BYD (比亚迪) launches Song Ultra DM-i (宋 Ultra DM-i) with "DiDi Xia" (迪迪虾); starts at ¥129,900

Launch and pricing

BYD (比亚迪) tonight unveiled the Song Ultra DM-i (宋 Ultra DM-i) at a Shenzhen event, launching the B‑segment plug‑in hybrid SUV with a starting price of ¥129,900. The company pitched the model on intelligent cabin features, long range and large interior space — and, critically, by bringing a 310 km CLTC pure‑electric range into the roughly ¥130,000 price band for the first time in its class.

"DiDi Xia" intelligent agent and cabin tech

It has been reported that this is the first model in BYD’s "Dynasty" line to ship with the new "DiDi Xia" (迪迪虾) intelligent agent. BYD describes the system not as a passive voice assistant but as an AI agent with proactive interaction: greeting drivers, recommending content, and accepting natural‑language tasks such as finding restaurants, booking tickets, or searching for music and video from fuzzy descriptions. BYD says the feature set will be delivered via OTA and reportedly will be extended to some existing EV models — a growing trend as Chinese automakers treat cars like rolling software platforms.

Range, specs and safety

Under the skin the Song Ultra DM-i uses BYD’s fifth‑generation DM hybrid tech: a 1.5L engine (70 kW) paired with an electric motor (up to 175 kW). CLTC pure‑electric range is claimed up to 310 km, with a combined range up to 1,845 km and fuel consumption around 3.3 L/100 km when the battery is depleted. The SUV measures 4,850/1,910/1,670 mm with a 2,840 mm wheelbase and highlights rear‑seat comfort and a fold‑flat “big‑bed” mode for camping and long trips. Standard equipment even on entry versions includes seven airbags, a 15.6‑inch center screen, 16‑speaker audio, panoramic roof, wireless charging and 19‑inch wheels; optional high‑end driver assistance uses a laser‑based “Tian Shen Eye B” package.

Market context

Why does this matter beyond China? BYD is the country’s largest EV maker and a leader in hybrid PHEV systems, and packing advanced in‑car AI plus OTA upgrades into a mass‑market price point raises competition pressure on both domestic rivals and foreign brands trying to compete in China. At the same time, increasingly capable software and remote update capabilities in vehicles add a regulatory and geopolitical dimension: cross‑border data handling and automotive software are attracting more scrutiny worldwide. Can BYD’s mix of range, features and in‑car AI shift buyer expectations in the mid‑priced SUV segment? The Song Ultra DM‑i is an important test.