Showdown of Plug-in Hybrid SUVs Under 200k RMB! BYD Song PLUS DM-i vs Geely Galaxy L7: Ultimate Buying Guide

jiasou 14 2025-11-17 10:18:49 编辑

Introduction

With a budget of 150,000-200,000 RMB, are you looking for a plug-in hybrid SUV that meets the needs of the whole family? Do you want fuel efficiency for daily commutes, sufficient power for weekend road trips, and also value space, intelligence, and safety? These are almost the core demands of ordinary Chinese families when buying a car. The BYD Song PLUS DM-i and Geely Galaxy L7 are two of the most competitive models in this price range. The former is a "perennial best-seller" with cumulative sales exceeding 1 million units, while the latter is a "technological dark horse" that has risen rapidly. Both cars have their own strengths, leaving many consumers in a dilemma. This article will conduct an in-depth analysis from multiple dimensions including technology, experience, and practicality, using real data and objective analysis to help you find the best answer for yourself😊.

I. Quick Overview: Key Differences at a Glance

Comparison Dimension	BYD Song PLUS DM-i	Geely Galaxy L7
Powertrain	DM-i Super Hybrid (Xiaoyun PHEV, electric-drive focused, emphasizing smoothness and fuel efficiency)	Raytheon Hybrid 8848 (3-speed DHT Pro, multi-speed structure, balancing performance and efficiency)
Fuel Consumption at Low Battery (Official)	4.4L/100km (1.5L version)	4.73L/100km (1.5T version)
0-100km/h Acceleration (Official)	8.3 seconds (1.5L Flagship Edition)	6.9 seconds (1.5T Max Edition)👍
Starting Price (2024 Model)	139,800 RMB	125,700 RMB
Body Size (mm)	4775×1890×1680	4700×1905×1685
Wheelbase (mm)	2765	2785
Battery Capacity	8.3kWh/18.3kWh (two configurations)	11.9kWh/18.7kWh (two configurations)
Pure Electric Range (CLTC)	43km/110km	55km/115km
Screen Features	12.8-inch rotatable central control screen (supports adaptive rotation)	10.25-inch instrument panel + 13.2-inch central control screen + 16.2-inch passenger entertainment screen (three-screen linkage)
Warranty Policy	Lifetime warranty for three-electric system of non-operating vehicles (first owner)	Lifetime free warranty for three-electric system (first owner, unlimited mileage)
Core Highlights	Large market share, precise fuel consumption control, stable brand reputation	Strong power performance, rich intelligent configurations, outstanding cost-effectiveness

II. In-Depth Comparison: Who Understands Chinese Families Better?

1. Power and Energy Consumption: Smooth & Fuel-Efficient vs Dynamic & Powerful

The powertrain is the core difference between the two cars, and the different technical paths directly determine the driving experience and usage costs.

The BYD Song PLUS DM-i is equipped with the DM-i Super Hybrid (Xiaoyun PHEV), whose core logic is "electric-drive first, fuel as supplement". Its powertrain consists of a 1.5L Xiaoyun PHEV-specific engine (with a thermal efficiency of up to 40.1%, an indicator of the engine's fuel conversion efficiency), an EHS hybrid system, and a Blade Battery.

Advantages: The driving experience is infinitely close to that of a pure electric vehicle. It relies entirely on electric drive for starting and low-speed driving, without the jerkiness of traditional fuel vehicles, achieving maximum smoothness😌. The fuel consumption at low battery is precisely controlled. The measured fuel consumption during urban commutes can be stably maintained at 4.5-5.0L/100km, and the fuel consumption during highway cruising is about 6.5L/100km, showing excellent fuel economy.
Disadvantages: The power output is relatively mild. There will be slight noise when the engine intervenes during sudden acceleration, and the power reserve during highway overtaking is not as sufficient as that of the Galaxy L7.

The Galaxy L7 adopts the Raytheon Hybrid 8848 system, with the world's first 3-speed DHT Pro gearbox (the three-speed structure can achieve a wider speed ratio range) as the core, matched with a 1.5T four-cylinder engine (thermal efficiency 39.2%) and a Shield Battery.

