BYD Song Plus FWD

Highlights

• Lowest running cost in class
• Most advanced ADAS standard
• 5-Star NCAP safety rating

Summary

The 2025 BYD Song Plus enters the GCC market as a game-changing Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), offering an unmatched balance of fuel efficiency and daily practicality for urban residents. Being a 2025 model, this vehicle represents the absolute latest in battery technology and cabin design from one of the world's leading EV manufacturers. The Grey exterior is a highly sought-after shade in the UAE and wider GCC, known for its ability to hide desert dust while maintaining a modern, sophisticated aesthetic that aids in future resale value. With its 1.5L hybrid powertrain producing a combined 201 hp, it provides smooth, silent acceleration that is perfect for the stop-start traffic of Dubai or Riyadh. This specific listing is a standout opportunity for buyers looking to transition toward electric mobility without the range anxiety of a pure EV, thanks to its versatile petrol-electric range. For the GCC buyer, the primary consideration here is the significant monthly savings on fuel compared to traditional internal combustion rivals in the mid-size SUV segment.

This Car vs Other 2025 BYD Song Pluss

As a brand-new 2025 model year vehicle, this BYD Song Plus belongs to the most technologically advanced generation of the nameplate to date. In the GCC used and nearly-new market, 2025 models are typically found with delivery mileage or very low usage, meaning the mechanical components and the Blade Battery system are in peak condition. While many comparable SUVs in this year bracket are traditional petrol models, this PHEV variant offers a distinct technological edge that is becoming increasingly popular in the UAE's green-energy push. The Grey paintwork is a strategic choice for the region; unlike darker colors that can absorb immense heat during the summer months, this metallic shade reflects a fair portion of sunlight while offering better long-term durability against fine sand abrasions than standard white. Choosing a 2025 model ensures you are benefitting from the most recent software updates and interior material refinements that BYD has introduced for the international market.

FWD vs Lower Trims

The FWD trim of the BYD Song Plus is designed to maximize efficiency while providing a comprehensive suite of luxury features that GCC buyers often find as expensive options on rival brands. This trim includes the highly desirable high-definition 360-degree camera system which is essential for navigating tight parking spots in major GCC malls and residential towers. Unlike base models in the crossover segment, this trim features a massive rotating touchscreen infotainment system that serves as the command center for the entire vehicle, offering a level of interior tech usually reserved for premium European marques. It also incorporates ventilated front seats, a critical feature for comfort during the intense heat of the GCC summer, ensuring the driver and front passenger remain cool even on long midday drives. Furthermore, the upgraded interior ambient lighting and premium upholstery materials provide a cabin atmosphere that feels significantly more upscale than the entry-level configurations often seen in fleet vehicles.

Song Plus vs Segment Rivals

The BYD Song Plus competes directly with stalwarts like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Honda CR-V, and MG HS. While many rivals in this segment rely on traditional hybrid systems, the Song Plus leads with its PHEV architecture, allowing for significant distances to be covered on pure electricity alone—perfect for the daily commute between Sharjah and Dubai. For the long highway stretches common in the GCC, such as the E11 or the road to Muscat, its combined range often exceeds that of its petrol competitors, reducing the frequency of fuel stops. The cabin width and rear legroom are also notable, offering a more spacious seating arrangement for families compared to the tighter dimensions of the MG or Mazda alternatives. Additionally, the standard level of smart technology and ADAS driver aids provided by BYD often exceeds what is available on the mid-range trims of its Japanese competitors, offering better value for the tech-conscious buyer.

Running Costs & Resale

Running costs for the 1.5L PHEV powertrain are among the lowest in the SUV segment today, particularly if the owner utilizes the plug-in charging capabilities through the growing DEWA or ADDC networks. In stop-start GCC city traffic, the electric motor handles the bulk of the work, drastically reducing petrol consumption compared to a standard 4-cylinder SUV. Maintenance for BYD vehicles is streamlined, with authorized service centers expanding rapidly across the UAE and the wider region, including Saudi Arabia. Service intervals are typically competitive, and because the petrol engine is under less stress than in a traditional car, long-term mechanical wear is often reduced. While BYD is a relatively new player in the GCC compared to legacy brands, its rapid market share growth and the high demand for fuel-efficient vehicles are stabilizing its resale profile. Current trends suggest that well-maintained PHEVs like this one will hold their value effectively as fuel prices and environmental regulations evolve in the local market.

Performance & Capability

With a combined output of 201 hp, the BYD Song Plus offers brisk and linear acceleration, capable of reaching 100 km/h in a time that rivals many 2.0L turbocharged petrol SUVs. This performance is particularly noticeable when merging onto fast-moving highways like Sheikh Zayed Road, where the instant torque from the electric motor provides immediate overtaking power. The Front Wheel Drive configuration is optimized for road stability and fuel economy, making it an ideal choice for the paved surfaces and well-maintained highways that characterize the GCC driving experience. Despite being a road-focused crossover, the ground clearance is sufficient for navigating speed bumps and the gravel tracks often found leading to coastal spots or weekend farm retreats. The regenerative braking system not only improves efficiency but also provides a smooth, controlled slowing sensation that enhances the sense of luxury during urban transit. Overall, the drive is quiet and refined, effectively insulating passengers from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Comfort & Cabin

The interior of the BYD Song Plus is a showcase of modern minimalist design, centered around a 5-seat layout that prioritizes passenger comfort. For the GCC climate, the air conditioning system is exceptionally powerful, designed to cool the large cabin quickly after the car has been parked in the sun. Rear passengers benefit from dedicated air vents and ample headroom, making it a viable car for transporting adult colleagues or family members on longer trips across emirates. The seats are ergonomically shaped and finished in high-quality materials that are resistant to the wear and tear associated with high-heat environments. Cabin insulation is a standout feature, with significant effort made to minimize road and wind noise at highway speeds of 120 km/h. Technology is abundant, with multiple USB ports and wireless charging capabilities ensuring that all occupants' devices stay powered durante long weekend road trips toward the Northern Emirates or the Jebel Hafeet mountain roads.

Safety

Safety is a cornerstone of the BYD Song Plus package, boasting a 5-Star NCAP safety rating that provides peace of mind for family buyers. This trim comes equipped with an advanced ADAS suite, including Adaptive Cruise Control, which is a massive benefit for the long, straight highway drives between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Monitoring systems are particularly useful in the GCC, where multi-lane highways and fast-moving traffic require constant vigilance. Automatic Emergency Braking and a suite of multiple airbags ensure maximum protection in the event of an incident. The structural integrity of the vehicle is complemented by the Blade Battery technology, which is famously tested to withstand extreme conditions without compromising safety. These active systems work together to create a safety net that is often an expensive add-on in other vehicles within this price bracket.

The bottom line

This 2025 BYD Song Plus is the ideal choice for the forward-thinking GCC resident who wants to slash their fuel bills without sacrificing the luxury and space of a modern SUV. With its latest-generation tech and highly desirable Grey finish, it represents a smart, future-proof purchase in the region's rapidly evolving automotive landscape.

AI insights generated from market expert data. Always inspect the vehicle before purchase.