The EV shopping landscape just shifted dramatically. BYD’s upcoming Song Ultra EV reportedly delivers 441 miles of range for around $26,000, according to Autohome—roughly half what Tesla charges for a Model Y with similar capabilities. This pricing suggests China’s largest EV maker is targeting the sweet spot where families want long-range electric driving without luxury car payments.
Serious Power in a Family Package
Single-motor configuration delivers 362 horsepower while maintaining an efficiency focus.
The Song Ultra packs a 270-kW motor that generates 362 horsepower—more grunt than most families need, but enough to make highway merging confidence-inspiring. At 4,850mm long with a 2,840mm wheelbase, it’s larger than BYD’s existing Song L while maintaining practical proportions that make SUVs appealing to parents juggling car seats and grocery runs.
Two battery options provide flexibility:
- 75.6 kWh for 385 miles
- 82.7 kWh for that headline-grabbing 441-mile range
Both use BYD’s proven Blade LFP chemistry, known for safety and longevity rather than flashy marketing claims.
Tesla-Level Tech at Budget Pricing
Roof-mounted LiDAR enables “God’s Eye B” autonomous driving features typically reserved for premium vehicles.
Here’s where the Song Ultra gets interesting for tech enthusiasts. The roof-mounted LiDAR system powers BYD’s “God’s Eye B” advanced driver assistance, promising Level 3 highway and city driving automation plus automated parking. Finding these features at this price point feels like discovering AirPods Pro performance in knockoff packaging—except this might actually deliver on the promise.
Global Rollout Faces Export Reality
Chinese launch expected Q1 2026, but international buyers face significant markup and delays.
The math changes dramatically outside China. While domestic buyers might snag the Song Ultra for $26,000-$37,600, UAE markets expect pricing around $40,800-$54,500 when exports begin in late 2026. Export logistics and tariffs inevitably inflate costs, though even the marked-up pricing undercuts established premium EVs.
Market Implications
Budget-range EVs with premium features could reshape buyer expectations industry-wide.
If BYD delivers on these specs and pricing, expect competitors to scramble. The combination of 400+ mile range, advanced ADAS, and sub-$30,000 pricing creates a new value benchmark that makes current premium EV pricing look questionable. The next EV purchase decision just became significantly more interesting—assuming global supply chains cooperate.
