- The BYD Dolphin G DM-i is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with up to 65 miles of pure electric range.
- It is BYD’s first car ever to be designed explicitly for European markets.
- It will be made at BYD’s new European plant in Hungary.
BYD has been on a quest for world domination, as avowed by Executive Vice President Stella Li herself. In recent weeks Its deployed its megawatt-level DC fast charging Flash Stations, and not just in China—it’s recently opened one in the UK, with plans for more around Europe. It plans to be the biggest car manufacturer in the next five years, surpassing Toyota. That likely won’t be able to happen without a new product that’s tailor-made for markets outside of China, whose tastes may not quite jive with the rest of the world.
Introducing the BYD Dolphin G DM-i, which is BYD’s first car designed specifically for European consumption. Despite sharing a similar name with the Dolphin and Dolphin Surf EV hatchbacks, the Dolphin G DM-i isn’t really similar to those cars. Size-wise, it splits the difference between the two cars. But the real story is that this car is actually a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, as denoted by the DM-i branding. This hybrid is meant to go right at Europe’s most popular subcompact cars, like the Renault Clio and Peugeot 208. BYD says it’s the only PHEV in its class.
Photo by: BYD
Under the skin, the Dolphin G DM-i uses an updated version of the same powertrain we’ve seen in the BYD Atto 2 DM-i. This means there’s a 1.5-liter engine that can either directly charge the battery or turn the wheels, and a substantial electric motor that typically does most of the car’s driving. Total system output is 172 horsepower in the lower Active, Boost, and Comfort trims, but it rises to 209 horsepower in the sport trim.
This is all fed either a 7.24 kWh battery or an 18.3 kWh pack, depending on the trim. The smaller battery is good for 25 miles of range, while the larger battery can cover 65 miles. These are European WLTP ratings, so these numbers are closer to reality than China’s CLTC estimates.
The larger battery cars are capable of DC fast charging and vehicle-to-grid (V2G). BYD claims the Dolphin G DM-i can recharge from 10-80% in 26 minutes at a maximum speed of 39 kW.
Photo by: BYD
Importantly, this car is a big deal for BYD, which is looking expand aggressively abroad as growth in its hyper-competitive home market slows. While the company is practically shut out from the U.S. due to sky-high tariffs and a looming ban on Chinese vehicle technology, Europe is a major area of focus.
Li told Auto Express that there’s a substantial gap in taste between China and Europe. And the Dolphin G helps solve that. China’s American-style desire for bigger and bigger cars isn’t right for most people who live in compact European cities. This car was crafted for Europeans and will be made in Hungary, which means it won’t be affected by EU import tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles.
At the pricier end of the spectrum, BYD is also introducing its high-end Denza D9GT to Europe, which showcases the company’s latest fast-charging tech. That car can recharge from 10%-97% in well under 10 minutes.
Photo by: BYD
A handful of European media have already gotten behind the wheel of the Dolphin G for a short drive, and generally, they’re impressed. Most enjoy the car’s big trunk, smooth powertrain, and good real-world economy, although both Autocar and Auto Express didn’t think the car was particularly interesting to drive.
That’s fine, though. In a lot of European countries, Chinese brands have quickly been making inroads, even if reviewers aren’t keen on the way some of the cars drive on the road. Clearly, consumers don’t always agree with what car reviewers say in print.
Pricing has yet to be announced, but if it manages to undercut established hatchback options in Europe, then BYD’s goal of becoming the largest car manufacturer could happen sooner than we think.
Contact the author: kevin.williams@insideevs.com