The DOLPHIN G DM-i is designed for customers who want an affordable compact car that combines the zero-emission driving of a 100% electric model with the maximum flexibility offered by a long-range hybrid. BYD Super Hybrid DM technology delivers a driving experience characteristic of an electric vehicle, with powerful and smooth acceleration thanks to the front-mounted electric motor, while the Blade battery ensures sufficient range for daily commutes without the need for gasoline at all.
For long trips, the DOLPHIN G DM-i intelligently manages its hybrid system to offer flexibility that surpasses the capabilities of conventional supermini models with internal combustion engines. With a fully charged battery, the model can achieve a weighted combined fuel consumption of just 1.4 l/100 km and a range of up to 1,040 km on a full charge and a full tank of gasoline. This combination of efficiency and extended range is unique in the B-segment and makes the first model developed by BYD specifically for Europe a real step forward in democratizing sustainable mobility based on new energy.
“The European B-segment is one of the most important market segments, and with the DOLPHIN G DM-i, we aim to redefine customer expectations for a compact vehicle in the electric era. By integrating a generous electric range, smart hybrid technology, and advanced digital features into a compact and affordable car, we are making sustainable mobility smarter, more practical, and accessible to many more Europeans. And when we bring so many outstanding qualities and new features to an important market segment, it becomes clear why we say: ‘It’s not just a car, it’s a BYD!’” said Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD.
The design of BYD’s first B-segment hatchback has everything it takes to appeal to European customers. With a length of 4,160 mm and a width of 1,825 mm, the model has a solid presence on the road, suggesting sportiness and stability, while maintaining dimensions suitable for easy maneuvering and parking in the city. Its overall dimensions, 170 mm shorter than the ATTO 2 DM-i SUV and firmly positioned in the European supermini segment, make the DOLPHIN G DM-i the most compact BYD Super Hybrid DM-i model.
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The front end showcases the latest evolution of BYD’s ocean-inspired design, featuring fluid lines and an elegant integration of the air intakes for the Super Hybrid powertrain into the lower section of the bumper. These are complemented by firmer, nearly vertical creases toward the ends, which accentuate the robust appearance and create the impression of a wider car.
Viewed from the side, the model features a distinctive shoulder line that rises from the front fender toward the rear, while the clean surfaces of the lower door panels help create a sleeker visual waistline. Following the rear door’s closing line is a distinctive detail with a slight upward “break,” which visually interacts with the C-pillar to create the impression of upward movement and highlight the “floating” roof design. The 16-inch alloy wheels for the Active and Boost versions, the 18-inch two-tone wheels for the Comfort, and the 18-inch gloss black wheels for the Sport all contribute to the DOLPHIN G’s more dynamic appearance.
At the rear, a full-width strip integrates the BYD logo and LED taillights, complemented by a sculpted lower bumper and a discreet roof spoiler, which also houses the third brake light.
Inside, the focus is on space, simplicity, and ease of use. The dashboard features clean horizontal lines designed to visually enhance the width of the cabin, with the automatic climate control vents discreetly integrated at either end. The 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster is integrated into the flowing lines that run across the dashboard, while the 10.1- or 12.8-inch infotainment screen is positioned slightly raised from the console for easy access. The gear selector is mounted on the steering column, freeing up space between the front seats for a two-tier storage area with a divider for small items, a cup holder, and, on most versions, a wireless charging pad for smartphones. A simple row of buttons at the base of the dashboard allows for quick control of essential functions, such as windshield defrosting and driving modes.
The DOLPHIN G DM-i’s intelligent architecture and 2,610-mm wheelbase—longer than that of any conventionally powered rival—enable excellent use of interior space. The result is a best-in-class cabin with enough room for five adults and a 425-liter trunk, larger than that of many upper-class family hatchbacks. The volume also includes a discreet 45-liter compartment under the trunk floor, and the total capacity can be increased to 1,225 liters by folding down the 40:60 split rear seat. Additionally, the sides of the trunk are equipped with fixed hooks for securely fastening shopping bags.
The DOLPHIN G DM harnesses the potential of BYD’s in-house developed Super Hybrid DM technology to deliver significant gains in efficiency, flexible range, and performance. Unlike traditional plug-in hybrid systems, BYD’s DM architecture is primarily focused on electric propulsion, meaning that, in most situations, the wheels are driven by the high-torque electric motor. As a result, the car offers a quiet and responsive driving experience, similar to that of a 100% electric vehicle, while the 1.5-liter Xiaoyun gasoline engine can operate as efficiently as possible and keep the Blade battery charged.
The name “DM-i” for the Super Hybrid technology comes from “Dual Mode Intelligence,” but this term simplifies a complex system that includes two electric motors—one for propulsion and one acting as a generator—a gasoline engine, and continuous management via power control units to deliver the optimal balance between performance and efficiency. There are, in fact, two main operating modes—the “EV” mode and the “HEV” hybrid mode—but the latter can operate in multiple scenarios.
In “EV” mode, the car operates like a 100% electric vehicle, using only the energy stored in the battery and without starting the gasoline engine until the battery charge level drops. Propulsion is provided solely by the electric motor, which can recover energy that would normally be lost during braking, thereby helping to recharge the battery.
