BYD Dolphin G DM-i: The New Plug-in Dolphin Explained

The BYD Dolphin G DM-i is BYD's first car developed specifically for Europe and the first plug-in hybrid offered in the B-segment supermini class. It is a compact hatchback using BYD's Super Hybrid DM technology, pairing a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. It offers up to 105km (65 miles) of electric-only range and up to 1,040km (646 miles) combined. Revealed in June 2026 and built in Hungary, it is on sale to order in Germany from EUR 28,990 before subsidies, with deliveries from autumn 2026.

At a Glance: BYD Dolphin G DM-i

Measurement	Specification
Type	Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) hatchback
Segment	B-segment supermini
Powertrain	Super Hybrid DM (1.5L petrol + electric)
Electric motor	120 kW (161 hp) / 210 Nm
0-100 km/h	8.3 seconds
EV range (WLTP)	Up to 105 km (65 miles)
Combined range	Up to 1,040 km (646 miles)
Battery options	7.42 kWh or 18.3 kWh Blade
Length	4,160 mm
Built in	Szeged, Hungary
Price (Germany)	From EUR 28,990 (before subsidies)

What Is the BYD Dolphin G DM-i?

The Dolphin G DM-i is a compact plug-in hybrid hatchback that BYD describes as its first vehicle developed specifically for the European market. More significantly, BYD says it is the only supermini equipped with a plug-in Super Hybrid system, making it the first PHEV in the B-segment supermini class.

The idea is simple but clever. It gives buyers an electric driving experience for daily commutes, backed by a petrol engine for long trips, removing the range anxiety and charging dependence of a pure EV. For European drivers without reliable home charging, that is a compelling middle ground.

Where It Fits in the Dolphin Family

The Dolphin name now covers several distinct models, so it helps to separate them clearly:

• BYD Dolphin (BEV): The original fully electric family hatchback
• BYD Dolphin Surf: The smallest electric city car, from around EUR 12,990 with incentives
• BYD Dolphin G DM-i: The new plug-in hybrid, a sister model to the electric Dolphin rather than a replacement

The "G DM-i" badge is the key. It signals the plug-in hybrid powertrain that sets this version apart from its battery-electric siblings. The Dolphin G shares its Super Hybrid technology with the closely related Atto 2 DM-i, which sits one size class above it. For the full picture on that model, see our global guide to the BYD Atto 2.

Powertrain: The Super Hybrid System

At the heart of the Dolphin G is BYD's self-developed Super Hybrid with DM architecture, which the company describes as EV-led. In most situations, the electric motor drives the wheels, while the petrol engine runs at peak efficiency mainly to keep the Blade Battery charged.

• Petrol engine: A 93bhp 1.5-litre Xiaoyun unit, acting primarily as a generator
• Electric motor: Front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous, 120 kW (161 hp) and 210 Nm
• Performance: 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds
• Efficiency: A claimed weighted WLTP figure of 201.7 mpg (UK) with a full battery

This EV-led approach is what lets the Dolphin G feel like an electric car day to day while still offering the reassurance of a petrol tank for longer journeys.

Battery and EV Range

The Dolphin G comes with a choice of two LFP Blade batteries, which is the single biggest factor in its range and price:

Trim	Battery	EV Range (WLTP)	Combined Range	AC Charging
Active	7.42 kWh	40 km (25 mi)	~1,020 km (634 mi)	3.3 kW
Boost	18.3 kWh	105 km (65 mi)	~1,040 km (646 mi)	6.6 kW
Comfort	18.3 kWh	105 km (65 mi)	~1,040 km (646 mi)	6.6 kW
Sport Edition	18.3 kWh	105 km (65 mi)	~1,040 km (646 mi)	6.6 kW

The larger 18.3 kWh battery is the standout, delivering 65 miles of electric range, enough to cover most daily commuting on electricity alone. CO2 emissions are rated at just 32 grams per kilometre on the larger-battery trims and 60 grams on the Active. Because it uses BYD's Blade Battery, it can be charged to 100 percent daily without degradation concerns. Our guide on how the BYD Blade Battery works explains why LFP chemistry handles this so well.

Price: Aggressively Cheap for a PHEV

Pricing is where the Dolphin G could be genuinely disruptive. In Germany, the entry Active is priced from EUR 28,990 before subsidies.

• Before incentives: EUR 28,990 (around USD 33,400)
• After incentives: As low as EUR 18,990, thanks to a EUR 4,500 government incentive and a EUR 5,500 BYD E-Bonus
• UK pricing: Not yet confirmed, but estimated at around GBP 20,000

For context, the next cheapest mainstream compact PHEVs typically start around EUR 30,000 or GBP 30,000 in most markets, so the Dolphin G undercuts them by a significant margin. Pricing varies by country and incentive scheme, so confirm local figures with a BYD dealer.

Dimensions and Design

The Dolphin G measures 4,160mm long, 1,825mm wide, and 1,575mm tall, with a 2,610mm wheelbase. That makes it 130mm shorter and 55mm wider than the European Dolphin BEV, and one of BYD's most compact hybrid models.

• Exterior: Thin headlights, semi-hidden door handles, and short overhangs
• Interior: An 8.8-inch LCD instrument cluster and a floating touchscreen of 10.1 or 12.8 inches depending on trim
• Positioning: A modern, distinctive look aimed at European tastes

Target Markets and Rivals

The Dolphin G is squarely aimed at Europe, with orders opening across European markets ahead of the summer holidays and first deliveries expected in early autumn 2026. It will be built at BYD's plant in Szeged, Hungary.

Its rivals are the established compact hatchbacks, though most are pure electric or petrol rather than plug-in hybrid. Cars like the MG4, Peugeot e-208, and Vauxhall Corsa Electric are the natural comparison set, but none offers a plug-in hybrid in this size. That gap is exactly what BYD is targeting. With nearly 60 percent of global electrified car sales in 2025 being plug-in hybrids, BYD is betting the PHEV supermini is an open goal.

Dolphin G DM-i vs Atto 2 DM-i

The Dolphin G and Atto 2 DM-i share BYD's Super Hybrid technology, but they target different buyers:

• Size: The Dolphin G is more compact at 4,160mm, versus the Atto 2's 4,310mm. The Dolphin G is a supermini hatchback, while the Atto 2 is a small SUV.
• Battery and range: Both share similar battery options, with the Dolphin G's larger pack delivering up to 105km of electric range.
• Body style: Choose the Dolphin G for a lower, hatchback shape, or the Atto 2 for higher SUV seating and a slightly larger footprint.

For buyers cross-shopping the two, our comparison of the Atto 2 and Atto 3 also helps clarify where each BYD model sits in the range.

Common Questions

• What is the BYD Dolphin G DM-i? A compact plug-in hybrid hatchback, BYD's first car designed specifically for Europe and the first PHEV in the supermini class.
• Is it the same as the electric Dolphin? No. The Dolphin G DM-i is a plug-in hybrid sister model to the fully electric Dolphin, not a replacement.
• What is the electric range? Up to 105km (65 miles) WLTP with the larger 18.3 kWh battery, or 40km (25 miles) with the entry battery.
• How much does it cost? From EUR 28,990 in Germany before subsidies, dropping to around EUR 18,990 with incentives. UK pricing is not yet confirmed.
• Where is it built? At BYD's plant in Szeged, Hungary.

With orders open now and deliveries due in autumn 2026, the Dolphin G is one of the most interesting compact launches of the year. As BYD's lineup keeps expanding, bydaccessories.store stocks model-specific accessories across the range to keep your BYD protected from the day it arrives.