The 2023 Song Pro DM-i starts at RMB 5,000 less than the model's 2022 counterpart, but the two lower-priced versions come with larger battery packs.
(Image: BYD video screenshot)
BYD (OTCMKTS: BYDDY) today launched yet another model facelift, and as it has been doing for past few months, it's making some specification upgrades while pricing them lower.
The model, called Song Pro DM-i Champion Edition, is offered in four versions starting at RMB 135,800 ($19,200), RMB 142,800, RMB 149,800 and RMB 159,800 respectively.
It has a battery range of 71 km for the lower-priced two versions and 110 km for the other two versions, with battery packs of 12.9 kWh and 18.3 kWh respectively.
For comparison, the previously on-sale BYD Song Pro DM-i has five versions with starting prices of RMB 140,800, 147,800, 154,800, 157,800 and 165,800 respectively, according to data monitored by CnEVPost.
The 2022 Song Pro DM-i includes three versions with a battery range of 51 km, and two versions with a battery range of 110 km, and they have a battery pack capacity of 8.3 kWh, 18.3 kWh respectively.
This means that the starting price of the 2023 BYD Song Pro DM-i has been reduced by RMB 5,000 and the battery range of the version with the smaller battery pack has been increased.
The BYD Song Pro DM-i Champion Edition measures 4,738 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width and 1,710 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,712 mm.
The 2022 BYD Song Pro DM-i has a length, width and height of 4,650 mm, 1,860 mm and 1,700 mm, respectively, and a wheelbase of 2,712 mm.
The Song Pro DM-i Champion is powered by a 1.5L engine with a maximum power of 81 kW and a maximum torque of 135 Nm. It has an electric motor with a maximum power of 145 kW and a maximum torque of 325 Nm.
The time from 0 to 100 km/h is 8.3 seconds for the two less expensive versions and 7.9 seconds for the other two more expensive versions.
Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) makers have generally faced weaker consumer demand so far this year, with the withdrawal of state purchase subsidies at the end of last year.
BYD has continued to roll out facelifts and offer lower starting prices in the past few months.
On March 16, BYD made the 2023 Han EV available for a starting price of RMB 209,800, down from RMB 219,800 for the model's 2022 version.
On May 10, BYD launched a revamped version of its all-electric Seal sedan, with a starting price of RMB 23,000 lower than the previously available model.
On May 18, the 2023 Han DM-i and Han DM-p models were launched in China with starting prices reduced by RMB 28,000 and RMB 32,000 respectively compared to the 2022 model.
BYD sold 210,295 NEVs in April, up 98.31 percent from 106,042 units in the same month last year and up 1.55 percent from 207,080 units in March.
BYD aims to sell at least 3 million vehicles this year and strives for 3.6 million, Wang Chuanfu, the company's chairman and president, said at a March 29 investor conference.
($1 = RMB 7.0719)
