BYD Song Plus DM-i vs Geely Galaxy L7: The Ultimate Comparison Guide for 150,000 RMB Plug-in Hybrid SUVs

If your budget is around 150,000 RMB and you want a vehicle that’s fuel-efficient, spacious, smart, and comfortable—welcome to the reality faced by countless Chinese families today. Among the many options, two models consistently stand out: the BYD Song Plus DM-i and the Geely Galaxy L7. One dominates sales charts with proven reliability; the other wows with cutting-edge tech and performance. So which one truly fits your needs? This in-depth comparison cuts through the noise and helps you make a confident choice—no more decision paralysis! 😊

1. Quick Overview: Key Differences at a Glance

Note: Fuel economy data sourced from MIIT announcements and official manufacturer websites; acceleration times based on average real-world tests of 2024 mainstream trims.

2. In-Depth Comparison: Which Truly Understands Chinese Families?

1. Powertrain & Efficiency: Smooth & Economical vs Sporty & Responsive

Both vehicles use plug-in hybrid (PHEV) systems, but their technical philosophies differ significantly:

• BYD Song Plus DM-i uses the DM-i Super Hybrid system, which prioritizes electric drive with a single-speed DHT transmission. Its strengths include:

  • Exceptional smoothness: Over 90% of city driving is powered purely by the motor, delivering near-zero jerkiness.
  • Official low-battery fuel consumption as low as 4.5 L/100 km—real-world urban figures are often even better.
  • Engine thermal efficiency reaches 43% (a measure of how effectively fuel is converted into power), leading the segment.

• Geely Galaxy L7 features the Thunder Power Hybrid 8848 system, highlighted by its 3-speed DHT Pro transmission:

  • Superior mid-to-high-speed acceleration, making overtaking effortless.
  • 0–100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds—over 1 second quicker than the Song Plus, a noticeable difference during highway merges or hill climbs.
  • Slightly more complex mechanics can lead to minor drivetrain shudder under certain low-speed EV conditions (per media road tests).

Conclusion:The Song Plus DM-i excels in ultra-smooth operation and minimal fuel use, while the Galaxy L7 delivers stronger performance and dynamic response. If your daily commute involves heavy traffic and you have home charging, the Song Plus is the worry-free pick. But if you frequently drive on highways or enjoy spirited acceleration, the Galaxy L7 will thrill you more. 👍

2. Design & Interior: Timeless Elegance vs Futuristic Tech

Exterior-wise, the Song Plus opts for a “steady and family-friendly” aesthetic—clean lines, balanced proportions, and no flashy gimmicks. It’s the kind of design that won’t look dated in five years. In contrast, the Galaxy L7 embraces Geely’s “Ripple of Light” design language, featuring a closed grille, full-width LED light bar, and a more avant-garde presence that appeals to younger buyers.

Interior differences are even starker:

Many owners note that the Song Plus cabin feels warm and homely, with soft-touch materials and woodgrain accents creating a cozy atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Galaxy L7’s wrap-around cockpit feels like a “spaceship,” brimming with digital displays and ambient lighting. 😊

In terms of material quality, both offer generous soft-touch surfaces in this price range, though the Galaxy L7 edges ahead in fine details like stitching and button tactility. However, the Song Plus retains more physical buttons, enabling safer blind operation while driving.

3. Space & Comfort: Family-Oriented Practicality Face-Off

With nearly identical wheelbases (Song Plus: 2,765 mm vs. Galaxy L7: 2,785 mm), rear legroom is comparable—both easily accommodate crossed legs.

The real differentiator lies in seat configuration:

• Song Plus: Flat rear floor enables comfortable seating for three adults; seat cushioning is plush, ideal for long trips.
• Galaxy L7: Comes standard with a “Queen’s Seat” in the front passenger position—complete with powered leg rest, massage, and heating—a major perk for the family’s primary co-pilot. However, the rear center hump is slightly raised, making the middle seat less comfortable when fully occupied.

Trunk capacity:

• Song Plus: 574 L (expandable to 1,477 L with seats folded)
• Galaxy L7: 560 L (marginally smaller, but negligible in practice)

Bottom line: Choose the Song Plus for balanced, all-around comfort; go for the Galaxy L7 if your front passenger deserves royal treatment. 😉

4. Smart Tech: Infotainment & Driving Assistance

This is where the Galaxy L7 shines brightest.

