BYD Song
The BYD Song is one of BYD's best-selling compact SUV lines — available as a conventional petrol, PHEV (Song Plus DM-i), or full electric (Song Plus EV). The DM-i PHEV variant combines a 1.5L petrol engine with a 26.5 kWh battery for 100+ km EV-only range and class-leading fuel efficiency in hybrid mode, making the Song Plus the practical choice for buyers who want electric daily driving without range anxiety.
Overview
The BYD Song launched in 2015 as a compact SUV and has since evolved through multiple generations into one of China's best-selling SUV lines. The Song Plus, introduced in 2020, raised the specification significantly — adopting BYD's DM-i super hybrid system that prioritises electric operation with petrol backup, rather than the traditional hybrid approach of using the electric motor to assist the petrol engine. The DM-i system means the Song Plus DM-i operates primarily as an electric vehicle for urban driving, only engaging the petrol engine during high-speed motorway driving or when the battery is depleted.
The Song Plus DM-i uses a 26.5 kWh battery (larger 33.1 kWh also available) providing 102 km of EV-only range — sufficient for most Baku residents to drive an entire working week on electricity alone. When the battery depletes, the 1.5L Atkinson-cycle petrol engine provides efficient range extension with fuel consumption figures as low as 4.4 L/100km in CLTC testing. The combined system produces approximately 195 kW, enabling 0–100 km/h in around 7.9 seconds despite the efficiency-first architecture. The Song Plus EV (full electric) uses a 71.8 kWh battery for 500+ km CLTC range as a separate pure-EV offering.
For Azerbaijani buyers, the Song Plus DM-i is particularly compelling — it provides the economics of electric daily driving in Baku without the anxiety of intercity range limitations. A Song Plus DM-i owner who charges at home every night will use minimal petrol in urban use, while retaining the ability to fill up at any petrol station for longer journeys to regions where EV charging infrastructure is still developing.
Song in Pictures
Reference images for design, configuration, and real-world use. Broken links fall back to text tiles.
Key Specifications
- PHEV battery: 26.5 kWh or 33.1 kWh (variant dependent)
- Petrol engine: 1.5L Atkinson cycle (DM-i) — 81 kW
- EV-only range: 102 km CLTC (26.5 kWh) / 125 km CLTC (33.1 kWh)
- Hybrid fuel consumption: approximately 4.4 L/100km CLTC
- System power: approximately 195 kW combined
- 0–100 km/h: approximately 7.9 seconds (DM-i)
- Song Plus EV: 71.8 kWh battery, 500+ km CLTC range
- Length: 4,650 mm — compact-to-mid SUV proportions
- Charging: 6.6 kW AC (PHEV); 80 kW DC fast charge (EV)
- Infotainment: 15.6-inch DiLink 4.0 rotating touchscreen
Variant / Configuration Comparison
| Variant | Power | Range/Payload | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Song Plus DM-i 26.5 kWh | 26.5 kWh + 1.5L | 195 kW combined | 102 km EV + unlimited petrol | Best-value PHEV — urban EV daily |
| Song Plus DM-i 33.1 kWh | 33.1 kWh + 1.5L | 195 kW combined | 125 km EV + unlimited petrol | Extended EV range — less frequent charging |
| Song Plus EV | 71.8 kWh pure BEV | 150 kW | 500+ km CLTC | Full electric — no petrol engine |
| Song Pro ICE | 1.5T petrol only | 115 kW | No EV range | ICE-only — entry budget option |
Competitor Snapshot
Competitor choice in Azerbaijan should account for service ecosystem, parts availability, and charging infrastructure alongside headline specifications.
| Model | Core Strength | Main Compromise (Local Context) |
|---|---|---|
| Li Auto L6 EREV | Extended-range EV with larger petrol generator, premium interior, very long total range | Higher price, larger size, not a traditional PHEV architecture |
| Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid | Toyota reliability reputation, strong CIS market resale value, global service | Lower EV range (75 km), much higher price, less advanced infotainment |
| MG One PHEV | Competitive price, growing CIS availability | Less EV range, smaller battery, less established BYD-level production quality |
Service & Support in Azerbaijan
BYD's service network in Azerbaijan is expanding. The brand is represented through authorised dealers and service partners in Baku, with growing parts inventory for popular models. Battery pack warranty terms should be confirmed with the local importer. Software updates are performed over-the-air for most recent models.
