BYD has unveiled the Dolphin G DM-i, its first car developed for Europe and the only B-segment supermini with a plug-in Super Hybrid using DM technology. It offers up to 65 miles of electric range, 201.7mpg weighted fuel consumption, 646 miles combined range, and a 425-litre boot across four trims.
BYD has unveiled the Dolphin G DM-i, a compact hatchback for Europe’s B-segment that pairs a plug-in Super Hybrid powertrain with up to 65 miles of pure-electric range, making it the only supermini to offer plug-in hybrid drive with the company’s Dual Mode (DM) technology.
The Dolphin G DM-i is the first car BYD has developed specifically for Europe. It offers weighted fuel consumption of as little as 201.7mpg with the battery fully charged, and up to 646 miles of range on a full charge and full tank of petrol. The hatchback also offers 425 litres of boot capacity, which BYD says exceeds that of many larger family hatchbacks and SUVs.
“The European B-segment is one of the most important parts of the market, and with DOLPHIN G DM-i, we want to redefine what customers can expect from a compact car in the electric era,” says Stella Li, executive vice president at BYD. According to Li, the company is bringing long electric range, intelligent hybrid technology, and digital features into an accessible compact vehicle.
Measuring 4,160mm long and 1,825mm wide, the Dolphin G DM-i is BYD’s most compact DM-i Super Hybrid model, sitting 170mm shorter than the ATTO 2 DM-i SUV. A 2,610mm wheelbase, longer than its conventionally powered rivals, supports seating for five adults and the 425-litre boot, which includes a 45-litre underfloor compartment and expands to 1,225 litres with the 40:60-split rear seats folded.
BYD’s DM architecture is electric-led, with a high-torque motor driving the wheels in most situations while the 1.5-litre Xiaoyun petrol engine runs efficiently and keeps the Blade Battery charged. The system operates in EV mode or HEV mode, with the hybrid mode switching between five configurations managed automatically by power control units according to state of charge and driving conditions. The permanent magnet synchronous motor produces 163PS (120kW) and 210Nm, giving a 0-62mph time of 8.3 seconds.
Two battery sizes are offered. Active versions use a 7.42kWh Blade Battery for 24.8 miles of WLTP Combined electric range and 633 miles combined total range. Boost, Comfort, and Sport editions use an 18.3kWh battery, extending electric range to 105km, raising combined total range to 646 miles, and lowering CO2 emissions from 60g/km to 32g/km. Active models charge at 3.3kW, refilling from 15% in just under three hours; the larger battery supports 6.6kW AC and 39kW DC charging, taking the pack from 10% to 80% in 26 minutes.
The range spans four trims. Active includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen, 8.8-inch digital instrument panel, and 16-inch alloys. Boost adds a 12.8-inch screen, heated front seats and steering wheel, an eight-speaker audio system, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability. Comfort introduces a head-up display, panoramic roof, 360° camera, 18-inch alloys, and built-in Google with Google Maps and Google Assistant. Sport adds darker 18-inch alloys, unique badging, and a two-tone cabin with suede-finish seat panels.
All versions include front and rear parking sensors and a suite of driver-assistance features including Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Lane Keeping Assistant, Front and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Detection, and a Driver Monitoring System. NFC smartphone key access is also offered.
BYD dealers across Europe can take orders ahead of the summer holidays, with first customer deliveries expected in early autumn. The Dolphin G DM-i is available in six exterior colors.
