If the name of Tesla is on everyone’s lips, another, more discreet but just as ambitious, rumbles in the background. BYD, a Chinese giant, is setting out to conquer Europe with a new vehicle: the Song U.
The race for the top spot in the world of electric cars never stops (and this is just the beginning). While Tesla was an undisputed pioneer in this field, new challengers are constantly emerging to challenge this dominance. The latest is the BYD Song Ua Chinese electric SUV that aspires to rival the Tesla Model Y, the best-selling electric car of 2023.
BYD expands its range
BYD, once a relatively quiet player, is now one of the most promising brands. Ranking second, just after Tesla, in the ranking of the biggest sellers of electric cars, BYD clearly shows its ambitions. After a rather lukewarm start with the Dolphin, which did not really convince, the manufacturer was able to learn lessons to bounce back with the Seal U. For connoisseurs, this model is none other than the European version of the Song Plus EV , marketed in China from 2021.
Let’s get into the thick of it. The Song U, a D-segment SUV, displays rather imposing dimensions with its 4.78 meters long. If the electric SUV looks big enough, it will be content to accommodate only five passengers, contrary to what we might have thought. It will indeed turn to the Tang if you want to enjoy a more spacious vehicle with up to seven seats. The wheelbase remains generous all the same, displayed at 2.77 meters, which should make it possible to offer a good habitability for the occupants of the rear seats.
The trunk volume is announced at 570 liters, which is still very much lower than the 854 liters of the Tesla Model Y. It is still better than the Volkswagen ID.4 with which it should also compete, and its 543 liters when the bench seat is in place. Overall, the presentation remains unsurprisingly quite conventional, of course approaching the Seal.
The adaptation to the demanding European market is evident in the characteristics of the vehicle. The European engine has an increased power of 160 kW and 330 Nm, thus surpassing the Chinese model. There are also rumors of a 4WD version, although BYD remains discreet on this point.
Range is a decisive criterion for electric cars. The Song U does not disappoint on this front with two battery options: 71.8 kWh or 87 kWh, offering 420 km or 500 km respectively depending on the WLTP cycle. As far as charging is concerned, the vehicle has a capacity of 140 kW in direct current, significantly higher than the Atto 3 which tops out at 88 kW.
Add to that the standard V2L function (as well as the heat pump, as on the Kia EV6), to power other electrical devices, and you have a well-equipped SUV. However, if energy efficiency is a priority for you, it’s worth noting that the Song U won’t particularly excel in this area.
Price is often the deciding factor for many buyers. If the rumors place the Song U around 50,000 euros, it seems that BYD is tempted to play the pricing aggressive card by offering it below the 47,000 euro mark to take advantage of the ecological bonus in France. That would put it in direct competition with the Atto 3, which starts at 43,690 euros for comparable battery life.
6 /10
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