China’s leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, BYD, is gearing up for the December 15 launch of its highly anticipated mid-size electric SUV, the BYD Song L. The new addition to the Dynasty series has already generated significant buzz, amassing over 11,000 pre-orders ahead of its official release.
First unveiled as the Song L EV concept at the Shanghai Auto Show in April, the SUV coupe is poised to compete directly with Tesla’s Model Y and ZEEKR 001 in the electric vehicle market. Building on the success of BYD’s previous models in the Dynasty series, including the Yuan Plus (Atto 3 overseas), Tang, and Han, the Song L is based on BYD’s advanced e-Platform 3.0.
Available in five trims with prices ranging from 220,000 to 280,000 yuan ($30,700 – $39,000), the Song L comes in both single and dual-motor versions. The single-motor variant boasts peak power options of 150 kW or 230 kW, while the dual-motor version combines a 150 kW front motor with a peak power of 380 kW.
Equipped with BYD’s cutting-edge Blade battery technology, offering capacities of 71.8 kWh or 87 kWh, the Song L’s single motor achieves a commendable range of 550 km (341 mi) or 662 km (411 mi) CLTC range, depending on the battery size. Meanwhile, the dual-motor variant, powered by an 87 kWh Blade battery, achieves an impressive CLTC range of up to 602 km (374 mi).
In a strategic move to dominate the Chinese EV market, BYD also recently revealed its Sea Lion 07 mid-size electric SUV, designed to rival Tesla’s Model Y. Part of the Ocean series, the Sea Lion 07 is expected to lead a new sub-brand under the Ocean umbrella. Designed by Wolfgang Egger, former head designer at Lamborghini and Audi and now BYD’s chief designer, the Sea Lion 07 draws inspiration from the graceful movements of sea lions.
Priced between 200,000 and 260,000 yuan ($27,700 – $35,900), the Sea Lion 07 boasts dimensions of 4,830 mm (L) x 1,925 mm (W) x 1,620 mm (H), positioning it as a formidable competitor to Tesla’s Model Y.