- Annual BMS diagnostic for PHEV battery health at BYD authorised service
- Engine oil: DM-i petrol engine requires less frequent changes due to reduced ICE use but still annual service
- PHEV high-voltage cable and connector inspection: annual check for charging port and cable condition
- Tyre rotation every 10,000 km — FWD layout typical for DM-i means front tyres wear faster
- Brake inspection: regenerative braking reduces physical brake wear but annual check still required
- Air filter: 20,000 km replacement for reduced-use petrol engine
Ownership Cost Estimator (Azerbaijan)
Adjust these values for your driving profile. All figures are estimates for planning purposes only.
- Estimated annual energy use: 3000 kWh
- Estimated annual charging cost: $360
- Total annual ownership estimate: $4060
- Average monthly estimate: $338
- PHEV charging: 6.6 kW AC charges 26.5 kWh battery from empty in approximately 4.5 hours
- Urban economics: buyers who charge nightly can drive primarily on electricity, using minimal petrol
- Petrol engine servicing still required: oil changes, air filter, etc. — but at reduced intervals due to less ICE use
- Song Plus EV variant: 80 kW DC fast charging fills from 10–80% in approximately 45 minutes
- Resale: the DM-i PHEV commands stronger resale values in CIS markets than full BEV due to fuel flexibility
Used Song Buying Checklist
Inspect each point thoroughly before committing to a purchase. Request service records and battery health reports.
- PHEV battery EV range confirmation — request charge from 0% and confirm claimed EV range is achieved
- Petrol engine function — confirm clean start, smooth running, no unusual smoke
- Charging port and onboard charger function test
- DM-i system mode switching — confirm EV, HEV, and charge modes operate correctly
- All BYD DiLink infotainment functions
- Suspension inspection — Song Plus is a well-loaded compact SUV
- Service history documentation for both battery and petrol engine
- Import and customs documentation
Song FAQ — Azerbaijan Buyers
What is the difference between the Song Plus DM-i and Song Plus EV?
The Song Plus DM-i is a plug-in hybrid — it has both a 26.5 kWh battery for electric-only driving and a 1.5L petrol engine for range extension. The Song Plus EV is a pure battery electric vehicle with a 71.8 kWh battery and no petrol engine. The DM-i is the better choice for buyers without reliable charging access or who regularly travel intercity distances; the EV is better for buyers with home charging and primarily urban or regional driving where charging infrastructure is adequate.
How much does it cost to run a BYD Song Plus DM-i in Baku on electricity only?
A Song Plus DM-i in pure electric mode uses approximately 13–16 kWh per 100 km in urban driving. At Azerbaijani electricity tariffs (approximately 0.10–0.15 AZN per kWh), this equates to approximately 1.50–2.40 AZN per 100 km driven on electricity — compared to 7–9 AZN per 100 km for a conventional petrol SUV. For Baku city drivers who charge at home, the Song Plus DM-i pays back its premium over a petrol equivalent relatively quickly through fuel savings.
Can the BYD Song Plus DM-i be charged at home without a specialist wallbox?
Yes — the Song Plus DM-i can be charged via a standard domestic socket (10A or 16A), though charging will be slow (7–10 hours for a full charge from a standard socket). For practical daily use, a 6.6 kW AC wallbox is recommended — this charges the 26.5 kWh battery from empty in approximately 4.5 hours, making overnight charging fully practical. A certified electrician should install any home wallbox to ensure safe operation.
Is the BYD Song reliable? What are the common issues?
The Song Plus DM-i has been sold in large volumes since 2021 with a generally positive reliability record. The DM-i system is relatively simple — the petrol engine operates in a narrow, efficient rev range rather than the complex variable operation of traditional hybrids. Common reported issues in early production models included software-related infotainment bugs (resolved via OTA updates) and charging connector quality. BYD has improved production quality significantly in recent years. As with any PHEV, battery cell balance should be checked on used examples.
What warranty does the BYD Song come with in Azerbaijan?
BYD typically offers a 6-year/150,000 km battery warranty and a 3-year/100,000 km vehicle warranty through authorised dealers. Confirm specific warranty terms with the local BYD authorised dealer in Azerbaijan, as warranty terms may vary by import channel. Purchasing through an authorised BYD dealer provides the strongest warranty protection.
Should You Buy the BYD Song?
The BYD Song Plus DM-i is one of the most practical PHEV choices for Azerbaijani buyers — providing 100+ km of electric-only range for daily Baku commuting, petrol backup for intercity travel, and a well-specified interior at a competitive price. It is the ideal choice for buyers who want to transition toward electric driving without fully committing to pure EV infrastructure dependency. The Song Plus EV is excellent for buyers with reliable home charging who primarily drive in urban environments.
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