Introduction: Why BYD Song Plus 2021 still relevant on the secondary market?
The Chinese auto industry has made a real breakthrough in recent years, and BYD Song Plus 2021 - a clear confirmation of this. This mid-size crossover became one of the first mass-produced hybrids from BYD, combining an affordable price, modern technology and good reliability. Today, when the used car market is flooded with European and Japanese models, Song Plus stands out as an alternative with a unique combination of characteristics.
In 2021, the model was offered in three versions: with a gasoline engine, a hybrid (DM-i) and a fully electric version (EV). It was the hybrid version that became the most popular - due to its efficiency and the absence of “electric vehicle” restrictions (no need for charging infrastructure). But is this crossover really that good? Is it worth buying it today, when more recent analogues have appeared on the market? Let's look into it in detail.
In this guide you will find:
- 🔍 Specifications all versions Song Plus 2021 (including rare electric)
- 💰 Current prices on the secondary market and factors affecting the cost
- ⚠️ Typical problems and "pitfalls" when purchasing
- 🔧 Maintenance Tips hybrid system DM-i
- 🆚 Comparison with main competitors (Geely Tugella, Changan CS75 Plus, Haval Jolion)
Specifications BYD Song Plus 2021: what's under the hood?
The 2021 model was offered with three types of powertrain. The basic version was equipped with a naturally aspirated petrol engine 1.5L BYD476ZQA (116 hp), but the hybrid and electric modifications are of real interest. Let's take a closer look at them.
Hybrid version DM-i (Dual Mode intelligent) is a system where the gasoline engine operates primarily as a generator for the electric motor. This scheme allows you to reduce fuel consumption to 4.5–5.2 l/100 km in the urban cycle. Electric version (EV) was equipped with a battery capacity 50.1 kWh and declared a power reserve of up to 400 km NEDC cycle - however, real indicators in winter are reduced by 30–40%.
| Parameter | Gasoline 1.5L | Hybrid DM-i | Electro EV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power, hp | 116 | 197 (system) | 163 |
| Torque, Nm | 145 | 325 | 310 |
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h, s | 10,9 | 7,9 | 9,5 |
| Max. speed, km/h | 170 | 180 | 150 |
| Average consumption, l/100 km | 7,2 | 4,8 | — |
Features of the hybrid version - no traditional gearbox. Instead it is used electric variator, which simulates step switching. This decision simplified the design, but caused criticism for the “artificial” behavior of the transmission. The electric version, in turn, suffers from slow charging: A full cycle from a household outlet takes up to 10 hours.
Pros and cons BYD Song Plus 2021: honest analysis
Like any car, Song Plus has strengths and weaknesses. Let's look at them without embellishment, based on reviews from owners and expert tests.
Benefits:
- 💰 Price - one of the most affordable hybrid models on the market (from 1.8 million rubles in 2021, today on the secondary market - from 1.2 million rubles)
- 🛡️ Warranty — official BYD dealers gave 6 years or 150,000 km for the hybrid system (when purchasing second-hand, check the service history!)
- 🔋 Economical — the hybrid version consumes fuel like a small car, while the dynamics are better than many competitors
- 📱 Technologies — large touch screen (12.8 or 15.6 inches in top versions), digital instrument panel, adaptive cruise control
Disadvantages:
- ⚠️ Build quality — the interior plastic creaks, the gaps between the panels are not always uniform (especially in the early batches)
- 🔧 Service — not all service stations undertake BYD hybrid systems; spare parts sometimes have to wait for months
- 🌡️ Heating — in the electric version in winter the range is greatly reduced due to heating of the cabin
- 🚗 Controllability — soft suspension and high center of gravity make the crossover rolly when cornering
⚠️ Attention: In hybrid version DM-i When the 12-volt battery is discharged, the car can be completely immobilized. The problem can be solved by installing a more capacious battery (we recommendAGM 70Ahinstead of standard60Ah).
Hybrid version DM-i optimal for the city, but not suitable for long trips due to the small gas tank (50 l) and high consumption on the highway (6.5–7 l/100 km).
Prices for BYD Song Plus 2021 today: what affects the cost?
