Since my last post about the Prado, I've gotten a set of messages asking for more reviews of cars that could be interesting for the UAE market.

Here's my second go at having a review on a car that I've put to the test recently. The BYD Song Plus DMI.

The dealer is Al Futtaim, so you can expect a nice clean experience, but aftersales is something that I'm yet to hear better about.

It comes in two options: Front wheel drive (FWD) and All wheel drive (AWD). The review will be about the FWD version but I'll write the AWD differences when needed.

If you try to google "BYD Song Plus DMI", results will be misleading as it gets different names in different markets. The most common name is the Seal U DMI.

What is DMI?

The DMI is BYD's Plug-In hybrid system. It uses a 1.5L Turbo engine that sends power to the wheels but also used as a generator at the same time, that charges the battery and gives power.
IMP Info: For local market, We get the 4th generation DMI, Fuel tank capacity is 55L, battery is 18.3kWh and charging speed is 6.6kW.

If you're not interested in the overall review: The claimed mileage range is 1090Km so that was the main part of the test. If you're here only for that, I was able to to 800 KMs with AC in 45C heat and not using the highway too much.

Beginning the test. Maximize Range.

To begin with a blank sheet, I got Cafu to fill it up while I put it at my standard home power socket (Which only gave 2.2kW) If empty, it would've taken almost 9hours to charge. I only drove on eco mode and switched to HEV so it keeps combining between petrol and battery.

Gas mileage range was showing as 830 KMs and Battery at 70Km.

When the battery is full, the car is super smooth. It's not slow at all thanks to the electric motors but it's not mind blowing, it's just what it's expected to be. The gas range remained high but it kept eating through the battery, till the end of the day, where now the range of battery is 2Km and now the engine is kicking in more than usual. If it's in the city, you will barely notice it, but if you hit a highway, the internal combustion engine runs at high RPMs and it could be annoying but it didn't run for long as it charged the battery quickly.

Note: There is no RPM meter on the gauge so you'll never know how fast the engine is running.

Ride and convenience

Ride was very smooth, suspension is on the softer end and thanks to its additional weight, the ride is not harsh (More weight = smoother ride [but also faster bushings and tires consumption]).

I had my Apple Carplay connected with a USB wire, the USB C doesn't get you that. It does have Wireless carplay but I prefer not to use it.

The air conditioning was fantastic. I know for a fact BYD put a lot of research and development hours in our market during hot weather testing to achieve what they now have on their cars for our region. The cars made for GCC are actually properly made for GCC.

Speccing from the dealership

Here we go again, my issue with the speccing .. So we get two versions (FWD, AWD). The FWD is at 119,900 AED while the AWD is at 143,900 AED Incl. VAT. The price is amazing for today's market and the range. But the speccing could've been better.

What you get with the AWD over the FWD is not only the drivetrain, but also the general specs.
You get two additional motors for better acceleration and higher power. But what you also get are:

• Adaptive cruise control
• lane assist
• Emergency braking (Front and rear)
• Blindspot detection
• Heated and cooling seats with more adjustment for driver
• Auto anti-glare rear view mirror
• Head Up Display
• Infinity Speakers audio system

Here's where I think there should've been 3 trims. 2x FWD (1 with and 1 without the above options) and the AWD.

My main concerns

A temporary concern and I believe it'll be a big issue for the users in the UAE: Cruise control DOES NOT engage in speeds over 120km/h. I passed the message to the engineers from BYD China and they took note. A week after the drive, they emailed back that they'll update the firmware to unlock cruise control limit this August. I think it should've been done right away before the dealer starts delivering cars and recalling them for an update later.

The spare tire in the back. On top of what usually is a fabric sheet of compressed fiber is a foam mount that holds the spare tire. It's taking up the majority of the space. Legally, if the car is not using run-flat tires, it has to have it. But if we put run flats, you'll lower the range and tires will be a lot more expensive. So it's up to you if you want to keep it in the car or keep it at home and gamble you don't get a flat. I've been gambling for the past 10 years with sport cars and thankfully I've been good.

A concern for both the dealer and the consumer

I've been doing some research on this DMI powertrain and ended up at a Chinese website, where BYD are now running the 5th generation DMI, which will have slightly more power, but most importantly it now gets 2 gears for the internal combustion engine, which will reflect in MUCH better mileage for countries with highways (Ahem .. UAE) and it'll also be quieter when the engine kicks in because it'll have less revolutions. From someone in China, they said they were able to get close to 1500kms in one tank and one charge. Excuse me?? And they only gave al futtaim the 4th generation NOW? The 5th generation will not be introduced here until next year because it will need a different cooling system for the car and also a different air con compressor.

What could've been better

• Heat soaking. The car if parked in the sun can trap a lot of heat quickly.
• Speccing from dealer with 3 trims instead of 2.
• Software update for cruise control.
• Different style wheels (Maybe take the wheels of the Seal)

Summary

Great A to B car, it's family friendly and looks great in terms of interior. The price with the gas mileage is the winning element here. I can't find another car in the same price range that offers what the car is offering. I'd definitely buy it as my comfort budget car but knowing the 5th generation engine will come next year, that screwed the buy for me as I'll definitely lose a big percentage of the value at resale.

If you don't care about resale, this car is GOOD. I'd definitely recommend it.

Spec sheet can be found HERE