Top 5 Popular BYD Cars Worth Buying in 2024

At the end of last year, BYD surpassed Tesla to become the global leader in electric vehicle (EV) sales, marking a significant milestone in the Chinese automaker's impressive ascent. In the three months ending December 31, 2023, BYD delivered more electric vehicles than Tesla for the first time, narrowing Elon Musk's company's sales lead for the entire year. As a leading EV manufacturer in China, BYD also exports electric taxis, buses, and other vehicles to various countries worldwide, including Europe, South America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Today, we invite you to explore the most popular BYD car models and discover why they have gained such widespread popularity.

1.BYD Song PLUS

The Song Plus is a mid-size SUV from BYD, available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. It boasts a striking design, a modern and spacious interior, a wide array of features, and robust technical capabilities. The primary target audience for this five-door SUV includes urban residents of all ages and genders who enjoy active lifestyles and staying current with fashion trends. The Song Plus comes in several versions that share the same profile and rear design, but with distinct differences in the front:

• Hybrid models feature a hexagonal “shield” radiator grille.
• Electric versions have a solid plastic front panel.

The interior of the Song Plus is designed with a modern aesthetic and includes a unique feature: the central 12.8-inch touchscreen can be rotated 90 degrees to be used either horizontally or vertically. The vehicle comfortably seats five passengers, offering ample space in both rows. The front seats are equipped with well-developed side bolsters, integrated headrests, and a wide range of adjustments. The rear seats feature a comfortable sofa with a folding armrest in the center.

The SUV also includes a well-designed trunk with a capacity of approximately 450 liters under the cover (exact figures have not been released). The second row of seats folds in a 60/40 split but does not create a completely flat loading area. Beneath the raised floor, there is a storage organizer that holds a tire repair kit and charging adapters.

The electric version of the Song Plus accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and has a top speed of 160 km/h. It has an official range of 505 km per charge according to the outdated NEDC cycle, translating to a practical range of 350-450 km in real-world conditions depending on speed, driving style, and other factors. Charging the battery from a regular outlet takes over 10 hours, but using fast charging stations, the battery can be fully charged in 74 minutes, or from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes.

2.BYD E2

The BYD E2 electric car is a conventional 5-door C-class hatchback that was introduced in 2019. It debuted alongside the related BYD E3 sedan, forming a mini family of electric vehicles from China. The acceleration dynamics of the BYD E2 are adequate for urban driving, offering predictable and manageable acceleration typical of electric vehicles. The car features two additional modes, “eco” and “sport,” which respectively make accelerations more measured or more spirited. The chassis provides excellent comfort, effectively absorbing both small and large road imperfections, and the suspension operates quietly without extraneous noise or tapping. However, the overall sound insulation of the BYD E2 could be improved, as external sounds and tire noise are noticeable.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel requires about three turns from lock to lock, and the vehicle’s responses to steering inputs are standard. The car’s body roll is relatively minimal, benefiting from its traditional low hatchback design without added height. On the road, the BYD E2 focuses on performing reliably within its capabilities rather than showing off. The interior reflects this practical approach, featuring a strict front panel made of hard plastic and well-designed seats with a standard “European” profile. The center console is neatly designed, with a “dial” and a couple of control buttons on a separate pedestal, and a versatile armrest positioned below.

3.BYD Han

This electric car immediately catches the eye with its design. At first glance, it might seem ostentatious, but upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that everything is thoughtfully executed. Gold accents and the BYD HAN lettering emphasize its luxurious style and create a premium feel.

Regarding the dynamics and power of the BYD HAN, the manufacturer claims the car can accelerate to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. In practice, the results are slightly different, but still impressive—the best time we achieved was 4.37 seconds. One of the main advantages of the BYD HAN is its comfort. The suspension is tuned to smooth out all road irregularities, providing a sense of smoothness and softness. The cabin remains quiet, with street noises barely penetrating inside. The suspension settings and cabin ergonomics align it with the best representatives of the premium class.

The car is equipped with a variety of modern technologies, offering everything needed for comfortable driving: a 360-degree view system, adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping support, and various driving modes. Inside, you’ll find a large touchscreen with Wi-Fi connectivity, support for apps like Instagram and YouTube, and integration with navigation and music systems.

The BYD HAN presents a compelling market offering, combining luxurious design, excellent dynamic performance, and a high level of comfort—all at a significantly lower price than its competitors.

4.BYD Song L

The BYD Song L features minimal unification with other models in the Song family, as it is built on the e3.0 electric vehicle platform with an 800-volt architecture. Conceptually and in terms of form factor, the Song L sits between a liftback and a crossover. It follows the corporate design style of BYD's latest "electric trains" from Shenzhen. The Song L is relatively low at 1560 mm in height, but its other dimensions are quite impressive: 4840 mm in length and 1950 mm in width. The wheelbase is also substantial at 2930 mm.

The minimalist interior is in line with other modern BYD models, yet it retains physical buttons. On the central tunnel around the large transmission selector handle, there is a block of auxiliary system keys. The steering wheel is distinctive with "two-story" side spokes, which also feature plenty of analog buttons instead of sensors.

The BYD Song L is available in rear-wheel drive (313 hp) and twin-engine all-wheel drive (517 hp) configurations. Buyers can choose between two traction batteries, with capacities of 71 kWh or 82 kWh. The official range varies from 550 to 662 km. Launched at the end of 2023, the Song L has quickly become very popular.

5.BYD Dolphin

Released in the summer of 2021, the compact BYD Dolphin hatchback was the first model to be built on the third-generation modular electric platform (e3.0), featuring an 800-volt electrical system and several other innovations. The Chinese market enthusiastically embraced the Dolphin: over 230,000 units were sold in less than a year and a half, and current demand is around 25,000 units per month. Despite this success, BYD decided to update the electric car. The exterior received subtle changes, including a new rear bumper, redesigned wheels, an updated body color palette, and the addition of a rear wiper, which was previously omitted for cost reasons.

Inside, the rear seat has been improved with a split backrest and a built-in central armrest. New features include heated front seats, an electric drive for the passenger seat, and an automatic window lifter mode. The simplest version, which had a 30.7 kWh battery (range of 301 km) and a basic ten-inch media system screen, has been discontinued. Now, all Dolphin models come with a 44.9 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery and a 12.8-inch media display. The version with the entry-level electric motor (95 hp, 180 Nm) has a recalibrated control program, increasing its range from 405 km to 420 km according to the NEDC cycle. The top version, with a 177 hp and 290 Nm motor, still offers a range of 401 km.