Despite the youth of many of its models, BYD’s pace of renewal does not stop. The brand is in constant technical and commercial evolution. Last week we learned that one of its star cars, after selling more than 1.57 million units worldwide, will be replaced by a new, different and improved model. The Seal U, known in China as Song Plus, will change its name and format, but will maintain the versatile philosophy that has made it BYD’s star product in Europe. Now, in China, BYD is about to present a long-range hybrid variant that could reach our market.

Although BYD initially opted for electric vehicles, it has discovered that European drivers prefer their hybrids. The Seal U was the company’s first plug-in hybrid (DM-i) model to be present on the continent. In just over a year it has won the affection of thousands of drivers throughout Europe, although unfortunately it will soon say goodbye to us. The Song Plus will be replaced by the BYD Sealion 06. The Chinese consider it a natural evolution, “part of a normal product transition.” Now, the Song L DM-i will receive a big upgrade in China.

Almost double the electric autonomy for less than 20,000 euros

The Song L DM-i can be considered a variant of the Song Plus/Seal U. With 4.78 meters long and 2.78 meters of wheelbase, its size places it in the same category as the Tesla Model Y. It is a D-SUV that will soon offer better hybrid conditions. The plug-in hybrid variant (DM-i) currently has a 100% electric range of 112 kilometers (CLTC cycle). As Chinese sources have discovered, BYD’s hybrid system will soon offer a notable improvement that will allow it to enjoy 200 kilometers of electric range (CLTC cycle).

It is almost double the current distance. The scheme is composed of the same structure. A 1.5-liter gasoline engine is combined with an electric drive. The combustion block develops 74 kW (99 horsepower), while the electric motor announces 160 kW (214 horsepower). Although there are still no official confirmed details, it is more than logical that the Song L DM-i increases the size of its LFP battery in order to expand the approved electrical range. The current model offers three battery sizes with up to 26.6 kWh capacity.

The Song L is a very important car for BYD’s business interests. After its presentation on July 31 of last year, the company registered 20,000 orders in the first 72 hours of life. It is expected that the price balance will barely change despite notable technical and technological improvements. The aforementioned sources expect BYD to launch it on the market with a price of 160,000 yuan, about 19,250 euros at the currency exchange rate, for the version with 200 kilometers of electric autonomy (CLTC cycle). Soon we hope to know if BYD finally decides to export the Song L to the Old Continent.