The BYD Song Pro DM-i 1.5 12.9 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. The Song Pro itself is a compact SUV, and this DM-i version leverages BYD’s Dual Mode-i technology, prioritizing electric driving while retaining the flexibility of a gasoline engine for extended range.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BYD |
| Model | Song |
| Generation | Song Pro (facelift 2023) |
| Type (Engine) | DM-i 1.5 12.9 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 | 12.9 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) |
| Battery location | Below the floor |
| All-electric range (WLTC) | 59 km (36.66 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 Champion Edition is its powertrain, a sophisticated combination of a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine (BYD472QA, nicknamed “Xiaoyun”) and a powerful electric motor. The engine produces 110 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 135 Nm (99.57 lb-ft) of torque at 4500 rpm. It utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with variable valve timing (VVT) for improved efficiency. The electric motor, a synchronous design, delivers 197 horsepower and 325 Nm (239.71 lb-ft) of torque. The system’s total combined output is 197 horsepower. The 12.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery pack is positioned under the floor, providing an all-electric range of 59 km (36.66 miles) according to WLTC standards. The E-CVT (electronically controlled continuously variable transmission) doesn’t function like a traditional CVT; instead, it’s a dedicated hybrid transmission that seamlessly blends power from the engine and motor, optimizing for efficiency and smooth acceleration. BYD’s DM-i technology prioritizes electric drive whenever possible, switching to the gasoline engine only when the battery is depleted or when extra power is needed.
Driving Characteristics
The DM-i 1.5 powertrain delivers a surprisingly refined driving experience. In pure electric mode, the vehicle offers near-silent operation and instant torque, making it ideal for city driving. The E-CVT transmission provides smooth, stepless acceleration. When the gasoline engine engages, the transition is generally seamless, though some engine noise is noticeable during hard acceleration. Compared to higher-output versions of the Song Pro, such as those with larger gasoline engines, this variant prioritizes fuel economy over outright performance. The 0-60 mph time is estimated to be around 8.5-9.5 seconds. The E-CVT is tuned for efficiency, meaning it doesn’t offer the sporty responsiveness of a traditional automatic or dual-clutch transmission. However, the combined power output provides adequate performance for everyday driving situations. The front-wheel-drive configuration offers predictable handling, but it’s not designed for aggressive cornering.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Champion Edition trim typically includes a comprehensive suite of standard features. Interior appointments include comfortable cloth or synthetic leather upholstery, a modern dashboard layout with a large touchscreen infotainment system, and automatic climate control. Standard safety features include ABS, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags. Optional extras often include a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, and a premium sound system. The Champion Edition generally represents a well-equipped mid-range offering, providing a good balance of features and value.
Chassis & Braking
The Song Pro DM-i Champion Edition utilizes a front-wheel-drive layout. The front suspension employs an independent McPherson strut design, while the rear suspension features an independent multi-link setup. This configuration provides a comfortable ride and reasonable handling characteristics. The braking system consists of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight class. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard. The steering is electrically assisted, offering light and precise control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The BYD Song Pro DM-i 1.5 12.9 kWh Champion Edition was generally well-received in the Chinese market, where it competes with other popular PHEV SUVs. Critics praised its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and well-equipped interior. Compared to the gasoline-only versions of the Song Pro, the DM-i variant offers significantly better fuel economy and a quieter driving experience. Compared to other PHEV SUVs in its class, the Song Pro DM-i offers a competitive price point and a generous all-electric range. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could be noisy under hard acceleration and that the handling wasn’t as sporty as some rivals.
Legacy
The BYD Song Pro DM-i 1.5 12.9 kWh 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 has become a popular choice for consumers seeking a fuel-efficient and practical SUV. On the used car market, these models are gaining traction as buyers recognize the benefits of PHEV technology. The longevity of the LiFePO4 battery pack is a key factor in the vehicle’s long-term value. While long-term reliability data is still emerging, early indications suggest that the DM-i powertrain is durable and capable of providing years of reliable service.
