15-Level Plug-in Hybrid SUV Ultimate Showdown: BYD Song PLUS DM-i vs Geely Galaxy L7, Which is the Real Value Pick for Families?
Budget of 150,000 yuan, needs to be fuel-efficient yet powerful, and spacious enough for the whole family – these are the three core dilemmas for ordinary families buying cars today. The BYD Song PLUS DM-i has dominated the market with its DM-i system, while the Geely Galaxy L7 has entered the arena aggressively with its 3-speed DHT technology. With overlapping prices and similar positioning, these two vehicles have left countless families stuck with "choice paralysis." Today, we'll break it down piece by piece to see which one is truly suitable for you.
1. Quick Overview: Core Differences at a Glance
| Comparison Dimension | BYD Song PLUS DM-i | Geely Galaxy L7 |
|---|---|---|
| Power System | DM-i Super Hybrid (1.5L naturally aspirated + single-speed E-CVT, electric-drive focused) | Thor Electric Hybrid 8848 (1.5L turbo + 3-speed DHT, performance-oriented) |
| Fuel Consumption (Battery Depleted) | 4.5-4.93L/100km (official) | 4.7-5.23L/100km (official/tested) |
| 0-100 km/h Acceleration | ~8.3 seconds | ~6.9 seconds (clear performance advantage) 👍 |
| Starting Price | ~129,800 yuan | ~125,700 yuan (lower entry threshold) |
| Screen Features | Rotatable central control screen | Multi-screen linkage (passenger entertainment screen) |
| Infotainment Chip | Snapdragon 665 (consumer-grade chip) | Qualcomm 8155 (automotive-grade flagship chip) |
| Rear Suspension Structure | Three-link independent suspension | Four-link independent suspension + aluminum alloy components |
| Pure Electric Range | 75-160km (multiple versions available) | 115km (high spec from the base model) |
| Maintenance Interval | 7,500-10,000 km | 15,000 km (lower long-term maintenance costs) |
2. In-Depth Comparison: Who Understands Family Users Better?
1.1 Power and Efficiency: Smooth & Fuel-Saving vs Thrilling Performance
The Song PLUS DM-i's DM-i system uses a single-speed E-CVT structure. The principle is simple: the electric motor drives directly at low to medium speeds, and the engine intervenes for direct drive above 70km/h. This system is mature and stable, with excellent quietness for urban commuting. It's like a diligent household manager, with "fuel efficiency" etched into its genes. But the weaknesses are also clear – at high-speed cruising, the engine RPM is high, leading to increased noise and fuel consumption. The 8.3-second 0-100 km/h performance is merely adequate .
The Galaxy L7's Thor 8848 system is more like a sexy athlete. The 1.5T engine combined with a 3-speed DHT gearbox keeps both the motor and engine operating in their optimal ranges . Real-world tests show 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed reaching 240 km/h, providing ample confidence for highway overtaking . The 3-speed structure is theoretically more complex, but Geely uses an Infineon six-core main control chip with gigabit bandwidth in its electronic control system, offering higher hardware redundancy .
In terms of fuel consumption, the Song PLUS DM-i's official depleted battery consumption is 4.5L, with real-world tests around 6.1L; the Galaxy L7's official figure is 4.7L, with real-world tests about 4.7-5.23L . For stop-and-go urban driving, the Galaxy L7 is more fuel-efficient; on long highway trips, the gap is minimal. Crucially, the Galaxy L7 supports 40kW fast charging, reaching 80% in 30 minutes, while the Song PLUS DM-i's fast charging is only 18kW, doubling the charging time .
1.2 Design and Interior: Classic & Timeless vs Tech & Modern
Exterior design creates the first impression. The Song PLUS DM-i continues its Ocean Aesthetics design, with a large grille and smooth waistline. The styling is thick and stable, like a classic trench coat – not stunning but enduring, still looking good three years later. The Galaxy L7 features a closed-off front face and split headlights, delivering a strong tech vibe, though comments often mention it looks "too aggressive" . This actually reflects user segmentation: choose the Song PLUS for resale value, choose the L7 for freshness.