Advantages: The power performance surpasses its peers. With a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.9 seconds, it is almost unrivaled among plug-in hybrid SUVs in the 150,000 RMB class👍. The 3-speed DHT Pro enables more efficient power transmission. When driving at high speeds, the engine can maintain the optimal speed range, ensuring both power and fuel efficiency. The power response is rapid during sudden acceleration, with obvious pushing-back feeling, making it suitable for users who enjoy driving pleasure.
Disadvantages: During low-speed driving, the gearbox may occasionally have slight jerkiness (much smaller than that of traditional fuel vehicles), and the fuel consumption at low battery is slightly higher than that of the Song PLUS DM-i, with a measured urban road condition of about 5.0-5.5L/100km.

Core Conclusion: The Song PLUS DM-i excels in extreme smoothness and low-battery fuel consumption control, making it more suitable for families pursuing "relaxed" commuting and valuing travel costs; the Galaxy L7 is superior in power burst and high-speed re-acceleration capability, making it suitable for users with higher performance requirements and frequent highway driving.

2. Design and Interior: Classic & Timeless vs Technological & Trendy

Design aesthetics are subjective, but the styles of the two cars are significantly different, catering to the preferences of different users.

The design of the BYD Song PLUS DM-i takes a "classic and timeless" route. The exterior has no excessive exaggerated lines. The Dragon Face 3.0 design language is calm and atmospheric. The large-size air intake grille paired with LED dragon crystal headlights gives an overall shape that meets the aesthetic of most Chinese families.

In terms of interior, it adopts a "surrounding cockpit" design, with color schemes mainly in black-brown and pure black. The materials extensively use soft wrapping and leather stitching, with a warm texture. The suspended rotatable central control screen is a iconic configuration, with clear operation logic and reasonable layout of physical buttons, making it easy to get started.

Many users feedback that although the interior of the Song PLUS DM-i is not particularly trendy, it is "timeless and practical". It will not cause aesthetic fatigue after long-term use, and the workmanship details are solid without obvious abnormal noise or looseness.

The design of the Galaxy L7 focuses on "younger and more technological sense". The exterior adopts the "Galaxy Light" design language, with split LED headlights, a sloping roof, through-type taillights, plus personalized color schemes such as fluorescent green and starship gray, creating a strong visual impact.

The interior is a major highlight of the Galaxy L7. The "Galaxy NEO Cockpit" is equipped with a three-screen linkage combination of a 10.25-inch full LCD instrument panel, a 13.2-inch central control screen, and a 16.2-inch passenger entertainment screen. The screens have high resolution and smooth response. The interior materials also mainly use soft wrapping, paired with metal trim strips and ambient lights, full of technological atmosphere😎.

Young users generally say that the interior of the Galaxy L7 is "stunning at first sight". The passenger entertainment screen can meet the needs of watching dramas and playing games, and it is very face-saving when friends take the car. However, some middle-aged users think that "there are too many screens, which is a bit flashy" and the practicality is average.

Core Conclusion: The design of the Song PLUS DM-i is more mature and stable, suitable for family users pursuing "low-key and practicality"; the design of the Galaxy L7 is more youthful and technological, more appealing to young people, balancing personality and social attributes.

3. Space and Comfort: Showdown of Family-Sized Space

Space is one of the core demands for family car purchases. The two cars have different focuses on body size and actual riding experience.

First, look at the core data: the Song PLUS DM-i has a body length of 4775mm and a wheelbase of 2765mm; the Galaxy L7 has a body length of 4700mm and a wheelbase of 2785mm. Although the Song PLUS DM-i is longer, the Galaxy L7 has an advantage in wheelbase, and the actual space performance has its own merits.

Front Row Space: Both cars can provide sufficient head and leg space for the driver's seat. After adjusting the seat for a passenger with a height of 180cm, there is still about 1 fist of space from the head to the roof. The "Queen Seat" of the Galaxy L7's front passenger is a plus point, supporting electric adjustment, heating/ventilation functions, and can be reclined to nearly a flat state, making long-distance riding more comfortable👍.

Rear Row Space: Thanks to the longer wheelbase, the Galaxy L7 has more outstanding rear legroom. When a passenger with a height of 180cm rides, the leg distance from the front seat is about 2 fists, and the head space is 1 fist. The rear legroom of the Song PLUS DM-i is about 1 fist and 4 fingers. Although slightly inferior, the central floor of the rear row is almost flat, and the leg comfort of the middle passenger is better, suitable for 5 people traveling together as a family.

