Similar to other BYD models, the Song has been available in petrol, plug-in hybrid DM (Dual Mode) system, and pure EV powertrains.

In that year, the Song sold 478,811 units, surpassing the Tesla Model Y and Haval H6 in the market.

[2] The original BYD Song debuted on the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2015, and went on sale in October 2015.

[3] Prior to its introduction, the petrol-powered first-generation Song was planned to be marketed as the BYD S3, similar to the petrol powered F3 compact sedan and S6 mid-size crossover, which for its hybrid variants were renamed to the Qin and Tang using the Chinese dynasty naming system.

Later in 2018, a second facelift updating the BYD Song with the new "Dragon Face" design language.

BYD introduced the Song DM (Dual Mode) plug-in hybrid in April 2017, following the F3DM compact car and F6DM prototype.

Song DM is capable of utilizing both the HEV and EV modes with the 1.5-litre turbo engine and dual motors, delivering a range up to 80 km (50 mi).

The plug-in outputs up to 333 kW (453 PS; 447 hp) and a torque of 740 N⋅m (546 lb⋅ft) in HEV mode and manages 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 4.9 seconds.

The petrol model was phased out in 2022 after BYD ended production of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

A simplified, battery electric version of the Song Max is marketed as the second-generation BYD e6 for ride-hailing and taxi fleet use.