The interior differences are even greater. The Song PLUS DM-i features a 12.8-inch rotating screen + 8-inch instrument panel. The DiLink system is functionally rich but uses a Snapdragon 665 chip, making smoothness somewhat sluggish . The Galaxy L7 goes all-in with a 13.2-inch main screen + 16.2-inch passenger entertainment screen + 10.25-inch instrument panel. The three-screen linkage paired with a Qualcomm 8155 chip delivers silky-smooth operation comparable to flagship smartphones . The "Queen Seat" for the passenger features electric leg rests and massage functions – truly rare configurations at this 150,000 yuan price point .
In terms of materials, the Galaxy L7 is more generous. The rear suspension uses aluminum alloy components + four-link structure, with a separate spring and damper design for more refined filtering . The Song PLUS DM-i's rear suspension uses three links, and its battery pack protrudes from the chassis, limiting ground clearance . Auto repair technicians often say: "After 30,000 km, the L7's NVH performance is better." However, the Song PLUS has a more comprehensive after-sales network, making parts easier to find .
1.3 Space and Comfort: Family-Oriented Space Showdown
On paper, the Song PLUS DM-i has slightly better dimensions with a 2765mm wheelbase, offering generous rear legroom . The Galaxy L7 has a 2785mm wheelbase, and its actual rear space is not inferior, claiming class-leading legroom . The key is in the details: the Galaxy L7's passenger entertainment screen and massage seat provide an explosive experience for the lady of the house; while the Song PLUS DM-i's rotating screen is practical, it lacks some sense of ceremony.
Chassis tuning styles differ significantly. The Galaxy L7 is built on the CMA platform with European handling fundamentals, offering strong cornering support that's suitable for dads who enjoy driving . The Song PLUS DM-i has a softer setup, comfortable on urban roads but with obvious body roll during high-speed cornering, making it more of a pure commuting tool . In battery safety, BYD has the reputation of its Blade Battery passing nail penetration tests , while Geely counters with its Aegis Battery Safety System, achieving dual five-star certification from C-NCAP and CAHI . Both are reliable, just with different technical approaches.
1.4 Intelligent Technology: Infotainment and ADAS Experience
There's a generational gap in infotainment chips. The Snapdragon 665 is a consumer-grade chip with weaker automotive-grade certification compared to the Qualcomm 8155 . In real-world experience, the Galaxy L7's four-zone voice interaction, continuous conversation, and "see-it-say-it" features offer better response speed and recognition rates . The Song PLUS DM-i recently introduced the "God's Eye" ADAS version to shore up its intelligent driving shortcomings , but the ADAS features in base models remain relatively basic.
In terms of intelligent driving, the Galaxy L7 comes standard with L2-level ADAS, including NOA highway pilot . The Song PLUS DM-i's DiPilot system performs stably in highway following and lane keeping, but with slightly less feature richness. Notably, the Song PLUS DM-i's large market presence means more mature OTA update frequency and user feedback iteration; the Galaxy L7, as a newcomer, has had less real-world road validation time for its ADAS features.
3. Buying Guide: Direct Recommendations on What to Choose
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Clarify Core Needs: Ask yourself three questions first – daily commuting distance? Do you frequently drive on highways? What's your budget ceiling?
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Test Drive in Person: For the Galaxy L7, you must experience the high-speed re-acceleration capability of the 3-speed DHT; for the Song PLUS DM-i, focus on feeling the low-speed smoothness in urban areas
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Calculate Total Cost of Ownership: Don't just look at purchase price, but also factor in maintenance intervals, insurance, electricity, and fuel costs
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Consider Resale Value: The Song PLUS DM-i has about 60% three-year resale value; the Galaxy L7 lacks sufficient data due to its recent market entry
🚗 Recommended for Users Choosing the "BYD Song PLUS DM-i":
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Conservative & Pragmatic Type: Value market presence, maintenance convenience, and resale value. The Song PLUS DM-i's annual sales volume of 273,800 units means cheaper parts and experienced technicians, making later-stage ownership worry-free
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Primarily Urban Commuting: Daily commuting radius within 50 km. The single-speed E-CVT's smoothness and quietness are more suitable, with lower charging frequency needed
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Tight Budget: The entry-level version at 129,800 yuan delivers the core DM-i experience. The base trim isn't stripped-down, offering genuine cost-effectiveness
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High Brand Trust: BYD's deep accumulation in the new energy field and the solid reputation of its Blade Battery provide strong psychological security
🚀 Recommended for Users Choosing the "Geely Galaxy L7":
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Performance Enthusiast + Tech Lover: The combination of 6.9-second 0-100 km/h, 3-speed DHT, 8155 chip + triple-screen linkage is truly unique under 150,000 yuan
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Frequent Highway Driving: The 3-speed structure allows lower RPM at high-speed cruising, better fuel consumption and noise control, with ample 240 km/h top speed reserve
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Passenger is the Queen: The passenger entertainment screen + massage seat + electric leg rest instantly elevates family status – a perfect tool to please your wife
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Pursuit of Cost-Effectiveness: Starting price is 16,000 yuan lower, but configuration is actually higher. Maintenance interval of 15,000 km means lower long-term ownership costs
