Ultimate Guide to Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (150k-200k RMB)! BYD Song PLUS DM-i vs Geely Galaxy L7 – Perfect Matches for Family Needs

jiasou 41 2025-11-12 10:37:03 编辑

Introduction

With a budget of 150k-200k RMB, are you looking for a plug-in hybrid SUV that’s fuel-efficient for daily commutes, spacious for family trips, and powerful enough for occasional overtaking? This is almost the core demand of most ordinary Chinese families when buying a car. In this price range, the BYD Song PLUS DM-i and Geely Galaxy L7 are undoubtedly the "top competitors" – the former is the "sales champion" in the PHEV SUV market, while the latter is a "dark horse" that has risen rapidly. Both focus on family use, fuel efficiency, and high configuration, but their technical paths and product priorities are completely different. Today, starting from the actual needs of family users, we use data and experience to conduct an unbiased in-depth comparison, helping you completely get rid of "choice anxiety".

I. Quick Overview: Core Differences at a Glance

Comparison Dimension	BYD Song PLUS DM-i	Geely Galaxy L7
Powertrain	DM-i Super Hybrid (single-speed DHT, electric-drive focused, prioritizing smoothness and fuel efficiency)	Raytheon Hybrid 8848 (3-speed DHT Pro, oil-electric synergy, 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)	8.5 seconds (1.5L Flagship Edition)	6.9 seconds (1.5T MAX Edition)👍
Electric Range (CLTC)	55km/110km/111km (different configurations)	55km/115km/137km (different configurations)
Starting Price	129,800 RMB (2025 款 55KM Leading Edition)	125,700 RMB (2024 款 55KM Starship Edition)
Body Dimensions (mm)	4775×1890×1680, wheelbase 2765	4700×1905×1685, wheelbase 2785
Battery Capacity (kWh)	8.3kWh/18.3kWh/18.4kWh	9.11kWh/18.7kWh/25.6kWh
Screen Features	12.8-inch rotatable central control screen (DiLink system)	10.25-inch instrument panel + 13.2-inch central control + 16.2-inch passenger entertainment screen (Galaxy N OS)
Warranty Policy	Lifetime warranty for three-electric system (non-operational vehicles, first owner)	Lifetime warranty for three-electric system (non-operational vehicles, first owner, 30,000km/year limit)
Core Highlights	Large market ownership, ultra-low fuel consumption, stable brand reputation	Strong power performance, multi-screen linkage, longer wheelbase

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

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

The powertrain is the core difference between the two models, directly determining the driving experience and car usage costs.

The BYD Song PLUS DM-i is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine + single-speed DHT hybrid system (Xiaoyun PHEV-specific engine with a thermal efficiency of 40.1%, an indicator measuring the engine's fuel conversion efficiency). The logic of this system is "electricity as the mainstay, fuel as a supplement". It is basically driven by an electric motor during daily commutes, and the engine only intervenes during high-speed cruising or when the battery is low. When intervening, the engine speed is controlled in the high-efficiency range, so the driving experience is very close to that of a pure electric vehicle – smooth start, linear acceleration, and almost no jitter.

The Geely Galaxy L7 adopts a 1.5T turbocharged engine + 3-speed DHT Pro hybrid system (Raytheon hybrid-specific engine with a thermal efficiency of 39.2%). The advantage of the 3-speed DHT is that it can intelligently switch gears according to vehicle speed and load, ensuring smoothness with electric drive at low speeds, and the engine and electric motor work together to provide higher power transmission efficiency at medium and high speeds. The on-paper parameters of the 1.5T turbocharged engine (maximum power 120kW, maximum torque 255N·m) are also superior to those of the Song PLUS DM-i's 1.5L engine (maximum power 81kW, maximum torque 135N·m).

