BYD has revealed a new plug-in hybrid variant of the BYD Dolphin for the European market, dubbed the Dolphin G DM-i. The carmaker claims that with a full tank of petrol and a full charge, the hatchback has a range of 1,000km, although BYD did not disclose the test cycles used to achieve this.
Powertrain specifications are also not disclosed, but the model is expected to feature the marque’s DM-i series-parallel PHEV powertrain, as its name suggests. The only specifications BYD released are the basic footprint dimensions, measuring 4.16 metres long and 1,825mm wide, putting it squarely into the B-segment hatchback category.
For comparison, the fully-electric variant of the BYD Dolphin sold in Malaysia is 4,290mm long, 1,770mm wide and 1,570mm tall, with a 2,700mm wheelbase. This makes the new PHEV smaller than its EV counterpart, although the hatchback sold locally is a pre-facelift model.
It remains to be seen if the new BYD Dolphin G DM-i is a clean-sheet design or a rebodied variant of the existing EV, as its front fascia differs from the updated EV model. The company did not reveal any images of the rear or the interior of the Dolphin G DM-i, so it also remains to be seen if it shares a similar cabin setup to its EV sibling.
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Locally, the BYD Dolphin is sold in two variants priced at RM100,740 and RM125,760, on-the-road, without insurance. The base variant is equipped with a front-mounted traction motor that makes 95 hp (70kW) and 180 Nm. This variant is paired with a 44.9kWh BYD Blade battery, which enables a range of 340 km (WLTP).
The range-topping variant is also powered by a front-mounted traction motor, but outputs have been increased to 203 hp (150kW) and 310 Nm. This is paired with a larger 60.48kWh battery, which increases the range to 427 km (WLTP).
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