BYD Company Ltd. launched yet another model to its expanding vehicle lineup, the gasoline version of the Song on Monday, October 12, 2015, in Beijing. This is the first time a BYD gasoline model bears the name of a Chinese Dynasty, which used to name only the company’s hybrid models. A PHEV version of the Song is expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2016, and it will be the second PHEV following BYD’s 542 strategy, after its predecessor Tang. The price of new gasoline SUV model will range from 15,300 to 23,200 USD. The PHEV version will go for 44,200 USD.
The BYD Song is a compact SUV that comes up as a trendsetter in style, features and connectivity, aiming at young and fashion conscious consumers. It is equipped with a CarPad multi-media system, an 8-inch display that replaces all buttons and greatly simplifies and streamlines the center stack; and a WiFi module, so that passengers can easily access the internet. The Song can also be connected to cellphones (Android and iOS) through Baidu CarLife and Phone Link using either a USB cable or WiFi, rendering the car smarter and more internet-connective. Additionally to connectivity, the SUV features BYD’s proprietary Insta-Pure Technology, in which the air in the car interior is purified; built-in cameras granting the vehicle 360° surround view; and panoramic sunroof. The gasoline Song has two different engine configurations: 2.0 TID (turbo-charge/ direct injection/ dual clutch) and 1.5 TI (turbo-charge/ direct injection). The horsepower of the 2.0 TID engine is equal to that of a 3.5 liter naturally aspirated engine. Prior to the official introduction, BYD had launched an online pre-sale of 1,000 units of the gasoline version of the Song, and they were all snatched up in just about one hour.
Similarly to the PHEV Tang, launched by BYD in June 2015, the PHEV version of the Song will be the second hybrid to rely on the BYD “542” strategy for PHEVs that define the company’s technological proposition, and will feature in all of its future PHEV models, in which “5” means the vehicle’s power to reach 100km/h within 5 seconds, “4” meaning all-time electric four-wheel drive, and “2” for its fuel efficiency of 100km with less than 2 liters of gasoline. Most importantly, and just like the Tang, the Song is equipped with VTOL (vehicle to load) capacity, which literally turns the vehicle into a mobile energy storage station, which enables the car to provide electricity to household applications like microwave ovens, electric stoves, refrigerators, cellphones and laptops. The VTOL technology is BYD’s initiative and is also very useful when one wants to cook a meal outdoors.