Advantages of Song PLUS DM-i: Lower fuel consumption at low battery, generally controlled within 5L/100km under actual road conditions; smooth and quiet power output, suitable for urban commuting; better control of noise and vibration when the engine intervenes.
Advantages of Galaxy L7: Crushing performance in the same class, 6.9-second 0-100km/h acceleration can meet occasional "dynamic driving"; more sufficient power reserve when overtaking at high speeds, and obvious pushing feeling when stepping on the accelerator deeply; the 3-speed DHT is also not inferior in fuel economy during high-speed cruising.

Core Conclusion: The BYD Song PLUS DM-i excels in extreme smoothness and low battery fuel consumption, suitable for families pursuing "Buddhist" driving and valuing car usage costs; the Geely Galaxy L7 is superior in power burst and high-speed performance, suitable for users who demand driving pleasure and often drive on highways👍.

2. Design and Interior: Classic & Timeless vs. High-Tech & Trendy

Appearance design is a matter of personal taste, but the style differences between the two models are very obvious, accurately targeting family users with different aesthetic preferences.

The design of the BYD Song PLUS DM-i takes a "classic and timeless" route. The Dragon Face family-style front face has high recognition, the body lines are rounded and full, and there are no overly exaggerated design elements. The advantage of this style is that it "appeals to all ages" – both young people and elders can accept it, and it is not easy to get tired of it after long-term use. The through-type taillights and hidden exhaust at the rear also make the whole vehicle look simple and atmospheric.

The Geely Galaxy L7 focuses on "high-tech and trendy", adopting the "Galaxy Light" design language. The split headlights + closed grille on the front face are very futuristic, the sloping back shape and floating roof on the side of the body are more youthful, and the through-type taillights at the rear combined with diffuser decorations are full of sporty atmosphere. This design is more to the taste of young people, but some elders may think it is "too ostentatious".

In terms of interior, the cockpit atmosphere of the Song PLUS DM-i tends to be "family warmth". Large areas of soft materials are wrapped, combined with simple line design, and the touch and visual feeling are very comfortable. The layout of the center console is neat, combining physical buttons and touch buttons, with clear operation logic, which is easy for the elderly and children to use.

The interior of the Galaxy L7 is "full of technology sense". The enclosed cockpit design is matched with three consecutive screens (instrument panel + central control + passenger entertainment screen), and you can feel a strong sense of technology as soon as you sit in it. The passenger entertainment screen supports independent video playback and air conditioning adjustment, which can well meet the entertainment needs of passengers in the passenger seat. The interior materials are also mainly soft materials, and the stitching and decorative panels in the details are no less than those of the Song PLUS DM-i in texture.

Many users feedback that the interior of the Song PLUS DM-i is more like a "warm home", prioritizing practicality without learning costs; while the interior of the Galaxy L7 is more like a "mobile technology cabin", and the multi-screen linkage and cool UI design can bring a stronger sense of freshness and ritual.

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

For family users, space and comfort are "rigid demands". Both models have been optimized for this, but their priorities are different.

First, looking at the body size, the wheelbase of the Galaxy L7 (2785mm) is 20mm longer than that of the Song PLUS DM-i (2765mm), and this advantage is directly reflected in the rear legroom. In actual experience, passengers with a height of 175cm sitting in the rear of the Galaxy L7 can have more than two fists of legroom, and it is completely possible to cross their legs; the rear legroom of the Song PLUS DM-i is also about two fists, which is completely sufficient for daily family use, but slightly inferior to the Galaxy L7.

In terms of headroom, the body height of the Song PLUS DM-i (1680mm) is slightly lower than that of the Galaxy L7 (1685mm), but due to the flat design of the roof line, the headroom performance is excellent. Passengers with a height of 175cm sitting in the rear can have about one fist of headroom, and will not feel depressed. The sloping back shape of the Galaxy L7 has a certain impact on the headroom, but the impact is not large, and the headroom can also reach about one fist.

In terms of trunk capacity, the conventional capacity of the Song PLUS DM-i is 574L, which can be expanded to 1600L when the rear seats are folded down; the conventional capacity of the Galaxy L7 is 520L, which can be expanded to 1680L when the rear seats are folded down. In the conventional state, the trunk of the Song PLUS DM-i can hold more items, suitable for families who often transport large items (such as strollers, luggage, camping equipment); when the seats are folded down, the expanded space of the Galaxy L7 is larger, which is more advantageous when occasionally needing to load extra-long items.

