Watch out Kia EV6? BYD's 2024 Song L EV looks to go sportier and more upmarket

BYD's meteoric success in Australia is well documented, thanks to the brand's keen pricing, solid range offering and apparently healthy supply out of China.

But its latest product looks to shake its affordable image, reaching into sporty coupe SUV territory currently served by the likes of the Kia EV6.

Just revealed ahead of the Chengdu Motor Show, the BYD Song L mirrors the EV6's look with a long body, massive wheels and a raked hatch-like rear.

The car debuts a new direction for BYD, while maintaining the familiar face worn by the Atto 3, but with a more aggressive, seemingly Porsche-inspired set of tail-lights, a pop-up lip spoiler on the tail and a contrasting colour scheme. Other highlights include flush doorhandles and a split roof spoiler. The brand's 'build your dreams' badgework usually worn across the rear has been shortened to simply 'BYD' to keep the tailgate design clean. BYD is yet to show the Song L's interior.

Technical details like power outputs and battery capacity are yet to be revealed, but BYD has confirmed the car will sit on the same 'e-platform 3.0' which underpins the Atto 3, and will feature all-wheel drive as well as always-online services, at least in its Chinese home market. Its non-coupe Song SUV sibling offers up to 605km range on the more lenient CLTC testing cycle from an 87kWh 'blade' LFP battery pack.

While dimensions haven't yet been confirmed, the Song L is a coupe version of the brand's larger SUV, the Song Plus, an updated version of which arrived in China earlier this year. The Song L will be available to buy in China before the end of 2023.

How much for this latest step for BYD into sportier territory? Chinese media is estimating a price-tag of ¥200,000 which converts to roughly AU$43,000. For reference, the equivalent Standard Range Atto 3 in China starts from a converted amount of $31,000, but in Australia the locally-delivered right-hand drive car starts from $48,011 before on-roads.

In terms of chances for Australia, there is always the possibility that the Song L will not be produced in right-hand drive, locking it out for Australia like BYD's flagship sedan, the Han, although we will be watching this space closely.

BYD's upmarket push goes well beyond just cars like the Han and Song L, with the brand recently launching its ultra-luxury high-performance YangWang sub-brand, which is headlined by a massive electric SUV and upcoming supercar.

In Australia, BYD has rapidly become a mainstream option, with its 7201 sales up until August of this year leaving the brand within striking distance of old favourites like Honda and Lexus, having already surpassed Skoda, Renault and Volvo. It's worth noting the brand has managed this with just one model on sale, the Atto 3, with its second mainstream offering, the Dolphin hatch, set to land in customer hands imminently.

BYD's local importer is also expected to offer the Seal (sometimes referred to as the Atto 4, although this name is yet to be confirmed), a Tesla Model 3-rivalling sedan in Australia before long. The brand has also shown a camouflaged dual-cab pickup truck in the Chinese market, something which could be key to the brand's ongoing success.