On the secondary market prices for Song Plus 2021 model year ranges from 1.2 to 1.8 million rubles, depending on the configuration, mileage and condition. Hybrid versions are usually 150–200 thousand rubles more expensive than gasoline ones, and electric ones are another 100–150 thousand rubles. above.
Main factors influencing the price:
- 🔋 Powerplant type – hybrids and electric cars hold their prices better
- 📊 Mileage — optimal range for purchase: 30–60 thousand km (then the risks of wear of the hybrid battery begin)
- 🛠️ Service history — the presence of dealer records increases the cost by 5–10%
- 🔌 Equipment — top versions with a panoramic roof and leather interior are 200–300 thousand rubles more expensive.
| Equipment | Price, million rubles (2026) | Mileage, thousand km | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort (petrol) | 1,2–1,4 | 40–70 | Basic version without hybrid |
| Premium (DM-i) | 1,5–1,7 | 20–50 | Popular hybrid modification |
| Luxury (EV) | 1,6–1,8 | 10–30 | Electric version with 50.1 kWh battery |
When purchasing, pay attention to hybrid battery status (ideally, diagnostics at an official dealer) and availability of original charger for electric version. Many owners complain that used chargers lose power after 2-3 years.
⚠️ Attention: There are "gray" ones on the market Song Plus, imported from China without official adaptation. Such machines may have problems with OBD-II diagnostics and fail to pass inspection. Check VIN through the service VIN.by.
When inspecting the hybrid version, be sure to check the operation of the recuperation system: when braking, you should feel a noticeable “recharging” of the battery (the arrow on the dashboard deviates towards “+”).
Comparison with competitors: who is better BYD Song Plus?
In the mid-size crossover segment, Song Plus there are at least three direct competitors: Geely Tugella, Changan CS75 Plus and Haval Jolion. They are all Chinese-made, but with different approaches to hybridization and design. Let's look at the key differences.
| Parameter | BYD Song Plus | Geely Tugella | Changan CS75 Plus | Haval Jolion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid type | DM-i (generator) | PHEV (rechargeable) | HEV (full) | HEV (soft) |
| Consumption in the city, l/100 km | 4,8 | 5,5 | 6,0 | 6,2 |
| Resale price, million rubles. | 1,2–1,8 | 1,5–2,0 | 1,4–1,9 | 1,3–1,7 |
| Hybrid warranty, years | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
Geely Tugella wins in build quality and dynamics, but loses in efficiency. Changan CS75 Plus offers sportier handling, but its hybrid system is less efficient. Haval Jolion - the most budget option, but with outdated “soft” hybridization (motor-generator instead of a full-fledged electric drive).
Who is it suitable for? BYD Song Plus?
- 🏙️ City residents who want an economical hybrid without overpaying for the brand
- 🔌 For those who are considering an electric car, but are afraid of charging problems (hybrid DM-i - golden mean)
- 💼 For entrepreneurs who want to save on fuel (consumption of 4.8 l/100 km is realistically achievable)
Who is better off with other options?
- 🏔️ For lovers of active recreation - ground clearance
170 mmand the soft suspension is not for off-road use - 🚗 For lovers of dynamic driving - the hybrid system is focused on efficiency, not speed
- ❄️ Residents of cold regions - the electric version loses up to 40% of its power reserve in winter
Detailed comparison with Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Compare Song Plus with RAV4 Hybrid not entirely correct - the Japanese one is 1.5–2 million rubles more expensive, but it offers legendary reliability and all-wheel drive. However, the Chinese hybrid is not inferior in terms of efficiency in the city: both consume about 5 l/100 km. Toyota's main advantage is its aftermarket parts and service network. BYD wins only in price and battery warranty (6 years vs 5 for Toyota).
Maintenance and repair: what does the owner need to know?
