The BYD Song Pro DM-i 1.5 18.3 kWh (197 Hp) E-CVT Champion Edition is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) produced by the Chinese automaker BYD from May 2023 to September 2024. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the facelifted Song Pro lineup, this variant aimed to balance fuel efficiency with a reasonable level of performance and features. It represents BYD’s commitment to new energy vehicles and its growing presence in the global automotive market, particularly in China where it quickly gained popularity. The Song Pro itself is a compact SUV, and the DM-i designation signifies BYD’s Dual Motor intelligent hybrid system.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BYD |
| Model | Song |
| Generation | Song Pro (facelift 2023) |
| Type (Engine) | DM-i 1.5 18.3 kWh (197 Hp) E-CVT Champion Edition |
| Start of production | May, 2023 |
| End of production | September, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (WLTC) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / electricity |
| Emission standard | China VI |
| Gross battery capacity | 18.3 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) |
| Battery location | Below the floor |
| All-electric range (WLTC) | 85 km (52.82 mi) |
| Electric motor power | 197 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque | 325 Nm (239.71 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor location | Front, Transverse |
| Electric motor type | Synchronous |
| System power | 197 Hp |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 135 Nm @ 4500 rpm (99.57 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Xiaoyun / BYD472QA |
| Engine displacement | 1498 cm3 (91.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, VVT |
| Engine oil capacity | 3 l (3.17 US qt | 2.64 UK qt) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 52 l (13.74 US gal | 11.44 UK gal) |
| Length | 4738 mm (186.54 in.) |
| Width | 1860 mm (73.23 in.) |
| Height | 1710 mm (67.32 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2712 mm (106.77 in.) |
| Front track | 1565 mm (61.61 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1565 mm (61.61 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.6 m (38.06 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive. PHEV. ICE and electric motor drive the front wheels. |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | automatic transmission E-CVT |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/60 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Song Pro DM-i 1.5 Champion Edition is its plug-in hybrid powertrain. It combines a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine (BYD472QA, nicknamed “Xiaoyun”) with an electric motor and an 18.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery pack. The engine produces 110 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 135 Nm (99.57 lb-ft) of torque at 4500 rpm. The electric motor contributes 197 horsepower and 325 Nm (239.71 lb-ft) of torque. The system’s total combined output is 197 horsepower. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with variable valve timing (VVT). The E-CVT (electronically controlled continuously variable transmission) is not a traditional CVT, but rather a dedicated hybrid transmission that seamlessly blends power from the engine and electric motor. This configuration allows for both all-electric driving and efficient hybrid operation.
Driving Characteristics
The DM-i system prioritizes electric driving whenever possible. Under normal driving conditions, the vehicle operates primarily on electric power, offering a quiet and smooth driving experience. The 18.3 kWh battery provides a WLTC-rated all-electric range of 85 km (52.82 miles), sufficient for most daily commutes. When the battery is depleted or requires additional power, the gasoline engine seamlessly kicks in to provide propulsion or recharge the battery while driving. The E-CVT transmission provides smooth and linear acceleration. Compared to other Song Pro variants with solely internal combustion engines, the DM-i offers significantly improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. While not as overtly sporty as some of the higher-powered gasoline-only models, the 197 hp combined output provides adequate performance for everyday driving situations. The E-CVT is tuned for efficiency rather than aggressive acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Champion Edition trim typically included standard features such as LED headlights, a large touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Interior upholstery was generally a combination of fabric and leatherette. Optional extras could include a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, a premium sound system, and upgraded interior trim materials. The Champion Edition aimed to provide a good balance of features and value.
Chassis & Braking
The Song Pro DM-i utilizes a front-wheel-drive layout. The front suspension consists of independent McPherson struts, while the rear suspension employs an independent multi-link setup. This configuration provides a comfortable ride and decent handling characteristics. The braking system features ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, coupled with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). The steering is an electric power steering system, offering light and precise control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The BYD Song Pro DM-i 1.5 Champion Edition was well-received in the Chinese market, where it quickly became a popular choice among consumers seeking a fuel-efficient and technologically advanced SUV. Critics praised its long electric range, smooth driving experience, and comprehensive feature set. Compared to other Song Pro trims, the DM-i offered significantly better fuel economy and lower emissions, making it an attractive option for environmentally conscious buyers. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could be somewhat noisy under hard acceleration. Compared to competitors like the Haval H6 DM-i, the Song Pro DM-i offered a competitive combination of price, performance, and features.
Legacy
The BYD Song Pro DM-i 1.5 Champion Edition represents a significant step forward in BYD’s development of plug-in hybrid technology. The DM-i system has proven to be reliable and efficient, and the Song Pro DM-i has established itself as a popular and well-regarded model in the Chinese automotive market. On the used car market, these models generally hold their value well, particularly those with lower mileage and well-maintained service records. The LiFePO4 battery technology is known for its durability and safety, contributing to the long-term reliability of the powertrain. As BYD expands its global presence, the Song Pro DM-i and its successors are likely to play an increasingly important role in the transition to electric mobility.
