Market and date basis: CN: documented calendar-year 2020 availability, not an unverified formal MY2020 designation.
What the 2020 designation actually covers
The original BYD Song PLUS arrived in China in September 2020, when the nameplate denoted a new wide-body petrol SUV. BYD's contemporary announcement describes a fuel-powered 1.5TI launch, and this version must not be mixed with later Song PLUS DM-i plug-in hybrids or the later battery-electric Song PLUS models. International export versions also need a separate year and market evidence trail. It is tempting to treat the Song family as one identical car, but those powertrains represent different consumer decisions.
Powertrains and specification boundaries
BYD's dated original announcement identifies the new turbocharged 1.5TI petrol engine and the original range of four Chinese-market configurations. It specifies a body measuring 4,705 mm long, 1,890 mm wide and 1,680 mm high, on a 2,765-mm wheelbase. Because the available original English maker page does not establish an exact output and gearbox pairing for every configuration, the archive does not fabricate an unqualified horsepower, torque or seven-speed pairing. Obtain the Chinese launch brochure or vehicle build code for that fine detail.
Space, driving purpose and everyday compromises
The sizable footprint and relatively broad body suggest priorities of cabin presence and comfort rather than the very smallest urban crossover class. BYD promoted a new dashboard layout, digital passenger interaction and distinctive seats, but the actual equipped functions still depend on grade. Owners should judge whether the width makes frequent garage use or narrow-city parking inconvenient. A petrol-only Song PLUS also has different refuelling and maintenance needs from the hybrid variants that subsequently made the name familiar internationally.
A sensible second-hand inspection in 2026
A 2026 buyer should confirm the model is an original 2020 petrol version and not a later DM-i described with an older registration date. Check the original market documents, software-language support, connected functions, routine petrol engine servicing and transmission behaviour. If imported, ensure parts and diagnostics are supported locally, and check homologation paperwork rather than assuming a matching exterior means mechanical interchangeability. No reliability ranking or universal maintenance interval is inferred from the sales release.
Alternatives and the buying decision
This early Song PLUS is most relevant to buyers researching Chinese compact-to-midsize SUVs from the first wave of high-content domestic models. Haval H6 and Geely's comparable offerings are sensible period alternatives, but competing model generations also changed around 2020. If EV charging or plug-in operation is essential, this petrol version is the wrong configuration even though a later Song PLUS derivative may have the required technology.