• Infotainment System:

  • Song Plus: DiLink system with a rotating center screen supports popular apps like Douyin and WeChat. However, the UI feels slightly dated, and voice recognition requires internet connectivity.
  • Galaxy L7: Powered by Flyme Auto (from Meizu), it offers smartphone-level fluidity, supports “see-it-say-it” voice control (you can command any visible on-screen icon by name), and lets the front passenger independently control their entertainment screen—perfect for binge-watching without distracting the driver.

• Driver Assistance:

  • Song Plus: Standard L2 suite (ACC, AEB, lane keeping)—proven, stable, but functionally basic.
  • Galaxy L7: Higher trims offer NOA highway navigation-assisted driving, capable of automatic lane changes and ramp entry/exit (requires optional package). Real-world testing shows performance close to Tesla’s basic Autopilot.

Caveat: While the Galaxy L7’s tech is flashier, the Song Plus benefits from real-world validation across over 800,000 units—its systems are battle-tested and highly dependable.

3. Buying Guide: Who Should Choose Which?

🚗 Choose the BYD Song Plus DM-i if you:

1. Prioritize ultimate fuel economy and have convenient home charging.
2. Value brand reputation and massive market presence—over 800,000 units sold, with service centers nationwide.
3. Prefer a quiet, seamless driving experience free from jerks or engine noise.
4. Care about long-term ownership costs and resale value (3-year residual value ~65%, segment-leading).

🚀 Choose the Geely Galaxy L7 if you:

1. Crave stronger performance and enjoy dynamic driving, especially on highways or mountain roads.
2. Are a tech enthusiast who appreciates multi-screen synergy, advanced voice interaction, and next-gen ADAS.
3. Seek better value-for-money—Galaxy L7 typically offers richer standard features (e.g., ventilated seats, AR-HUD) at similar prices.
4. Prefer youthful, futuristic styling and don’t want to drive a “common” car.

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which has lower running costs in city driving?

Assume 1,000 km/month, with 80% electric (home off-peak electricity at ¥0.3/kWh) and 20% gasoline (¥8/L):

• Song Plus DM-i (110 km EV range):Electricity: (800 ÷ 100 × 15 kWh) × 0.3 = ¥36Fuel: (200 ÷ 100 × 4.5 L) × 8 = ¥72Total ≈ ¥108/month

• Galaxy L7 (115 km EV range):Electricity: (800 ÷ 100 × 16 kWh) × 0.3 = ¥38.4Fuel: (200 ÷ 100 × 4.8 L) × 8 = ¥76.8Total ≈ ¥115/month

Difference is minimal, but the Song Plus is slightly cheaper. Without charging, its lower official fuel consumption still gives it an edge. ✅

2. How do their battery safety technologies compare?

• Song Plus DM-i uses BYD’s proprietary Blade Battery (LFP chemistry), which passed nail penetration tests without fire or explosion and demonstrated zero intrusion in C-IASI crash tests.
• Galaxy L7 employs Geely’s Shield Battery Safety System, also passing nail penetration and seawater immersion tests, with added underbody impact protection. Its NMC version offers higher energy density, but the LFP variant matches the Blade Battery in safety.

Verification: Both earned top safety ratings in the 2023 China Automotive Technology & Research Center (CATARC) New Energy Vehicle Safety Assessment. 🔋

3. Which is cheaper and easier to maintain?

BYD’s vast sales volume supports over 2,000 service centers nationwide. Routine maintenance (every 10,000 km) costs ¥300–400. Geely has slightly fewer outlets but strong coverage in tier-1/2 cities, with comparable pricing (¥350–450). Long-term, ownership costs are similar—but BYD offers better support in remote areas. 🔧

4. Which is better for frequent highway driving?

The Galaxy L7’s 3-speed DHT allows direct engine drive at cruising speeds, improving efficiency and responsiveness. The Song Plus tends to engage its engine more frequently on highways, resulting in slightly higher noise levels. Therefore, if you drive over 20,000 km annually—mostly on highways—the Galaxy L7 is the better fit. 🛣️

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