In terms of comfort configuration, the "Queen's Seat for the passenger" of the Galaxy L7 is a major highlight, supporting electric adjustment, heating, ventilation and massage functions, which can effectively relieve fatigue during long-distance rides. This is an advantage that the Song PLUS DM-i (some low-end models do not have passenger seat heating/ventilation) does not have.

The advantage of the Song PLUS DM-i lies in the detail design. For example, the central floor of the rear row is almost flat, and the legroom of the middle passenger will not be affected; the opening of the trunk is lower, making it easier to carry heavy objects; the storage space in the car is abundant, and positions such as door panels, center console, and armrest box can hold small items such as mobile phones, water cups, and snacks, which is more practical.

Core Conclusion: The Galaxy L7 has more advantages in rear legroom and passenger comfort, suitable for users who often take their families on long-distance trips; the Song PLUS DM-i is superior in conventional trunk capacity and practicality of storage space, suitable for families with more daily commutes and short trips😊.

4. Intelligent Technology: Infotainment and ADAS Experience

Nowadays, intelligent technology has become an important consideration for family users when buying a car. Both models have good performance in infotainment systems and intelligent driving assistance, but each has its own merits.

In terms of infotainment systems, the Song PLUS DM-i is equipped with the DiLink 4.0 intelligent network connection system, running on a 12.8-inch rotatable central control screen. The advantage of this system is "high smoothness and comprehensive functions". The voice assistant supports continuous dialogue and multi-command recognition, and can control almost all vehicle functions such as air conditioning, windows, navigation, and music, with an recognition accuracy of over 95%. The design of the rotatable screen is also very practical – vertical screen is suitable for navigation and short video browsing, and horizontal screen is suitable for watching movies, meeting the needs of different scenarios.

The Galaxy L7 is equipped with the Galaxy N OS intelligent network connection system, running on three consecutive screens. The UI design of this system is more cool, and the multi-screen linkage function is a highlight. For example, the navigation on the central control screen can be projected to the instrument panel, and the passenger entertainment screen can share content with the central control screen. The voice assistant supports four-zone recognition, which can accurately recognize commands from the driver, passenger, and rear left and right passengers, and the response speed is also very fast. In addition, the Galaxy N OS also supports the interconnection between the vehicle machine, mobile phone and smart home, with a stronger sense of technology.

In terms of intelligent driving assistance, both models are equipped with L2-level intelligent driving assistance systems, but their functional priorities are different.

The DiPilot intelligent driving assistance system of the Song PLUS DM-i has core advantages of "high stability and wide adaptation to scenarios". The ACC adaptive cruise can automatically adjust the vehicle speed according to the speed of the vehicle in front, and the following distance can be adjusted; the lane keeping assistance system can accurately recognize lane lines and keep the vehicle driving in the center of the lane; the traffic jam assistance system can automatically follow the car and keep the lane when traffic is jammed, effectively reducing driving fatigue. This system performs stably on both urban roads and highways with a low misjudgment rate.

The Galaxy Intelligent Driving system of the Galaxy L7 has richer functions and adds some cutting-edge features. For example, the automatic parking function supports three parking methods: perpendicular, parallel and diagonal parking. The accuracy of recognizing parking spaces is very high, even new drivers can park easily; the steering feel of the lane centering system is more delicate, and there will be no "wandering" situation; in addition, the Galaxy L7 is also equipped with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and other functions, with more comprehensive safety.

Core Conclusion: The infotainment system of the Song PLUS DM-i excels in smoothness and practicality, and the intelligent driving system excels in stability; the infotainment system of the Galaxy L7 excels in multi-screen linkage and technology sense, and the intelligent driving system excels in functional richness. If you are a technology enthusiast, the Galaxy L7 is more to your taste; if you are a user who values practicality and is afraid of trouble, the Song PLUS DM-i is more suitable.