Hybrid system DM-i requires a special approach to maintenance. Here are the key points to help you avoid costly repairs:
Regulatory work:
- 🔧 Oil change — every 10,000 km (in a hybrid, the engine operates in a gentle mode, but the oil still degrades)
- 🔋 High voltage battery diagnostics — once every 2 years (cost ~5,000 rubles from an official dealer)
- 🔄 Software update — BYD regularly releases updates for the hybrid system (check via
BYD Auto App)
Typical breakdowns and their causes:
- ⚡ Error P0A7F (high voltage circuit malfunction) - often occurs due to oxidation of the battery contacts. Solution: cleaning the terminals with a special product
CRC 05051. - 🔊 Suspension creaks — weak point: stabilizer struts and bushings (change every 30–40 thousand km).
- 🌡️ Inverter overheating - occurs when driving aggressively. The thermal paste needs to be replaced (the cost of work is ~15,000 rubles).
Checking history via CarVertical or Autocode|Diagnostics of a high-voltage battery at a dealer|Test drive with a recovery check|Inspection on a lift (suspension condition)|Checking the operation of the climate control at maximum heat-->
Cost of ownership Song Plus lower than European hybrids, but higher than gasoline crossovers in the same class. For example, replacing brake pads costs 8–12 thousand rubles. (versus 5–7 thousand rubles for Kia Sportage), but brake discs last longer thanks to recuperation.
⚠️ Attention: Never wash your engine Song Plus under high pressure! In the hybrid version, the electronics are located low and water ingress can cause a short circuit in the inverter. Use touchless or manual cleaning only.
Owner reviews: real operating experience
To form an objective opinion about BYD Song Plus 2021, we analyzed reviews from the forums (Drive2.ru, Drom.ru) and social networks. Here are the most common discussion topics:
Positive Feedback:
- 💨"Fuel consumption in the city is 4.7 l/100 km! I save gas like a small car, but it drives like a 2-liter crossover." (Alexey, Moscow)
- 📱"Multimedia on Android - super! I connected YouTube, Yandex.Navigator, and even played games for the children." (Igor, Yekaterinburg)
- 🛡️"For 2 years and 45 thousand km - not a single breakdown. I just changed the oil and pads." (Dmitry, Novosibirsk)
Negative feedback:
- ❄️"In winter, the electric version turns into a “hostage to the outlet.” In cold weather of -20°C, the actual range is 180 km." (Oleg, Krasnoyarsk)
- 🔧"The inverter broke down at 60 thousand km. The repair took 3 weeks - we were waiting for spare parts from China." (Sergey, St. Petersburg)
- 🚗"On the highway, consumption jumps to 7 l/100 km. The hybrid is useless here." (Anton, Rostov-on-Don)
Interesting fact: owners of hybrid versions note that after 20,000 km mileage, fuel consumption decreases by 0.3–0.5 l/100 km. This is due to the “break-in” of the hybrid control system - the algorithms adapt to the driving style.
If you are planning to buy Song Plus used, look for cars with a service history from an authorized dealer BYD Motor Rus. Informal service stations often do not have access to diagnostic equipment for high-voltage systems.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about BYD Song Plus 2021
❓ Is it possible to tow Song Plus on a rope?
Hybrid and electric versions cannot be towed - this may damage the electric motor. The petrol version can be towed at speeds of up to 50 km/h for a distance of no more than 50 km. In case of emergency, use a tow truck.
❓ How much does it cost to replace a high-voltage battery?
The official price of the new battery for the hybrid version is about 500,000 rub. (for 2026). However, in practice, batteries last 150–200 thousand km, and cases of replacement under warranty are extremely rare. Contract batteries appear on the secondary market for 150–200 thousand rubles.
❓ What resource does the hybrid system have? DM-i?
BYD claims resource 300,000 km for a hybrid system, but real data is not yet available - the model is too new. Similar to Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive, if properly maintained the system can be expected to last 250–300 thousand km.
❓ Is it possible to install gas equipment on a hybrid version?
Technically possible, but not recommended. Hybrid system DM-i optimized for gasoline, and the use of gas may lead to malfunctions of the inverter. In addition, official dealers will refuse warranty service.
❓ What is the real power reserve of the electric version in winter?
At temperature -10°C The range is reduced to 220–250 km, and when -20°C - up to 180–200 km. It is recommended to use preheating from the mains (if such an option is available) and minimize the use of climate control.