million sales. The second-generation Song Pro DM-i upgrades bring significant changes. It features BYD’s fifth-generation DM technology. This technology excels in power and fuel efficiency. The new car also boasts improved aesthetics and interior quality. Its appeal continues to grow among style enthusiasts. The new model is now available at dealerships. If interested, consult your local dealer during the holiday period for more details.