BYD continues its post-Chinese New Year model update move with refreshed versions of the Ocean series' Song Plus, Seal DM-i priced significantly lower than previous versions.
(Image credit: BYD)
BYD (HKG: 1211, OTCMKTS: BYDDY) is continuing its post-Chinese New Year model update move, with two models from its Ocean series being the latest to receive updates.
The Chinese NEV (NEV) maker today announced the launch of the Song Plus Glory Edition and the Seal DM-i Glory Edition, bringing the starting price significantly lower, as it did earlier this month.
These two models are part of the BYD brand's Ocean series of hot-selling models. The brand's other product array is the Dynasty lineup, whose flagship models, the Han and Tang, received the Glory Edition update yesterday.
Updated Song Plus
The Song family of models is easily confusing in the division of BYD's product array, which features both the Song models from the Dynasty lineup as well as those included in the Ocean lineup.
The Song Pro DM-i and Song Max DM-i are part of the Dynasty series, while the Song Plus DM-i and Song Plus EV are part of the Ocean series, the only one in the Ocean series named after a Chinese dynasty.
BYD's other Ocean series models are named after sea creatures and ships. DM stands for BYD's plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) model, while EV is battery electric vehicle (BEV) model.
The hybrid Song Plus DM-i Glory Edition is offered in five options with starting prices of RMB 129,800 ($18,040), RMB 13,98, RMB 14,98, RMB 15,98, and RMB 16,98 respectively.
The SUV's five models have NEDC battery ranges of 71 kilometers, 110 kilometers, 110 kilometers, 150 kilometers, and 150 kilometers, respectively.
Last year, BYD dubbed the updated models as the Champion Editions in a similar move, and the Song Plus Champion Edition was launched on June 19, 2023.
The previous Song Plus Champion Edition was offered in four variants with starting prices of RMB 159,800, RMB 169,800, RMB 179,800, RMB 189,800 and NEDC battery ranges of 110 kilometers, 110 kilometers, 150 kilometers and 150 kilometers respectively.
Of the five options available on the updated Song Plus DM-i Glory Edition, the one with a starting price of RMB 129,800 is a new model, while the prices of the original four options have all been slashed by RMB 20,000.
The updated Song Plus DM-i remains unchanged in terms of core specifications, with length, width and height still standing at 4,775 mm, 1,890 mm and 1,670 mm respectively, and a wheelbase of 2,765 mm. It uses a single motor across the lineup, all with a maximum power of 145 kW and peak torque of 325 Nm.
The all-electric Song Plus EV Glory Edition is available in four options with starting prices of RMB 149,800, RMB 159,800, RMB 169,800 and RMB 189,800 respectively.
These four versions have a CLTC range of 520 kilometers, 520 kilometers, 520 kilometers, and 605 kilometers respectively.
The Song Plus EV Champion Edition, which launched in June 2023, had four versions with starting prices of RMB 169,800, RMB 179,800, RMB 189,800 and RMB 209,800 respectively.
The latest update to the Song Plus EV means that all of its versions have also been reduced in price by RMB 20,000 yuan. Its core specifications, including range, remain unchanged.
Customers who buy a Song Plus model before March 31 will receive benefits including a RMB 4,000 trade-in subsidy, a 2-year 0 percent interest loan, and a free charging pile and installation.
Updated Seal DM-i
The Seal DM-i Glory Edition is offered with six options with starting prices of RMB 149,800, RMB 159,800, RMB 169,800, RMB 179,800, RMB 192,800 and RMB 219,800.
The sedan was released on September 6, 2023, and was also previously offered in six options with starting prices of RMB 166,800, RMB 176,800, RMB 186,800, RMB 196,800, RMB 206,800, and RMB 236,800 respectively.
The plug-in hybrid made its debut on April 18, 2023, the first day of the 2023 Shanghai auto show, but at that time it was called the Chaser 07.
BYD rebranded the Chaser 07 as the Seal DM-i on July 14 last year, integrating it into the Seal product array.
The all-electric Seal has yet to receive the Glory Edition update, with the Seal Champion Edition currently on sale offering five options at a starting price of RMB 189,800, RMB 202,800, RMB 222,800, RMB 239,800 and RMB 279,800.
The core specifications of the Seal DM-i remain unchanged, but some variants get upgrades including 360 panoramic video, ACC adaptive cruise control, and 50 W wireless charging for phones.
The Seal DM-i measures 4,980 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width and 1,495 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,900 mm.
Customers who buy the Seal DM-i before March 31 will receive benefits including a RMB 5,000 trade-in subsidy, a 2-year 0 percent interest loan, and a free charging pile and installation.
BYD sold 201,493 NEVs in January, with the Song family contributing 59,514 units, continuing to rank as the top-selling BYD model, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.
Song models in the Dynasty lineup sold 30,806 units in January, and Song models in the Ocean lineup sold 28,708 units.
BYD Seal sold 8,347 units in January, including the Seal DM-i and Seal BEV, whose breakdown figures are not available.
($1 = RMB 7.1948)
BYD launches revamped Han and Tang models with significantly lower prices
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