III. Buying Guide: Tell You Directly How to Choose

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

Mainly commute on urban roads, convenient to charge, pursue extreme fuel economy, and want to minimize car usage costs.
Value the market ownership and brand reputation of the vehicle, and worry that niche models have low residual value and inconvenient maintenance.
Like a smooth and quiet driving experience, do not pursue aggressive driving, and the vehicle is mainly used for family commuting and short trips.
There are elderly people and children at home, focusing on the warmth of the interior and the convenience of operation, and do not need overly complex technical configurations.
Often need to transport large items, and value the conventional trunk capacity and practicality of storage space.

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

Have higher requirements for power performance, like to experience the pleasure of acceleration occasionally, often drive on highways, and need sufficient power reserve.
Are technology enthusiasts, love cutting-edge configurations such as multi-screen interconnection and intelligent interconnection, and like to try new functions.
Have a limited budget, want to buy richer configurations at a lower price, and pursue higher cost performance.
Are relatively young, like youthful and sporty designs, and do not like overly conservative models.
Often take family members on long-distance trips, value rear legroom and passenger comfort, and need functions such as seat heating, ventilation and massage.

IV. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Mainly commuting in the city, how much is the difference in car usage costs between the two models?

Answer: Taking daily commuting of 50km and annual driving of 15,000km as an example, we calculate the car usage costs of the two models (both calculated in low battery state, electricity price at 0.6 yuan/kWh, fuel price at 8 yuan/L).

The official low battery fuel consumption of the BYD Song PLUS DM-i is 4.4L/100km, and about 4.8L/100km in actual use. The annual fuel cost is 15000÷100×4.8×8=5760 yuan; if charging is convenient, calculated by 50% electric driving, the electric range is 110km, the annual electricity cost is 15000×50%÷100×18.3kWh×0.6≈823.5 yuan, and the total car usage cost is about (5760÷2)+823.5=3703.5 yuan.

The official low battery fuel consumption of the Geely Galaxy L7 is 4.73L/100km, and about 5.1L/100km in actual use. The annual fuel cost is 15000÷100×5.1×8=6120 yuan; if charging is convenient, calculated by 50% electric driving, the electric range is 115km, the annual electricity cost is 15000×50%÷100×18.7kWh×0.6≈841.5 yuan, and the total car usage cost is about (6120÷2)+841.5=3891.5 yuan.

In summary, when mainly commuting in the city, the BYD Song PLUS DM-i saves about 188 yuan per year compared to the Geely Galaxy L7, with a small gap. However, in the long-term use, the cost advantage of the Song PLUS DM-i will gradually become apparent. If charging is very convenient (such as having a home charging pile), the car usage costs of both models will be significantly reduced, and the gap will be smaller.

2. What are the differences in battery safety and technology between the two models?

Answer: Battery safety is one of the most concerned issues for family users. Both models adopt industry-leading battery technology and safety protection systems.

The BYD Song PLUS DM-i is equipped with "Blade Battery" (lithium iron phosphate power battery), whose core advantage lies in ultra-high safety and long cycle life. The Blade Battery has passed the "needle penetration test" (one of the most stringent battery safety tests in the industry). It will not catch fire or explode after being pierced, and has excellent thermal stability. In addition, the cycle life of the Blade Battery can reach more than 3000 times, supporting a lifetime warranty for the whole vehicle, so users do not need to worry about battery degradation.

The Geely Galaxy L7 is equipped with the "Aegis Battery Safety System" (lithium iron phosphate power battery), which also focuses on safety. The Aegis Battery adopts a "sandwich" structure design, with high-strength protective plates on the upper and lower layers, which can effectively resist external impacts such as collisions and squeezes. The battery system has passed a number of stringent tests such as "battery pack needle penetration test", "seawater immersion test", and "high-temperature fire test", and can ensure that the battery does not catch fire or explode under extreme conditions. In addition, the battery of the Galaxy L7 is also equipped with an intelligent temperature control system, which can adapt to extreme environments from -30℃ to 60℃, ensuring that the cruising range does not decrease in winter.

