The BYD Song PLUS DM-i (badged globally as the BYD Song Plus DM-i, and in selected right-hand-drive, European, and Western markets as the BYD Sealion 6 or Seal U DM-i) is the flagship plug-in hybrid (PHEV) C/D-segment SUV under BYD’s Ocean Series. Built on the brand's proprietary DM (Dual Mode) super hybrid technology, it has disrupted the high fuel consumption stigma of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) SUVs, establishing itself as a benchmark trailblazer for Chinese new energy vehicles (NEVs) in the global market.
While legacy ICE models from carmakers like BAIC and FAW have gradually shifted focus, the Song PLUS DM-i continues to lead the charge in the new energy era, driving strong momentum both domestically and abroad. Positioned as a spacious family SUV, its core reputation is that of a segment-defining game-changer that disrupted traditional petrol-powered SUVs. Key selling points include an electric-first hybrid architecture, remarkable battery-depleted fuel economy down to 4.4 L/100 km, ultra-safe Blade Batteries fitted as standard across all variants, and an impressive combined range exceeding 1,000 km on a full tank and full charge. It is tailored specifically for practical family buyers seeking maximum running economy, pure electric city commuting, and zero long-distance range anxiety.
Development Journey The evolution of the Song PLUS DM-i reflects the golden age of BYD's rapid plug-in hybrid expansion across domestic and international markets.
Technological Inception (2021–2023): Debuting in March 2021, the first-generation model introduced the DM-i 1.5L hybrid architecture. Thanks to its game-changing fuel efficiency and EV-like refinement, it quickly dethroned established joint-venture ICE rivals like the Haval H6 and Honda CR-V, clinching consecutive overall domestic SUV sales crowns.
Facelift and Realignment to Ocean Series (2023–2024): The 2023 update arrived as the "Champion Edition", featuring a refreshed exterior headlined by the "Ocean X Face" design language penned by former Audi design chief Wolfgang Egger, while officially being realigned under the BYD Ocean Series portfolio.
Smart Driving and 5th-Gen DM Technology (2025–2026): From the second half of 2024 through 2025, the lineup transitioned to the fifth-generation DM platform (introducing high-spec Intelligent Driving trims), substantially enhancing electric drive efficiency and chassis rigidity. Heading into 2026, the updated 2026 Song PLUS DM-i (marketed overseas as the Sealion 6 / Song Plus Super DM-i) streamlined its variant grades. The refresh brought high-performance computing chipsets for the digital cockpit and reinforced active safety hardware and software engineered to meet stringent Euro NCAP and ANCAP five-star crash safety standards, cementing its position atop global NEV SUV sales charts.
The Song PLUS DM-i has proven to be a perennial sales juggernaut in the global C/D-segment new energy SUV arena. In its home market, alongside the Song Pro DM-i and Song L DM-i, it anchors the formidable Song family lineup, regularly dominating monthly PHEV SUV sales charts. On the export front, serving as BYD's vanguard in global PHEV markets, the SUV enjoys strong sales momentum across South America (such as Brazil), the Middle East (including the UAE and Kuwait), and Southeast Asia (such as Thailand). In markets like the UAE, prices start from around RM151,000 (AED 118,900 / USD 32,000). With exceptional air-conditioning thermal management in extreme tropical heat, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) mobile power capabilities, and cabin digital refinement that outclasses traditional rivals, it has become the preferred alternative to legacy petrol crossovers in overseas emerging markets.
Dimensionally, the Song PLUS DM-i boasts generous proportions, measuring 4,775 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, and 1,670 mm tall, riding on a 2,765 mm wheelbase. This yields generous rear shoulder room and legroom to comfortably seat three full-sized adults side-by-side, complemented by a standard boot volume expandable beyond 485 litres.
Key powertrain, electrification, and chassis highlights include:
Fifth-Generation DM Super Hybrid System: Powered by a dedicated 1.5-litre inline-four high thermal efficiency naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 74 kW, paired with a high-output front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor delivering 160 kW (around 218 PS), mated to an Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). Higher-grade overseas All-Wheel Drive (AWD) variants add a rear-axle motor for a combined system output of 319 PS, capable of completing the 0–100 km/h sprint in just 5.9 seconds.
Range and Efficiency: The SUV utilises BYD's proprietary Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) Blade Battery, available in capacities of 12.9 kWh, 18.3 kWh, and 26.6 kWh. These deliver NEDC/CLTC pure electric ranges of 75 km, 112 km, and 160 km respectively. In depleted-battery hybrid mode, combined fuel consumption is rated at just 4.4 L/100 km , unlocking a total petrol-electric cruising range between 1,000 km and 1,100 km.
Chassis Setup: Available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), the chassis features front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup (with Frequency Selective Damping [FSD] shock absorbers available on top-spec variants), ensuring balanced laden ground clearance and composed ride dynamics.
Inside, the cabin is equipped with a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster and BYD's signature 15.6-inch rotating floating touchscreen running the upgraded DiLink infotainment system (with native Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration on export variants). High-spec trims come standard with dual 15W front wireless smartphone charging pads, a 10-speaker Infinity premium surround sound system, heated and ventilated front seats, and the comprehensive DiPilot Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite featuring Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Blind Spot Detection (BSD).
Aligned with BYD's global green mobility strategy, future roadmaps for the Song PLUS DM-i focus on the democratization of advanced driver assistance and scaling local completely knocked-down (CKD) assembly operations. Over the next two to three years, BYD plans to roll out end-to-end AI large-model autonomous driving hardware and software—including advanced vision-fusion perception suites—across mid-spec export variants. Furthermore, across BYD's expanding network of full-scale passenger vehicle manufacturing facilities in Southeast Asia, South America, and Europe, the Song PLUS DM-i will be among the premier localized models scheduled for production. This strategic move aims to circumvent tariffs and international trade barriers while cementing its dominant market share in the global family PHEV SUV segment.
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