The Dolphin G DM-i is BYD’s first car specifically designed for Europe. With up to 65 miles of pure electric range and 646 miles combined, BYD said the plug-in hatch will redefine the segment as an affordable, efficient alternative. It’s now available to order, starting at under $22,000.
More than enough EV range for a daily commute
After unveiling the Dolphin G DM-i a little over two weeks ago, BYD claimed its “game-changing Super Hybrid tech would provide over 621 miles (1,000 km) of combined range at an affordable price.
While we know BYD’s plug-in hybrid system, or “DM technology,” offers plenty of combined range, we were waiting to find out exactly how far it could drive on electricity alone.
BYD revealed the full details on Wednesday as its official launch nears. Powered by its Super Hybrid system, the plug-in hatch will deliver “an EV driving experience,” BYD said, with a front-mounted electric motor powering the wheels and enough range for a daily commute.
The Dolphin G DM-i is available in three trims: Active, Boost, and Comfort, plus a special range-topping Sport Edition.
It’s offered with two Blade Batteries. The base Active will use a 7.42 kWh Blade Battery with 24.8 miles of WLTP combined pure-electric range and a combined total range of 633 miles.
In Germany, the Dolphin G DM-i Active model is now available to order, starting at just €18,990 ($21,900).
The offer includes a €4,500 ($5,200) government incentive and a €5,500 ($6,300) “BYD E-Bonus” discount. Without the incentives, the standard Active model is priced from €28,990 ($33,400).
The plug-in hatch is slightly more expensive than the all-electric Dolphin Surf, BYD’s smallest EV, which starts at €12,990 ($15,000), including incentives. Not including incentives, the Dolphin Surf is priced from €22,990 ($26,500), offering a pure electric WLTP range of 192 miles (310 km).
BYD brings its Super Hybrid tech to the supermini
Like the Atto 2 DM-i, the Dolphin G DM-i is also equipped with a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine and two electric motors: one a drive motor and the other serving as a generator to charge the battery.
The Boost, Comfort, and Sport Edition models have an 18.3 kWh Blade Battery, providing a pure-electric range of 65 miles and a combined range of 646 miles. BYD said the set cuts CO2 emissions from 60g/km to just 32g/km.
Achieving a weighted fuel consumption as low as 201.7 mpg with the battery fully charged, BYD said the supermini will slash running costs.
Drivers can choose from EV or Hybrid (HEV) modes. In EV mode, the Dolphin G will act like a pure-electric vehicle and will not use the gas engine until the battery is depleted. In Hybrid mode, the system will choose between five configurations to optimize efficiency.
All versions are equipped with a permanent-magnet synchronous front-mounted electric motor producing 161 hp (120 kW) and 210 Nm of torque, enabling them to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 8.3 seconds.
Active models have a 3.3 kW on-board charger that BYD said can fully recharge the battery from 15% in a little under three hours, making it perfect for overnight charging.
The Boost, Comfort, and Sport versions have a 6.6 kW on-board charger and 39 kW DC charging capability, which can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes.
Interior, prices, and added features
Inside, the Dolphin G DM-i Active features BYD’s latest cabin design, with an 8.8″ driver display and a 10.1″ touchscreen infotainment system with integrated Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The Boost trim and above gain a larger 12.8″ infotainment screen, heated front seats and steering wheel, an auto-dimming rear mirror, a 15 kW wireless phone charger, rear air vents, ambient lighting, and a more powerful eight-speaker audio system.
Upgrading to the Comfort adds high-end features, including a widescreen head-up display, a panoramic roof with an electrically adjustable sunshade, exterior mirror “puddle lights,” premium upholstery, and a 360-degree camera system.
Even more importantly, the infotainment system is upgraded with Google integration, enabling drivers to use Google Maps and other apps.
All versions are equipped with front and rear parking sensors and driver assistance features, including: Adaptive Cruise Control and Intelligent Cruise Control, Emergency Lane Keeping Assistant and Lane Departure Assist, Front and Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Cross Traffic Brake, Blind Spot Detection, a Driver Monitoring System, and Door Opening Warning.
Measuring 4,160 mm in length, 1,825 mm in width, and 1,575 mm in height, the Dolphin G will go on sale as the smallest PHEV in the UK.
While most B-segment cars, like the Toyota Yaris, are traditional hybrids, the Dolphin G is a full-on PHEV that may give it an edge in Europe.
With the Dolphin G DM-i hatch now on sale, BYD said the first customer deliveries will begin in early fall.
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