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
4.1 Who Has Lower Operating Costs for Urban Driving?
Answer: Based on a daily 50 km commute and tested fuel consumption data with depleted battery: Galaxy L7 at ~4.7L, Song PLUS DM-i at ~6.1L . Using 92-octane gasoline at 7.5 yuan/L, the Galaxy L7 costs 17.6 yuan daily in fuel, while the Song PLUS DM-i costs 22.9 yuan – a difference of nearly 2,000 yuan annually. With a home charging station, the Galaxy L7's 115 km pure electric range basically covers the commute, with electricity costs only 3-5 yuan per day. Regarding maintenance, the Galaxy L7 requires service every 15,000 km, half the frequency and cost of the Song PLUS's 7,500 km interval . In summary, the Galaxy L7 has lower costs for urban commuting 👍
4.2 What Are the Differences in Battery Safety and Technology?
Answer: BYD's Blade Battery has passed nail penetration tests, with lithium iron phosphate chemistry offering good thermal stability – equivalent to the battery wearing "armor" . Geely's Aegis Battery Safety System employs a three-layer mechanism of "prevention-monitoring-response," equipped with aluminum alloy crash beams and resin high-pressure fuel tanks, achieving dual five-star certification from C-NCAP and CAHI . As an analogy: the Blade Battery is "hard-resistance type," relying on the material itself to resist thermal runaway; the Aegis system is "intelligent type," relying on comprehensive monitoring and structural protection. Both have undergone rigorous testing, with different technical approaches but both meeting safety standards.
4.3 Is a 3-Speed DHT Gearbox Really More Prone to Failure Than a Single-Speed E-CVT?
Answer: This is a typical misconception. From a mechanical structure perspective, the 3-speed DHT is indeed more complex than single-speed, but Geely's 3-speed DHT has undergone bench test validation with a designed lifespan of 300,000 km . The electronic control system uses an Infineon six-core chip with gigabit bandwidth, providing stronger fault self-diagnosis capability . Conversely, the Song PLUS DM-i's single-speed structure, while simpler, has owner reports of minor issues like "transmission rattling noises, fuel tank rattling" . Warranty-wise, both offer 6 years/150,000 km coverage. In reality, failure rates depend more on manufacturing quality and user habits than on the number of gears. Regular maintenance and avoiding aggressive driving are recommended.
4.4 Is the Passenger Entertainment Screen a Necessity or a Gimmick?
Answer: It depends on family structure. The Galaxy L7's 16.2-inch passenger screen supports independent Bluetooth connection, allowing the wife to watch dramas without disturbing the driver's navigation . The massage-equipped "Queen Seat" significantly reduces fatigue on long trips. The Song PLUS DM-i lacks a passenger screen, but its 12.8-inch rotating screen can switch between portrait and landscape modes, offering more flexibility for TikTok browsing or navigation viewing. With school-age children, the passenger screen is indeed a "kid-pacifier tool"; if mainly used for couple commuting, the rotating screen is more practical. We recommend bringing your family for a hands-on experience and letting the passenger judge for themselves 😊
4.5 How Big Is the Resale Value Gap Between the Two?
Answer: The BYD Song PLUS DM-i sold 273,800 units in 2023. Its massive market presence gives it a stable three-year resale value of around 60% . The Galaxy L7, launched in 2023, lacks sufficient data, but Geely brand's overall three-year resale value is about 55%. However, note that the Galaxy L7's starting price is 16,000 yuan lower, offering a clear initial purchase cost advantage . After three years, the market price difference may only be 5,000-8,000 yuan, but factoring in lower operating costs, the Galaxy L7's total cost of ownership may actually be lower. If planning to change cars in 3-5 years, the Song PLUS is safer; if planning long-term ownership, the Galaxy L7 offers better cost-effectiveness.
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