The BYD Song Plus DM-i, a hybrid crossover that has been making waves in the automotive market, offers a compelling blend of style, performance, and efficiency. As a first-time driver of this vehicle, I was eager to experience first-hand what all the hype was about. From its striking design to its impressive range and advanced technology, the Song Plus exceeded my expectations in many ways.
A Nod to Porsche and a Comfortable Ride
The Song Plus's front grille, with its intricate design and bold chrome accents, bears a striking resemblance to the Porsche Macan. This design element adds a touch of sophistication and sportiness to the vehicle's overall aesthetic. Beyond its looks, the Song Plus boasts a comfortable ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension. While the ride might feel a bit too soft for some, it is a welcome respite from the harsh road conditions often encountered in Jamaica. I am hoping that this suspension setup will hold up well over time even on our challenging roads.
Driving Dynamics and Modes
The Song Plus offers three driving modes: Sport, Comfort, and Economic. In Sport mode, the vehicle exhibits a more responsive and engaging driving experience. While it won't turn the Song Plus into a sports car, it does provide a noticeable boost in acceleration and handling. Comfort mode strikes a balance between performance and comfort, making it suitable for everyday driving. Economic mode prioritises fuel efficiency, making it ideal for long trips or city commuting.
Impressive Range and Efficiency
One of the most impressive aspects of the Song Plus is its range. When I first took delivery of the vehicle, it boasted an astonishing 1,000 km range. During my test drive, I took the Song Plus on a road trip to St Thomas and Portland, and even after covering a significant distance, I still had over 500km of range remaining. This exceptional range says a lot about Song Plus's efficient hybrid powertrain, which combines a 1.5-litre engine with a 18.3kWh battery.
A Tech-Packed Interior
The Song Plus's interior is a modern and spacious cabin that is filled with technology. The centrepiece of the dashboard is a large, 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen that controls most of the vehicle's functions. This touchscreen is intuitive to use and offers crisp graphics and a responsive interface. A 10-speaker audio system provides excellent sound quality, and the vehicle can be activated by voice control using the "Hey BYD" command.
For example, if you are driving on a hot day and want to adjust the air conditioning, you can simply say "Hey BYD, turn down the temperature." The Song Plus's voice assistant will recognise the command and gradually decrease the temperature of the air conditioning.
In terms of convenience features, the Song Plus offers a built-in GPS navigation system, two wireless charging pads, a 360-degree camera system, a panoramic sunroof with a sunshade, and multicolour interior ambient lighting. These features enhance both comfort and functionality.
Specifications and Competition
The BYD Song Plus is powered by a 1.5-litre engine and a 18.3kWh battery. The front motor produces a maximum power of 145kW and a maximum torque of 300Nm. The vehicle has a trunk space of 574litres with the rear seats up. The Song Plus competes with other hybrid crossovers in the market such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the Honda CR-V Hybrid.
The BYD Song Plus is a well-rounded hybrid crossover that offers a compelling combination of style, performance, and efficiency. Its impressive range, advanced technology, and comfortable ride make it a strong contender in its segment. While it may not be as well-known as some of its competitors, the Song Plus certainly deserves to be considered by anyone in the market for a hybrid vehicle.
Review courtesy of BYD, 38 - 42 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5, 888-285-2886
Price of tested model: $10.495M
Engine: 1.5-litre engine and a 18.3kWh battery.
Torque: 300Nm
Range: 1,000km
Body Type: crossover SUV
Competition: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid