BYD Song Fuel Efficiency and Specifications A Comprehensive Guide

BYD Song Fuel Efficiency and Specifications A Comprehensive Guide

The BYD Song is a popular SUV model line from Chinese automaker BYD (Build Your Dreams). Since its introduction in 2015, the Song has been offered in various powertrains including petrol, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and all-electric versions across multiple generations. This comprehensive guide examines the fuel tank capacity, fuel efficiency, and electric range of BYD Song models through the years, providing valuable insights for potential buyers and automotive enthusiasts.

BYD Song: An Overview

The BYD Song debuted in 2015 as a compact SUV, joining BYD’s lineup of passenger vehicles. Over the years, it has evolved through multiple generations and variants, reflecting BYD’s commitment to new energy vehicles and advanced powertrain technologies. The Song family now includes:

• Song (original petrol and PHEV versions)
• Song Pro (updated design launched in 2019)
• Song Plus (larger model introduced in 2020)
• Song Max (MPV variant)

Each of these models has been offered with various powertrain options, from traditional internal combustion engines to plug-in hybrids and fully electric versions. Let’s dive into the specifics of fuel efficiency and tank capacity for each major variant.

First Generation BYD Song (2015-2019)

The original BYD Song was introduced with both petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Here are the key specifications for fuel efficiency:

Petrol Variants

The 1.5L turbocharged engine offered impressive fuel efficiency for an SUV of its size, achieving 22.2 km/L. This made it a popular choice for urban drivers looking for a balance of performance and economy.

Plug-in Hybrid (DM) Variant

The Song DM (Dual Mode) was one of BYD’s early entries into the plug-in hybrid market. Key specifications include:

• Fuel Tank Capacity: 50L
• Electric Range: Up to 80 km
• Combined Fuel Consumption: 1.4 L/100 km (71 km/L)

The plug-in hybrid variant showcased BYD’s expertise in electrification, offering significantly improved fuel efficiency compared to the petrol models. The ability to drive up to 80 km on electric power alone made it suitable for most daily commutes without using any petrol.

BYD Song Pro (2019-present)

Launched in 2019, the Song Pro represented an updated design and improved technology. It continued to be offered in multiple powertrain options:

Petrol Variant

The Song Pro’s petrol variant saw improvements in fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor, achieving 23.3 km/L. This enhancement can be attributed to advancements in engine technology and overall vehicle design.

Plug-in Hybrid (DM) Variant

The Song Pro DM continued to offer impressive efficiency:

• Fuel Tank Capacity: 60L
• Electric Range: Up to 100 km
• Combined Fuel Consumption: 1.2 L/100 km (83.3 km/L)

With an increased electric range and even lower fuel consumption, the Song Pro DM demonstrated BYD’s ongoing improvements in hybrid technology.

All-Electric Variant (EV)

The Song Pro EV marked BYD’s entry into the all-electric SUV market with this model. Key specifications include:

• Battery Capacity: 59.1 kWh
• NEDC Range: 502 km
• Energy Consumption: 15.9 kWh/100 km

As an all-electric vehicle, the Song Pro EV doesn’t use any petrol, instead relying entirely on its battery pack. The impressive range of over 500 km on a single charge made it a viable option for long-distance travel.

BYD Song Plus (2020-present)

Introduced in 2020, the Song Plus is a larger SUV model that sits above the regular Song in BYD’s lineup. It has been offered with multiple powertrain options:

Petrol Variant

Despite its larger size, the Song Plus maintained similar fuel efficiency to its smaller siblings, achieving 22.2 km/L.

Plug-in Hybrid (DM-i) Variant

The Song Plus introduced BYD’s latest DM-i technology, focusing on even greater efficiency:

• Fuel Tank Capacity: 60L
• Electric Range: Up to 110 km (NEDC)
• Combined Fuel Consumption: 4.5 L/100 km (22.2 km/L)

The DM-i system prioritizes electric driving, resulting in impressive fuel economy for a vehicle of this size.

All-Electric Variant (EV)

The Song Plus EV offers two battery options:

• 71.7 kWh battery:
  • CLTC Range: 520 km
  • Energy Consumption: 13.8 kWh/100 km
• 87.04 kWh battery:
  • CLTC Range: 605 km
  • Energy Consumption: 14.4 kWh/100 km

These all-electric variants provide long-range capabilities, making them suitable for various driving needs without relying on petrol.

BYD Song Max (MPV Variant)

The Song Max is an MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) variant of the Song, offering more interior space. It’s available in both petrol and plug-in hybrid versions:

Petrol Variant

Given its larger size and increased passenger capacity, the Song Max still manages to achieve respectable fuel efficiency.

Plug-in Hybrid (DM) Variant

• Fuel Tank Capacity: 60L
• Electric Range: Up to 80 km
• Combined Fuel Consumption: 1.5 L/100 km (66.7 km/L)

The plug-in hybrid version of the Song Max offers families the benefits of electric driving for shorter trips while providing the flexibility of a petrol engine for longer journeys.

Comparing Fuel Efficiency Across BYD Song Models

To better visualize the fuel efficiency of various BYD Song models, let’s compare them in a comprehensive table:

Factors Influencing Fuel Efficiency in BYD Song Models

Several factors contribute to the fuel efficiency of BYD Song models:

1. Powertrain Technology

BYD’s continuous improvement in engine and electric motor technology has led to increased efficiency across generations. The introduction of the DM-i system in newer models showcases their commitment to optimizing hybrid powertrains.

