BYD is moving fast to fill out its premium SUV lineup. According to information shared by Autohome, the all-new Song Ultra DM-i plug-in hybrid SUV will officially launch on May 28, 2026, with pre-pickup pricing starting at 135,000 yuan (approximately $18,630 USD). The new PHEV slots in below the all-electric Song Ultra EV that already retails between 151,900 and 179,900 yuan, giving cost-conscious buyers a long-range hybrid alternative without giving up the same modern platform.
Five Trims, Two Battery Sizes
BYD is expected to launch the Song Ultra DM-i in five trim levels structured around two pure-electric range options:
| Trim | Pure EV Range (CLTC) | Pre-Pickup Price (CNY) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 205 km Leading | 205 km | 135,000 | $18,630 |
| 205 km Surpassing | 205 km | 145,000 | $20,010 |
| 310 km Leading | 310 km | 145,000 | $20,010 |
| 310 km Surpassing | 310 km | 155,000 | $21,390 |
| 310 km Excellence | 310 km | 165,000 | $22,770 |
BYD’s pricing strategy clearly aims to undercut the EV variant by 15,000–25,000 yuan ($2,070–$3,450) at equivalent trim levels — a strong incentive for buyers who still want the security of a combustion backup, especially in regions with sparser charging infrastructure.
Exterior: Familiar Dragon Face, Subtle PHEV Touches
Visually, the DM-i variant is nearly identical to the Song Ultra EV. The signature Dragon Face design dominates the front fascia, paired with a redesigned lower bumper that now incorporates functional cooling vents — a typical PHEV requirement absent from pure-EV designs.
Side profiles feature semi-hidden door handles and 19-inch alloy wheels, while the rear retains the connected light-bar tail-light treatment with BYD’s signature “flowing crystal” pattern.
Dimensions
- Length: 4,850 mm
- Width: 1,910 mm
- Height: 1,670 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,840 mm
Interior: UI 7.0 and Adaptive 15.6″ Center Display
Step inside and the Song Ultra DM-i delivers a premium digital experience, headlined by:
- 15.6-inch adaptive rotating center display
- 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster
- BYD’s all-new UI 7.0 operating system
While the test vehicle did not include the LiDAR module, BYD is widely expected to offer the optional God’s Eye B Assisted Driving — LiDAR Edition (DiPilot 300) as a factory option, identical to what’s available on the EV. This brings the brand’s advanced city navigation, highway navigation and parking automation features to the PHEV lineup. For BYD enthusiasts, you may also enjoy our launch coverage of the 2026 BYD Seal 06 DM-i, which shares the same fifth-generation hybrid technology.
Powertrain: 5th-Gen DM-i and 1,845 km Range
Under the skin sits BYD’s fifth-generation DM-i plug-in hybrid system, pairing a 1.5L Atkinson-cycle engine with a powerful electric drive motor:
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L (70 kW max) |
| Drive Motor | 175 kW max |
| Pure Electric Range | 205 km or 310 km (CLTC) |
| Combined Range | Up to 1,845 km |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
The flagship 310 km variant offers enough pure-electric capability to cover most weekly commuting needs, while the combined 1,845 km cycle effectively eliminates road-trip range anxiety. The DM-i also includes BYD’s DiSus-C intelligent damping suspension and a TBC high-speed tire-blowout stability system for added safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the BYD Song Ultra DM-i go on sale?
The official launch is scheduled for May 28, 2026, with vehicles already arriving at BYD dealerships ahead of the formal price reveal.
How does it differ from the Song Ultra EV?
The DM-i uses a 1.5L engine plus electric motor for a combined 1,845 km range, while the EV is a pure battery-electric SUV. The DM-i is also cheaper by 15,000–25,000 yuan at comparable trims.
What pure-electric range is offered?
Two battery configurations deliver either 205 km or 310 km of CLTC pure-electric driving range.
Is LiDAR available on the DM-i?
BYD is expected to offer the same God’s Eye B LiDAR Edition (DiPilot 300) as an option on the Song Ultra DM-i, matching the EV variant’s autonomous-driving capabilities.
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