Trunk Space: The regular trunk volume of the Song PLUS DM-i is 574L, which can be expanded to 1600L after folding the rear seats. The opening is regular, and it can easily accommodate 2 28-inch suitcases + 1 20-inch carry-on suitcase. The regular trunk volume of the Galaxy L7 is 520L, slightly smaller than that of the Song PLUS DM-i, but the sloping roof does not excessively sacrifice storage space. It can also meet the storage needs of most families after folding the rear seats.

Comfort Configurations: Both cars are equipped with basic configurations such as a panoramic sunroof, automatic air conditioning, and rear air vents. The seat filling of the Song PLUS DM-i is softer, and the riding experience is biased towards a "sofa-like feeling"; the seat support of the Galaxy L7 is better, which can effectively relieve fatigue during long-distance driving. At the same time, configurations such as the passenger entertainment screen and in-car fragrance system can further enhance the riding pleasure.

Core Conclusion: The Song PLUS DM-i has better flatness of the central floor of the rear row and larger regular trunk volume, making it suitable for families who often travel with full load and value storage capacity; the Galaxy L7 has more prominent rear legroom and front passenger comfort configurations, making it suitable for users with higher requirements for riding experience.

4. Intelligent Technology: Infotainment and ADAS Experience

Intelligent technology has become an important consideration for family car purchases. The two cars have their own highlights in infotainment systems and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Infotainment System:

The Song PLUS DM-i is equipped with the DiLink 4.0 intelligent network connection system. The 12.8-inch rotatable central control screen (15.6-inch for high-end models) has clear display and good operation smoothness. It supports functions such as voice control, OTA upgrades, and mobile phone connection. The voice assistant can recognize dialects with a response speed of about 0.5 seconds, and can control most functions such as air conditioning, car windows, and navigation, with strong practicality😉.
The Galaxy L7 is equipped with the Galaxy OS 2.0 system. The three-screen linkage is the biggest highlight. The passenger entertainment screen can be operated independently, supporting video projection and game interaction, and can also share navigation information with the central control screen. The voice assistant supports continuous dialogue and multi-area wake-up, with an accuracy rate of up to 98%. The operation logic is closer to the usage habits of young people, but the system may occasionally have slight lags (improved after OTA upgrades).

ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems):

The high-end models of the Song PLUS DM-i are equipped with the DiPilot intelligent driving assistance system, supporting L2-level functions such as ACC adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and automatic emergency braking. In actual performance, the ACC following distance is moderate, the lane keeping accuracy is high, which can effectively reduce driving fatigue during highway driving, but it lacks advanced functions such as lane change assistance.
The high-end models of the Galaxy L7 are equipped with the Galaxy ADAS system, which also supports L2-level ADAS functions, adding functions such as lane change with turn signal and adaptive speed limit recognition. In actual tests, the lane change action is smooth, and the judgment of road conditions is more sensitive. For example, it can quickly make a deceleration response when encountering cut-in vehicles. The practicality and safety of ADAS are slightly better than those of the Song PLUS DM-i👍.

Core Conclusion: The infotainment system of the Song PLUS DM-i is more stable and practical, suitable for family users who do not have high requirements for intelligent technology; the infotainment system of the Galaxy L7 is more innovative, and the ADAS functions are more abundant, suitable for technology enthusiasts and young users.

III. Buying Guide: Tell You Exactly Which One to Choose

🚗 Users Recommended to Choose the "BYD Song PLUS DM-i":

Daily commutes are mainly on urban roads, with convenient charging conditions, and value extreme fuel economy and low travel costs.
Family users who often travel with full load, value market share, brand reputation, and after-sales convenience (BYD has more 4S store outlets).
Driving style tends to be steady, do not pursue aggressive driving, and like the smooth experience similar to pure electric vehicles.
The demand for intelligent technology is based on "practicality", do not like overly flashy configurations, and value system stability.

🚀 Users Recommended to Choose the "Geely Galaxy L7":

Have higher requirements for power performance, often drive on highways or enjoy driving pleasure, and value acceleration capability and high-speed re-acceleration reserve.
Young families or technology enthusiasts who are fond of trendy configurations such as multi-screen linkage and intelligent cockpits, and pursue personality and technological sense.
Limited budget, want to buy more abundant configurations at a lower price (the Galaxy L7 has a lower starting price, and the mid-range models have comprehensive configurations).
Have higher requirements for riding comfort, such as frequent long-distance travel, and value front passenger comfort and rear legroom.

IV. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference in travel costs between the two cars?