2. Vehicle Weight and Aerodynamics

Despite being SUVs, BYD has worked on optimizing the Song’s aerodynamics and managing weight to improve fuel efficiency. This is particularly evident in the consistent efficiency of larger models like the Song Plus.

3. Driving Modes and Energy Management

Hybrid and electric variants of the Song offer various driving modes that allow users to prioritize efficiency or performance. Intelligent energy management systems in these vehicles help optimize the use of electric power and petrol.

4. Battery Technology

BYD’s proprietary Blade Battery technology, used in newer electric and hybrid models, offers improved energy density and efficiency. This contributes to longer electric ranges and better overall energy consumption.

Real-World Fuel Efficiency: User Experiences

While official figures provide a good baseline, real-world fuel efficiency can vary based on driving conditions, habits, and environments. Here are some insights from BYD Song owners:

Petrol Variants

Many owners of petrol-powered Song models report achieving fuel efficiency close to the official figures in mixed driving conditions. Some users have noted:

• City driving: 18-20 km/L
• Highway driving: 22-25 km/L
• Mixed driving: 20-22 km/L

User A, who owns a BYD Song Pro, reported: “I get about 19 km/L in city driving. It’s great for daily commuting and handles congestion well.”

User B, another Song Pro owner, shared their highway experience: “On long trips, I’ve achieved up to 25 km/L. It’s really efficient, and I love it!”

Plug-in Hybrid Variants

PHEV owners often report even better fuel efficiency than official figures, especially for short trips:

• City driving (electric mode): 60-80 km range
• Mixed driving: 50-60 km/L

User C, who drives a BYD Song Max PHEV, commented: “In mixed driving conditions, I’m averaging about 22 km/L. It’s the perfect balance for a family vehicle.”

All-Electric Variants

EV owners report energy consumption rates close to official figures, with some variation based on driving style and conditions:

• City driving: 13-15 km/kWh
• Highway driving: 11-13 km/kWh

User D, a BYD Song Plus EV owner, shared: “For short trips around the city, it’s excellent. I’m getting about 14 km/kWh, though I’m still learning the best charging habits.”

User E, who frequently drives their Song Plus EV on highways, noted: “On longer trips, I see about 12 km/kWh. It’s still decent, but you do notice a reduction compared to city driving.”

Comparing Real-World Efficiency to Official Figures

Let’s compare the real-world efficiency data reported by users to the official figures provided by BYD:

As we can see from this comparison, real-world fuel efficiency tends to be slightly lower than official figures in city driving conditions, while highway efficiency often matches or even exceeds the official numbers. This discrepancy is common across many vehicle brands and models, as official tests are conducted under controlled conditions that may not fully reflect real-world driving scenarios.

Factors Affecting Real-World Fuel Efficiency

Several factors can influence the actual fuel efficiency achieved by BYD Song owners:

1. Driving Style

Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and high-speed driving can significantly reduce fuel efficiency. Smooth, consistent driving tends to yield better results.

2. Traffic Conditions

Heavy traffic with frequent stops and starts can lower fuel efficiency, especially in city driving. This explains why many users report lower city efficiency compared to official figures.

3. Climate and Weather

Extreme temperatures can affect fuel efficiency. In cold weather, engines take longer to reach optimal operating temperature, while in hot weather, increased use of air conditioning can reduce efficiency.

4. Vehicle Load

Carrying heavy loads or additional passengers increases the vehicle’s weight, which in turn reduces fuel efficiency.

5. Terrain

Hilly or mountainous terrain typically results in lower fuel efficiency compared to flat roads due to the increased power required to climb inclines.

6. Maintenance

Regular maintenance, including proper tire inflation, clean air filters, and timely oil changes, can help maintain optimal fuel efficiency.

Maximizing Fuel Efficiency in BYD Song Models

To get the most out of your BYD Song in terms of fuel efficiency, consider the following tips:

For Petrol and Hybrid Models:

• Use the ECO driving mode when available for improved efficiency
• Avoid excessive idling
• Plan routes to avoid heavy traffic when possible
• Maintain a steady speed on highways
• Use cruise control on long, flat stretches of road
• Keep tires properly inflated
• Remove unnecessary weight from the vehicle

For Plug-in Hybrid Models:

• Charge the battery regularly to maximize electric-only driving
• Use regenerative braking to recapture energy
• For short trips, rely on electric power as much as possible
• Learn to use the hybrid system effectively, switching between electric and petrol power as needed

For All-Electric Models:

• Precondition the vehicle while it’s still plugged in to reduce battery drain
• Use eco-friendly climate control settings
• Plan longer trips around charging stations
• Take advantage of regenerative braking to extend range

 BYD Song Fuel Efficiency in Perspective

The BYD Song lineup offers a range of fuel-efficient options across its various models and powertrains. From the economical petrol variants to the highly efficient plug-in hybrids and the zero-emission all-electric models, there’s a Song variant to suit different driving needs and preferences.

Remember that while fuel efficiency is an important factor, it should be considered alongside other aspects such as performance, comfort, safety features, and overall value when making a purchasing decision. The BYD Song’s combination of efficiency, technology, and practicality makes it a compelling option in the competitive SUV market.