Recent sightings on Brazilian highways confirm that Chinese automaker BYD has accelerated the process of updating its portfolio in the country. The Song Pro medium SUV, one of the brand’s highlights, was seen in test drives displaying heavy camouflage, which indicates profound changes in its design and mechanics. The main novelty lies in the adaptation of the powertrain to the flex hybrid system, allowing the use of ethanol, a long-standing demand from local consumers and a strategic step towards consolidating the company in the national territory.
BYD’s industrial operation at Bahia, specifically at the Camaçari complex, plays a central role in this new phase. The manufacturing unit is being prepared to receive the model’s assembly line, which will initially follow the SKD regime, with the assembly of imported kits. However, planning points to progressive nationalization, aiming to increase the rate of Brazilian components and reduce dependence on direct imports from China, which should have a positive impact on the vehicle’s price competitiveness.
Automotive sector experts point out that the brand’s movement reflects the need to align the products sold at Brasil with global innovations recently presented in the Asian market. The restyling of the Song Pro is not just aesthetic, but involves a significant technological update to face fierce competition in the medium sports utility vehicle segment, where consolidated models already offer electrified options.
Mechanical evolution and flex technology
The heart of the new version of the Although the official combined power and torque figures are still kept confidential by the brand’s engineering team, the expectation is that the system will maintain high thermal efficiency, a hallmark of DM-i technology, which prioritizes electrical operation most of the time.
In the Chinese configuration, the plug-in hybrid system delivers a combined power of 215 hp, combining the 99 hp of the combustion engine with the 160 hp of the electric motor. The thermal efficiency of the gasoline engine reaches 46%, an impressive figure achieved through a high compression ratio and advanced intake systems. Para the Brazilian market, engineering is working to ensure that the use of vegetable fuel maintains or even exceeds these performance levels, taking advantage of the higher octane rating of ethanol.
Battery specifications must also follow the global standard, with options ranging between 12.96 kWh and 18.31 kWh. Isso translates into a range in pure electric mode that can range between 75 km and 115 km, depending on the version chosen. The total combined autonomy, including the fuel tank and battery charge, promises to surpass the 1,000 km mark, offering versatility for both daily urban use and long road trips.
Visual identity Dragon Face
The aesthetics of the new Song Pro adopt the design philosophy known as Dragon Face, which seeks to harmonize aggressive features with oriental elegance. The front of the vehicle received special attention from the designers, featuring sharper headlights that connect through a chrome bar, where the model name stands out. The front grille has been redesigned to convey greater robustness, while the air intakes in the bumper have been enlarged to optimize cooling and aerodynamics.
On the sides, the changes are subtle, but noticeable in the new light-alloy wheels with an exclusive design, which give the SUV a sportier look. The overall dimensions underwent small adjustments due to the new bumpers, with the total length being 4.73 meters. The rear maintains the brand’s identity, with connected lights that cross the trunk lid, but with slight touches to modernize the optical set.
The interior follows the external evolution, incorporating a panel with more horizontal and clean lines, inspired by the Qin L sedan. The use of soft-touch materials and the new design of the center console increase the perception of quality in the cabin. The rotating multimedia center, BYD’s trademark, remains as a command center, but now integrated into a digital instrument panel with a renewed interface and higher resolution.
Local production and commercial strategy
The choice of Camaçari to produce the restyled Song Pro is not random. The Bahian factory, acquired and modernized by BYD, has installed capacity to meet the growing demand for electrified vehicles in the América Latina. The start of operation under the SKD regime allows agility in product availability, while the local supply chain is developed for the complete nationalization stage scheduled to occur throughout the year.
The Brazilian market for hybrid SUVs is experiencing a period of expansion, with consumers looking for alternatives that combine fuel economy and lower environmental impact. The Song Pro arrives to compete for space with strong rivals, such as the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Jeep Compass, betting on cost-benefit and the technological package as differentiators. The presence of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), such as autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control, reinforces the model’s premium positioning.
BYD projects that the flex version of the Song Pro will be a game-changer for its Brasil operations. By offering a product that speaks directly to the Brazilian energy matrix, the automaker hopes to not only increase its sales volume, but also lead the energy transition in the national automotive sector. The combination of local production, cutting-edge technology and adaptation to the tastes of the Brazilian consumer creates a promising scenario for the launch.
