Chinese automaker BYD has started shipping its Song L EV, a crossover utility vehicle widely advertised as a cheaper alternative to the Tesla Model Y. Customers can choose from five trim levels priced at 189,800–249,800 Yuan – between 30,000 and 40,000 Yuan less than the company assumed it would cost when opening pre-orders on October 31.
BYD has reported receiving 28,350 orders so far. The Song L is based on the same e-Platform 3.0 as the company’s Atto 3, Dolphin and Seal models. Its front fascia design is called ‘Dragon Face’ and is fully in line with the automaker’s current design language. A slanted roof, pull-out door handles and active rear spoiler add up to a sporty and dynamic image. The body is 4,840 mm long, 1,950 mm wide and 1,560 mm tall with 2,930 mm between the wheels.
Inside, the instrument display is 10.25 inches large, the infotainment measures 15.6 inches corner to corner, and the projected HUD spans 50 inches. The infotainment hardware runs the latest iteration of DiLink OS.
The buyers can choose between two RWD variants rated at 204 and 313 PS (201and 309 hp; 150 and 230 kW, accordingly) and an AWD spec pushing 517 PS (510 hp / 390 kW) to the wheels. There are also two battery sizes: the standard 71.8 kWh is enough for up to 550 km (342 miles) of range, while the extended 87.04 kWh is good for 662 km (411 miles). The top spec takes 4.3 seconds to sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph).