BYD Song Plus DM-i

The 2025 BYD Song Plus DM-i is a compact plug-in hybrid SUV priced from AED 119,900 through Al Futtaim Electric Mobility. Available in FWD Design and AWD Premium trims, the DM-i Super Hybrid powertrain pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with BYD's 18.3 kWh Blade LFP battery. The FWD variant produces 197 hp and returns a combined WLTP range of approximately 830 km; the AWD Premium delivers 319 hp and reaches 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. Villa residents seeking a fuel-efficient family SUV with daily electric commuting capability will find the Song Plus DM-i well-positioned against the Toyota RAV4 PHEV and Kia Sportage PHEV. Buyers requiring long-distance pure-EV driving or apartment-based charging should consider the BYD Atto 3 or Seal instead. Villa residents with a home wall box Daily urban commuters under 80 km Families needing a practical five-seat SUV Budget-conscious PHEV buyers Apartment residents without private charging Pure-EV buyers Buyers needing seven seats The BYD Song Plus DM-i enters the UAE as an aggressively priced compact PHEV SUV targeting families who want to eliminate daily fuel costs without committing to a fully electric vehicle. Sold through Al Futtaim Electric Mobility from AED 119,900, it undercuts European and Japanese PHEV SUVs substantially whilst offering a larger battery and longer electric-only range. The DM-i Super Hybrid system — already proven across millions of units in China — arrives with BYD's Blade LFP battery technology and a dual-trim strategy offering FWD efficiency or AWD performance. The BYD Song Plus DM-i delivers genuine daily-electric capability in a practical family SUV package from AED 119,900 — significantly undercutting European PHEV alternatives. Villa residents covering short urban commutes will run on electricity for weeks between fuel stops. The AWD Premium adds meaningful performance for AED 25,000 more. Apartment residents without home charging or pure-EV buyers should look elsewhere. Book a test drive at Al Futtaim Electric Mobility to assess suitability for daily use.

Both UAE trims share an 18.3 kWh BYD Blade LFP battery in a cell-to-pack layout. Lithium iron phosphate chemistry provides strong thermal stability in ambient temperatures above 45°C — a significant advantage over NMC alternatives in the Gulf. The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine operates as a range extender under moderate load and as a direct-drive contributor at higher speeds.

Electric-only range under CLTC testing is approximately 110 km. In UAE summer conditions with full AC load, expect 75–90 km of usable electric driving. Combined WLTP range with a full tank and charged battery is approximately 830 km for the FWD Design and 890 km for the AWD Premium. Highway cruising at 120–140 km/h reduces electric range by 20–30% due to aerodynamic load, though the petrol engine compensates seamlessly.

On a standard 7 kW villa wall box via Type 2 AC, the 18.3 kWh battery charges from empty to full in approximately three to five hours. At DEWA's residential rate of AED 0.23/kWh, a full charge costs approximately AED 4.21. In Abu Dhabi at the expatriate rate of AED 0.27/kWh, the cost is approximately AED 4.94. Overnight charging comfortably covers most daily commutes entirely on electric power.

DC fast charging peaks at 26 kW via CCS2, reaching 10–80% in approximately 25–30 minutes. This is slower than BEV rivals but adequate for the small PHEV battery. Compatible networks include DEWA Green Charger, E2GO (ADNOC/TAQA), UAEV (Northern Emirates), and GreenParking. Tesla Superchargers are not compatible. The petrol engine eliminates range anxiety entirely — DC charging is a convenience, not a necessity. 2025 BYD Song Plus DM-i — Battery & Charging

Rear legroom is generous for the segment with a 2,765 mm wheelbase. Two-tone Sensatec leather seats are standard across both trims. Rear AC vents, a flat floor, and a panoramic sunroof create an airy cabin. Interior storage includes door pockets sized for 1.5-litre bottles and a deep centre console bin.

The driver seat offers six-way electric adjustment on the Design trim and eight-way on the Premium. Steering adjusts for both rake and reach. The elevated SUV seating position provides confident forward visibility on UAE motorways. The Premium adds a head-up display projecting speed and navigation data onto the windscreen.

Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard. Cabin cool-down from 55°C midday exposure takes approximately five to seven minutes — competitive for the segment. Remote pre-cooling via the BYD app allows owners to cool the cabin before entering. Ventilated seats are not available on either trim; UV-rejecting tint for the panoramic sunroof is recommended in the UAE climate.

Boot capacity is 574 litres with rear seats upright and expands to approximately 1,600 litres with the 60:40 split-fold rear bench lowered. The electric tailgate is standard. No frunk is available. V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capability provides external power for camping equipment or small appliances.

The Design trim features a 12.8-inch electrically rotating touchscreen; the Premium upgrades to a 15.6-inch unit. Both include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Arabic language navigation is supported — essential for the UAE market. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. A 9-speaker Dirac audio system with dual 15 W wireless charging pads completes the tech package. Over-the-air updates are supported.

Six airbags are standard across both trims. The ADAS suite includes AEB, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree surround camera. The Song Plus DM-i achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating when tested as the BYD Seal U in Europe, with 90% adult occupant protection. BYD Blade LFP battery technology includes nail-penetration resistance and thermal runaway protection.

In electric mode below 80 km/h, the Song Plus DM-i is near-silent and smooth. The DM-i system transitions between electric and hybrid modes without noticeable jolt. Forward visibility is excellent; rear visibility is adequate with the 360-degree camera assisting in tight spaces.

The FWD Design reaches 100 km/h in approximately 8.5 seconds — adequate for UAE motorway merging. The AWD Premium's 5.9-second sprint offers genuine overtaking confidence on Sheikh Zayed Road and the E11. Wind noise at 120 km/h is well-managed for the segment. The petrol engine becomes audible under hard acceleration but retreats at cruising speeds.

Regenerative braking recovers energy to the battery during deceleration. The system is not as aggressive as dedicated BEV platforms but contributes meaningfully to electric range in stop-start Dubai traffic. Hydraulic brake feel is linear and predictable across driving modes.

Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go performs reliably on well-marked UAE motorways. Lane-keep assist centres the vehicle competently at highway speeds. The system requires regular driver input and does not offer Level 3 autonomy. Performance on older Northern Emirates roads with worn lane markings is less consistent.

Body roll is well-controlled through motorway curves. The low-mounted Blade battery lowers the centre of gravity, improving stability compared to conventional petrol SUVs. Parking in multi-storey structures is straightforward at 1,670 mm height. The 360-degree camera and rear parking sensors simplify urban parking.

On the UAE's predominantly smooth urban roads, the Song Plus DM-i rides comfortably. The 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/55 tyres absorb expansion joints and speed bumps without harshness. Rear passenger comfort is good for a vehicle in this price range. The 2,765 mm wheelbase contributes to high-speed stability on the Dubai–Abu Dhabi corridor.

Al Futtaim Electric Mobility provides a six-year or 150,000 km vehicle warranty and an eight-year or 150,000 km battery warranty. BYD-certified high-voltage technicians are established at service centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. PHEV service intervals include petrol engine oil changes alongside standard EV system checks, making service marginally more frequent than for pure-BEV models. Parts availability continues to improve as BYD's UAE volume grows.

Grey import Song Plus DM-i units — particularly those sourced from China — may lack UAE-specific software calibration, Arabic navigation, and GCC thermal management routines. Insurance loading on grey imports is typically 15–25% above standard agency premiums; some insurers decline PHEV grey imports entirely. Government incentives — free Salik tag, green parking bays, reduced registration fees — apply to official agency vehicles only. The Blade battery's high-voltage system requires BYD-certified tooling unavailable to independent workshops.

At AED 119,900 for the Design FWD, the Song Plus DM-i is among the most affordable PHEV SUVs in the UAE. For a buyer covering 20,000 km per year with a home wall box and predominantly electric urban commuting, annual electricity cost is estimated at AED 800–1,200, compared to AED 6,000–9,000 for a comparable petrol SUV. Combined running cost savings are estimated at AED 5,000–7,500 per year. Insurance estimates through official UAE channels range from AED 5,000 to AED 8,000 annually. Annual PHEV servicing is approximately AED 1,500–2,500. Government incentives include a free Salik tag (toll charges of AED 4–6 per gate still apply), green parking bay access with a four-hour session limit, and reduced RTA registration fees. Depreciation risk is moderate-to-low. BYD's brand standing in the UAE has strengthened significantly through 2024–2025, and Al Futtaim's agency backing provides reassurance absent in grey-market alternatives. Blade LFP chemistry resists thermal degradation in hot climates, supporting long-term residual values. Three-year resale is estimated at 55–65% of purchase price — competitive with Japanese PHEV benchmarks. 2025 BYD Song Plus DM-i — Standard Equipment