The Evolution of the BYD Song Plus: From Gasoline Beginnings to Global Electrified Bestseller

BYD

The BYD Song Plus is one of the most important vehicles in BYD Auto’s rapid rise as a global leader in electrified mobility. Introduced in 2020 as a more premium and larger alternative within the Song family, the Song Plus has evolved from a conventional gasoline-powered SUV into a fully electrified lineup dominated by plug-in hybrid and battery electric variants. Over a relatively short production life, the model has undergone significant technological, structural, and market transformations, becoming one of BYD’s best-selling SUVs worldwide.

Origins and Development (Pre-2020 Context)

The Song Plus is part of the broader Song series introduced in 2015, which includes multiple SUVs such as the Song, Song Pro, and later the Song L. BYD Auto developed the Song Plus to sit between the Song Pro and the larger Tang, offering a more refined, spacious, and technologically advanced compact crossover.

Positioned as a step up in quality and size, the Song Plus was designed to compete with both domestic and international compact SUVs while showcasing BYD’s growing expertise in electrification.

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Initial Launch and First Phase (2020–2021)

Production Years (Early Phase)

  • 2020–2021 (ICE introduction)
  • Production began in September 2020

Initial Powertrain

At launch, the Song Plus was offered exclusively as a gasoline-powered SUV:

  • 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine
  • 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT)
  • Front-wheel drive layout

Early Trim Levels (China)

The initial trim structure followed typical Chinese-market configurations rather than fixed global names:

  • Base / Standard
  • Mid-level (enhanced infotainment and comfort)
  • High-spec / Flagship trims

These trims differed in features such as:

  • Interior materials
  • Infotainment screen size (including a rotating touchscreen)
  • Advanced driver assistance systems

Positioning

The Song Plus was marketed as a more premium alternative to the Song Pro, with a larger body and more upscale interior design.

Electrification Expansion (2021–2022)

In 2021, BYD fundamentally transformed the Song Plus lineup by introducing electrified variants.

New Models Introduced

  • Song Plus DM-i (plug-in hybrid)
  • Song Plus EV (battery electric)

DM-i Hybrid System

The DM-i (Dual Mode intelligent) system emphasized:

  • High fuel efficiency
  • Extended electric-only driving range
  • Smooth hybrid operation

Trim Levels (Electrified Models)

The introduction of electrification brought clearer trim differentiation:

Song Plus DM-i

  • Standard Range DM-i
  • Extended Range DM-i
  • High-spec AWD variants (in later updates)

Song Plus EV

  • Standard Range
  • Long Range
  • High-performance versions

End of Gasoline Variant

In 2022, BYD discontinued all internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, including the gasoline Song Plus.

This marked a major turning point, making the Song Plus a fully electrified model line.

Transition to Ocean Series and Global Strategy (2022–2023)

Originally part of BYD’s Dynasty Series, the Song Plus was reassigned to the Ocean Series dealership network in 2022.

Key Changes

  • Branding shift from Dynasty to Ocean lineup
  • Updated design language aligning with newer BYD EVs
  • Expanded export strategy

Global Market Names

As BYD expanded internationally, the Song Plus adopted different names:

  • BYD Seal U (Europe, 2023)
  • BYD Sealion 6 (Australia, Southeast Asia, 2024)

These rebrandings allowed BYD to align the vehicle with regional naming strategies and product positioning.

2023 Facelift and “Champion Edition”

A major update arrived in June 2023 with the facelifted Song Plus.

Key Updates

  • Redesigned front and rear styling
  • Adoption of BYD’s Ocean Series design language
  • Replacement of the “Song” badge with the BYD logo
  • Improved aerodynamics and lighting design

Updated Models and Trims

Song Plus DM-i (Facelift)

  • Standard DM-i
  • Long Range DM-i
  • AWD performance variants

Song Plus EV (Facelift)

  • Standard Range EV
  • Long Range EV (up to ~375 miles / 605 km range)

Champion Edition

  • Introduced as a refreshed lineup
  • Focused on improved value and updated styling
  • Became the primary version sold in China

Global Expansion and Market-Specific Trims (2022–Present)

China

  • Multiple DM-i and EV configurations
  • Trim levels based on battery size, drivetrain, and features

Brazil (2022 Launch)

  • Introduced as a single DM-i plug-in hybrid variant
  • Later updates included larger battery capacity for improved electric range

Australia and Southeast Asia (2024)

Sold as the Sealion 6 with two main trims:

  • Dynamic
  • Premium (AWD dual-motor)

Europe (2023–Present)

  • Sold as Seal U EV
  • Later joined by Seal U DM-i hybrid

Other Markets

  • Philippines: Single-variant DM-i
  • Thailand: Dynamic and Premium trims

Complete Trim and Model Overview (All Years)

2020–2021 (ICE Phase)

  • Base / Standard
  • Mid-level
  • High-spec / Flagship

2021–2022 (Electrification Introduction)

  • Song Plus DM-i Standard
  • Song Plus DM-i Extended Range
  • Song Plus EV Standard Range
  • Song Plus EV Long Range

2023–Present (Facelift and Global Expansion)

DM-i Hybrid Models

  • DM-i Standard
  • DM-i Long Range
  • DM-i AWD / Performance
  • Dynamic (export markets)
  • Premium (export markets)

EV Models

  • Standard Range EV
  • Long Range EV
  • Performance AWD EV

Special Editions

  • Champion Edition (China)
  • Market-specific trims and packages

Technical Evolution

Powertrain Advancements

  • Transition from gasoline to full electrification
  • Introduction of DM-i hybrid system
  • Expansion to AWD dual-motor setups

Battery Technology

  • Adoption of BYD’s Blade Battery system
  • Improved safety, durability, and energy density

Interior and Technology

  • Rotating touchscreen infotainment system
  • Advanced driver assistance features
  • Over-the-air (OTA) updates

Sales Success and Market Impact

The Song Plus has become one of BYD’s most successful vehicles:

  • Over 1 million units produced globally by July 2024 (excluding ICE variants)
  • Ranked among the best-selling SUVs in China
  • Key contributor to BYD’s dominance in the plug-in hybrid segment

Its success reflects growing global demand for electrified SUVs and BYD’s ability to deliver competitive pricing and technology.

End of Production in China and Successor (2026)

In January 2026, the Song Plus was removed from BYD’s China lineup, signaling a transition to newer models.

Successor

  • BYD Sealion 06 (China market)

However, the Song Plus continues to be sold internationally under the Seal U and Sealion 6 names.

Future Outlook

The future of the Song Plus nameplate is closely tied to BYD’s global strategy:

Key Trends

  • Continued expansion in Europe, Asia, and Latin America
  • Increasing focus on plug-in hybrid systems (DM-i)
  • Integration of next-generation battery and software technologies

While the model is being phased out in China, it remains a core product in global markets, particularly where hybrid SUVs are in high demand.

The evolution of the BYD Song Plus from a gasoline-powered SUV in 2020 to a globally recognized electrified vehicle highlights the rapid transformation of the automotive industry. Through multiple phases—including electrification, global rebranding, and technological upgrades—the Song Plus has become a cornerstone of BYD’s success.

With a wide range of trims spanning ICE, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric models, the Song Plus has demonstrated remarkable adaptability. Its transition to global markets under names like the Seal U and Sealion 6 further underscores its importance.

Although it is being replaced in China by newer models, the Song Plus remains a significant milestone in BYD’s journey—bridging the gap between traditional SUVs and the fully electrified future of mobility.

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