According to authoritative test results, the battery safety of both models is in the first echelon of the industry, and users can use them with confidence. The difference is that the long cycle life and lifetime warranty policy of the Blade Battery are more advantageous, while the protective structure and extreme environment adaptability of the Aegis Battery are more prominent.

3. What are the differences in maintenance costs and cycles between the two models?

Answer: According to the official maintenance manuals and authoritative media tests, the maintenance cycles and costs of the two models are not much different, both belonging to the "economic type" among plug-in hybrid models.

The maintenance cycle of the BYD Song PLUS DM-i is 7500km or 6 months (whichever comes first), and the first maintenance is free. The cost of minor maintenance (replacing engine oil and oil filter) is about 300-400 yuan, and the cost of major maintenance (replacing engine oil, oil filter, air filter, air conditioning filter, etc.) is about 600-800 yuan. Calculated by driving 15,000km per year, the annual maintenance cost is about 600-800 yuan.

The maintenance cycle of the Geely Galaxy L7 is 10000km or 12 months (whichever comes first), and the first maintenance is also free. The cost of minor maintenance is about 350-450 yuan, and the cost of major maintenance is about 700-900 yuan. Calculated by driving 15,000km per year, the annual maintenance cost is about 700-900 yuan.

Overall, the Song PLUS DM-i has a shorter maintenance cycle but lower single maintenance cost; the Galaxy L7 has a longer maintenance cycle but slightly higher single maintenance cost. In the long-term use, the annual maintenance cost gap between the two models is within 200 yuan, which has little impact on family users.

4. How realistic is the electric range? Can it reach the officially marked mileage in actual use?

Answer: The actual performance of electric range is affected by many factors such as temperature, road conditions, and driving habits. Generally speaking, the actual electric range will be 10%-30% lower than the officially marked CLTC range. This is a common phenomenon in the industry, and the two models are no exception.

The official electric range of the BYD Song PLUS DM-i is 55km/110km/111km. In actual use, in a normal temperature environment of about 25℃, the actual electric range of the 110km version is about 80-90km (urban roads, economic mode, speed within 60km/h); if it is winter (about -10℃), the actual electric range will drop to 60-70km, a decrease of about 30%.

The official electric range of the Geely Galaxy L7 is 55km/115km/137km. In actual use, the actual electric range of the 115km version is about 85-95km (normal temperature environment, urban roads); in low-temperature environment in winter, the actual electric range is about 65-75km, a decrease of about 25%-30%.

Overall, the actual electric range of the Galaxy L7 is slightly higher than that of the Song PLUS DM-i. Especially the high-end 137km version, the actual range can reach more than 100km, meeting the daily commuting needs of most families. If charging is convenient, the electric range of both models can cover daily commutes, realizing "zero fuel consumption" travel.

5. How about the residual value of the two models? Will I lose too much when reselling them later?

Answer: Residual value is an important reference factor for family users when buying a car, especially when the car replacement frequency is high.

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 85%, and the 3-year residual value rate is about 70%, ranking among the top in the PHEV SUV market. The main reasons for the high residual value rate are large market ownership, good brand reputation, mature and stable technology, and high demand in the second-hand market.

As a model that has not been on the market for a long time, the 1-year residual value rate of the Geely Galaxy L7 is about 80%, and the 3-year residual value rate is about 65% (predicted value). Although it is slightly lower than that of the Song PLUS DM-i, it has performed very well among new models. With the increase in market ownership and the accumulation of brand reputation, the residual value rate of the Galaxy L7 is expected to further improve.

If you plan to hold it for a short period (within 3 years), the residual value rate advantage of the Song PLUS DM-i is more obvious, and you will lose less when reselling; if you plan to hold it for a long period (more than 5 years), the residual value rate gap between the two models will gradually narrow. At this time, you should pay more attention to whether the vehicle's product strength matches your own needs.

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标签： BYD Geely PHEV SUV