You have to admit it—BYD Song PLUS is getting more and more popular. Many people are puzzled by this. With so many strong competitors in the same segment, why is it so favored?
As a compact SUV, currently priced between 154.800 and 219.900 RMB, it has won the hearts of car enthusiasts with its advantages in power, comfort, and fuel efficiency. As of December 2023. its latest monthly sales reached 34.904. Although it ranks second in the SUV category, it has often taken the top spot. What's even more interesting is that while there are competitors with more powerful engines, better looks, and lower prices, they still don't match its sales figures.
Of course, to truly understand a car, simply comparing parameters and looking at past reputations isn’t enough. With continuous updates and iterations, the driving experience of new models is also crucial. So, let's take a look at the most popular DM-i model and see what car owners have to say about it.
Appearance: Many people say that the new front end doesn't look good, probably because they haven't seen it in person. Admittedly, the pictures don’t do it justice; the front end might remind you of a big cat. However, when you see the real thing, it’s a different story—the front is very dynamic. As for the body and rear, it’s simply pleasing to the eye. For someone like me, who has a family to take care of, this design is very satisfactory; flashy designs wouldn't suit me anyway.
Interior: To be honest, at this price point, there's not much to complain about. The large screen and soft-touch materials are already top-notch. Plenty of physical buttons have been retained, making them easy to use. In terms of design, it’s not as refined as some other domestic brands, but aside from refinement, there’s not much difference. I’m not a fan of the rotating large screen feature; it feels unnecessary and less stable than if it were fixed. Other than the strong new car smell, everything else is fine.
Space: Overall, I’m very satisfied. It’s definitely enough for a family of three. I’m 1.8 meters tall, and after adjusting the front seat, there’s still 10 cm of headroom, with plenty of leg and shoulder room. In the back, there’s also 10 cm of headroom and 20 cm of legroom from the front seats, making it comfortable for three adults. The storage compartments are limited but adequate. The trunk can fit four suitcases, and with the rear seats folded down, it can even serve as a bed.
Power: Acceleration feels no different from a pure electric car—just step on the gas. Driving on city roads with pure electric power is particularly enjoyable. Overtaking, changing lanes, and going uphill with passengers is very easy, no need to build up momentum—just step on the gas. The brakes are a bit soft, but you don’t usually need them, thanks to the regenerative braking. Honestly, electric vehicles can make you a bit careless. Once, at a traffic light, I kept stepping on the gas, thinking the car was broken, only to realize I hadn’t shifted gears. On the highway, you need to build up speed for overtaking; instant acceleration doesn’t work well, so be sure to maintain a safe following distance.
Range: After driving over 5.000 kilometers, the displayed fuel consumption is 5.8 liters per 100 kilometers, and the electricity consumption is 16 kWh, which seems okay. My previous CRV had much higher fuel consumption, and with this car, I hardly ever need to refuel; it's more like giving the engine a quick rinse. The only downside is the charging—every two days, and I often forget. Although running on fuel is fine, I feel like I’m losing out if I don’t charge it.
Comfort: The visibility is good, and the steering wheel is very responsive. The seats offer strong support, so long drives aren’t tiring. The sound insulation is excellent at low speeds, but at high speeds, wind and tire noise become noticeable, and there’s vibration when the engine kicks in. The chassis is very solid, making cornering enjoyable. Small bumps are easily absorbed, but speed bumps cause noticeable jolts, so it’s best not to go too fast.
In conclusion, the BYD Song PLUS is well-rounded. You could say that while it may not be the best in every aspect, it’s the most suitable for family use. Of course, its large ownership base is also a testament to its after-sales service and quality. Finally, it’s important to note that blindly following trends is not advisable—your own needs should always come first.
