BYD DOLPHIN G DM-i revealed in PHEV guise, exceeding 1,000 km range

BYD DOLPHIN G DM-i debuts in the UK, highlighting DM-i technology with a total combined range of over 1,000 kilometres.

BYD, the world's leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles (NEVs), has officially launched the BYD DOLPHIN G DM-i, a B-segment hatchback, in the European market. This is the first vehicle model developed by BYD specifically to meet the demands of markets outside of China.

Key Highlights:

• First Car for the Global Market: The first vehicle designed and developed by BYD specifically to penetrate overseas and European markets.
• One-and-Only Super Hybrid in its Class: The only supermini in Europe's B-segment to feature DM-i plug-in hybrid technology.
• A Thousand-Kilometre Range: Shattering long-distance travel anxiety with a total combined fuel and electric range of more than 1,000 kilometres (621 miles).
• Compact and Agile Body Dimensions: A vehicle length of 4.16 metres and a width of 1.825 metres, aiming to perfectly navigate narrow alleys and urban parking spaces in major cities.
• Preparing for Deliveries This Year: Scheduled to go on sale in June, with initial vehicle deliveries reaching European customers during the late summer to autumn of 2026.

The arrival of this model represents a breaking of traditional rules for small cars in cold climates by merging compact body dimensions, family-car interior practicality, and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain capable of running purely on electricity for daily commutes to achieve maximum economy. The official launch and specifications reveal will take place in June 2026, before the first batch of vehicle deliveries begins in the autumn season onwards.

The Changes: DM-i Super Hybrid for small car market

The BYD DOLPHIN G DM-i is designed to target customers looking for an accessible compact car that combines a fun driving feel with smooth and powerful acceleration from its front-wheel-drive electric motor—mimicking a 100% pure electric vehicle with zero emissions during short journeys. 

At the same time, an internal combustion engine efficiently manages energy in tandem with the intelligent hybrid system during long-distance trips. As a result, this vehicle completely transcends the limitations of typical B-segment hatchbacks in the market.

Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, stated:

"The European B-segment is one of the most important battlegrounds in the market, and with the arrival of the DOLPHIN G DM-i this time, we want to redefine what customers can expect from a compact car in the electric era. Bringing a meaningful pure-electric driving range, intelligent hybrid technology, and advanced digital features into an accessible compact car will help make sustainable mobility smart, tangible, and practical for many people across Europe."

The new look of BYD Dolphin

Pricing & Availability

Detailed trim levels, interior options, and specific variant pricing for the BYD DOLPHIN G DM-i will be officially announced by BYD in June 2026, coinciding with its official launch across the European market. It is anticipated that the price will be set at a highly competitive level to shake the thrones of established market leaders.

Keeping an Eye on Thai Specs – Due to the market structure in Thailand, where the EV version of the DOLPHIN family has already gained massive popularity as a people's favourite car, the movement of the DM-i plug-in hybrid version globally under the "G" suffix serves as a very interesting signal that BYD Thailand might consider importing it to open up the Thai market in the future.

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