Answer: Taking 10,000 kilometers of driving per year as an example, assuming convenient charging conditions (charging 20 times a month, about 15 RMB per charge), the calculation is as follows:

BYD Song PLUS DM-i (110km pure electric range version): It can be driven purely by electricity for urban commutes, with an annual electricity fee of about 3,600 RMB; if charging is not possible, the fuel consumption at low battery is calculated at 5.0L/100km, and the annual fuel fee is about 5,000 RMB (fuel price 8 RMB/L), with a total travel cost of about 3,600-5,000 RMB.
Geely Galaxy L7 (115km pure electric range version): The annual electricity fee is about 3,600 RMB; the fuel consumption at low battery is calculated at 5.5L/100km, and the annual fuel fee is about 5,500 RMB, with a total travel cost of about 3,600-5,500 RMB.

Conclusion: When charging is convenient, the travel costs of the two cars are close; when charging is not possible, the Song PLUS DM-i can save about 500 RMB in fuel fees per year, and the gap is more obvious for long-term use.

2. What are the differences in battery safety and warranty policies?

Answer: In terms of battery safety, the Song PLUS DM-i is equipped with BYD's Blade Battery, which uses lithium iron phosphate material. It has passed extreme safety tests such as needle pricking and extrusion, with strong thermal stability. Official data shows that its short-circuit fire probability is much lower than that of traditional ternary lithium batteries. The Galaxy L7 is equipped with Geely's Shield Battery Safety System, which uses a mixed material of ternary lithium and lithium iron phosphate. It has passed tests such as "no fire when the battery pack is pricked" and "no fire when the whole vehicle rolls over", and its safety performance is also excellent.

In terms of warranty policy, both cars provide a lifetime warranty for the three-electric system for the first owner of non-operating vehicles. The Song PLUS DM-i needs to meet the condition of "driving no more than 30,000 kilometers per year", while the Galaxy L7 has no mileage limit, and the warranty policy is more lenient.

3. How about the maintenance costs and repair convenience of the two cars?

Answer: In terms of maintenance costs, the minor maintenance (oil and filter change) cost of the Song PLUS DM-i is about 500 RMB, and the major maintenance (oil, filter, air filter change, etc.) cost is about 1,200 RMB, with a maintenance cycle of 7,500 kilometers or 6 months. The minor maintenance cost of the Galaxy L7 is about 550 RMB, and the major maintenance cost is about 1,300 RMB, with a maintenance cycle of 10,000 kilometers or 6 months. In the long run, the maintenance costs of the two cars are not much different.

In terms of repair convenience, BYD has a wider coverage of 4S stores, which can be found even in second and third-tier cities and counties. The supply of spare parts is sufficient, and the maintenance waiting time is relatively short. Geely Galaxy's 4S stores are mainly concentrated in first and second-tier cities. In some third and fourth-tier cities, you need to go to Geely's main brand 4S stores for maintenance, and the supply speed of spare parts is slightly slower than that of BYD.

4. The pure electric range is not enough. Who is more reliable for long-distance driving?

Answer: During long-distance driving, both cars can ensure range through the "hybrid mode". According to official data, under full fuel and full power conditions, the comprehensive range of the Song PLUS DM-i is about 1,200 kilometers, and that of the Galaxy L7 is about 1,370 kilometers. The Galaxy L7 has a more obvious range advantage.

In actual driving, the Song PLUS DM-i has lower fuel consumption at low battery and better fuel economy for long distances; the Galaxy L7 has more sufficient power reserve, making it more confident during highway overtaking and climbing. Both engines can charge the battery when driving at high speeds, avoiding "power attenuation after low battery". The reliability has been verified by the market, and both are reliable for long-distance driving⚠️.

5. What about the residual value of the two cars? Which is more cost-effective when selling the car later?

Answer: According to the "2024 China Automobile Residual Value Report" released by the China Automobile Dealers Association, the 1-year residual value rate of the BYD Song PLUS DM-i is about 78%, and the 3-year residual value rate is about 65%; as a new model, the 1-year residual value rate of the Galaxy L7 is about 72%, and there is no accurate data on the 3-year residual value rate. Referring to other Geely plug-in hybrid models, it is about 60%.

The Song PLUS DM-i has a larger market share and more mature brand reputation, and its residual value rate is slightly higher than that of the Galaxy L7. It can reduce more depreciation losses when selling the car later.

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