Why did you choose the BYD Song L DM-i?
How has your ownership experience been so far?
I had been considering buying a new vehicle for quite some time and compared several models, including the Geely Galaxy L7, Chery Fulwin T9, and BYD Song Plus. After evaluating factors such as battery safety, rear-seat space, smart features, and long-term product support, I ultimately chose the BYD Song L DM-i 2025 Intelligent Driving Edition (112 km Leading Trim).
With colder weather approaching and local purchase incentives becoming available, I decided it was the right time to place the order. After spending some time with the vehicle, here are my impressions.
Pros
1. Attractive and Timeless Exterior Design
The Song L DM-i doesn’t have the most aggressive or sporty front-end design, but it looks mature, well-proportioned, and easy on the eyes. It has a distinctive appearance without looking like a copy of a premium luxury model, which I appreciate.
2. Comfortable and Practical Interior
The seats are soft and supportive, making long trips comfortable. The dashboard uses plenty of soft-touch materials, giving the cabin a more premium feel. The driver’s seat offers full electric adjustment, making it easy to find a comfortable driving position. My only complaint is that the headrest feels a little firm during extended drives.
3. Spacious Cabin for Family Use
Interior space is one of the vehicle’s strongest points. The rear floor is completely flat, making the center seat more comfortable. Rear passengers have plenty of legroom and headroom, and the cabin never feels cramped during family trips. The cargo area is also practical. With the rear seats folded down, it can easily accommodate larger items such as bicycles, small furniture, or household goods.
4. Smooth and Comfortable Driving Experience
The DM-i hybrid system delivers power very smoothly. Acceleration is linear, and the vehicle feels light when starting from a stop. Even when the battery charge is low and the engine starts assisting, the transition is seamless with virtually no noticeable jerks. Compared with several competitors I tested, this was one of the most impressive aspects. The rear suspension is tuned for comfort and absorbs bumps well during city driving.
5. Excellent Efficiency and Driving Range
For daily commuting, the pure electric range is close to 100 km, allowing me to charge only once per week in most cases. With a full tank of fuel and a fully charged battery, the combined driving range can exceed 1,000 km, making long-distance travel very convenient.
My real-world consumption figures are:
- Fuel consumption (battery depleted): approximately 5.1 L/100 km
- Electricity consumption (EV mode): approximately 13.4 kWh/100 km
6. Strong Safety and Driver Assistance Features
According to BYD’s official specifications, the vehicle is equipped with 12 cameras and 17 radar sensors around the body. Combined with the 360-degree surround-view system, parking and maneuvering feel extremely safe and stress-free.
Cons
1. Dashcam Does Not Record Rear Footage
This is one of the most surprising omissions. Considering the number of cameras installed on the vehicle, it’s disappointing that the built-in recorder does not capture rear-facing video. In the event of a rear-end collision or parking incident, evidence may be limited.
2. Sentry Mode Consumes Too Much Power
Power consumption in Sentry Mode is quite high. In my testing, battery charge dropped about 12% over 12 hours. Over a full day, the consumption could exceed 20%, which is significant. Compared with modern security cameras that can operate for months on a single charge, there is clearly room for optimization.
3. Complimentary Accessories Are Low Quality
The dealer-provided accessories were disappointing. The so-called factory window film performs poorly in rainy weather or underground parking garages. Rear visibility becomes especially poor when vehicles behind do not have their headlights on, which can affect safety. The included 32GB memory card is also too small for continuous dashcam recording and Sentry Mode use.
4. Headlights Could Be Brighter
The headlights are adequate for urban driving, but compared with many vehicles on the road today, they feel less powerful and provide less impressive illumination at night.
5. Inconsistent Data Between the Instrument Cluster and Mobile App
I’ve noticed discrepancies between the battery information shown on the dashboard and in the mobile app. For example, the instrument cluster may display 10% battery remaining while the app shows 25%. Based on my experience, the dashboard reading appears to be more accurate.
6. Hidden Door Handles May Not Be Ideal
The flush door handles look modern, but they can be problematic in cold climates where freezing temperatures may prevent them from extending properly. Additionally, if the vehicle’s battery becomes completely depleted, accessing the vehicle could become more difficult.
Overall Verdict
The BYD Song L DM-i offers outstanding value for money. For just over RMB 120,000, you get a spacious, efficient, comfortable family SUV with advanced driver-assistance features and impressive fuel economy. While there are a few shortcomings, none of them are serious enough to overshadow its strengths.
Overall, the positives significantly outweigh the negatives, and I believe the Song L DM-i is a strong choice for buyers looking for an affordable and practical plug-in hybrid SUV.