When the driver selects “HEV” or “Hybrid” mode, or when the vehicle automatically activates it due to low battery charge, intelligent systems take control and switch between five operating configurations, depending on factors such as battery charge level and driving conditions.
1) When efficient driving at high speeds is required, the electric drive motor can power the wheels using energy not only from the battery but also from the motor-generator, which is in turn powered by the gasoline engine.
2) When performance demands are lower and the battery charge level is low, only part of the energy produced by the motor-generator is transmitted to the drive motor, with the rest directed toward recharging the battery.
The system also includes a clutch between the internal combustion engine and the wheels, which can be engaged to enable the other three operating modes, all of which are selected by the vehicle’s intelligent controllers without any intervention from the driver.
3) During heavy acceleration, the internal combustion engine and the electric motor work together to drive the wheels.
4) At the same time, if the system determines that the gasoline engine is producing more power than is needed, it can use part of that power to drive the wheels and direct the surplus to the electric motor to be recovered and stored in the battery.
5) Finally, when the power required at the drive wheels equals the power produced by the gasoline engine, it drives the wheels directly, without the battery discharging or recharging.
In the case of the DOLPHIN G DM-i, the permanent magnet synchronous electric motor alone delivers 163 hp (120 kW) and 210 Nm, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.3 seconds. This level of performance makes the DOLPHIN G DM-i just as capable on rural roads and highways as it is in city traffic.
The DOLPHIN G DM-i is available with two Blade battery sizes. The Active version has a capacity of 7.42 kWh, offering a 100% electric range of 40 km according to the WLTP combined standard and a total combined range of 1,020 km. The Boost, Comfort, and Sport editions are equipped with an 18.3 kWh Blade battery, which extends the all-electric range to 105 km and the total combined range to 1,040 km, while reducing CO₂ emissions from 60 g/km to just 32 g/km.
The Active model is equipped with a 3.3 kW onboard charger, which can fully charge the battery from 15% to 100% in just under three hours. The Boost, Comfort, and Sport versions increase the charging power to 6.6 kW and also offer 39 kW DC fast charging, which brings the 18.3 kWh battery from 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes.
The DOLPHIN G DM-i is available in three main trim levels, plus a Sport edition, which gives the top-of-the-line version a distinctive look. The lineup starts with the Active, equipped with the smaller 7.42 kWh Blade battery, offering a range of 40 km in all-electric mode and a total combined range of 1,020 km. The Active version comes with 16-inch alloy wheels and includes front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, as well as LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights.
Inside, the generous list of features includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, smart voice control, and smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, fabric upholstery, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat and a four-way adjustable front passenger seat, as well as two USB ports in the front.
Upgrading to the Boost trim level adds the larger 18.3 kWh Blade battery, which extends the DOLPHIN G DM-i’s all-electric range to 105 km and its total combined range to 1,040 km. This version features a larger 12.8-inch infotainment screen and adds heated front seats and steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-folding side mirrors, multicolor ambient lighting in the cabin, a 15 W wireless smartphone charging pad, rear passenger vents, rear USB charging ports, and a more powerful audio system with eight speakers.
The Boost version also introduces the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature, a smart and unusual feature for the supermini class, which allows you to power external devices when you’re away from home—from a coffee maker or laptop to decorative lighting or even a portable grill.
The DOLPHIN G DM-i Comfort offers premium features, many of which are typically found in C-segment models or higher-end classes. These include a widescreen head-up display, a panoramic sunroof with an electrically adjustable sunshade, courtesy lights integrated into the exterior mirrors, mixed fabric and vegan leather upholstery, power-adjustable driver’s seat with power-adjustable lumbar support, a 360° camera, and larger 18-inch alloy wheels. The infotainment system is also enhanced through Google integration, offering access to Google Maps and Google Assistant, as well as the ability to install additional apps, such as games and media streaming services.
At the top of the range, the DOLPHIN G DM-i Sport builds on the Comfort trim and adds design elements that give it an even more striking appearance. This version stands out with subtle badging, 18-inch alloy wheels with a darker finish, and a unique two-tone interior, complemented by motorsport-inspired suede-look inserts on the seats.
BYD remains firmly committed to safety, and the DOLPHIN G DM-i offers, despite its compact size, a full range of driver-assistance systems. All versions come standard with front and rear parking sensors, while the Active and Boost trims also include a rearview camera. The Comfort and Sport models take this feature to the next level with a 360° camera for all-around visibility around the vehicle.
Across all trim levels, driver assistance technologies include Adaptive Cruise Control and Intelligent Cruise Control, emergency lane-keeping assist and lane departure warning, front and rear cross-traffic alert with braking function, blind-spot monitoring, driver monitoring system, and door-opening warning.
The DOLPHIN G DM-i is available in a range of four metallic colors: Skiing White, Time Grey, Obsidian Black, and Ocean Blue, along with the solid Oxford White and the pearlescent Orange Sunset finish. The Active, Boost, and Comfort trims can be configured with a black or gray interior, while customers choosing the Sport trim can opt for two-tone black-orange or black-blue combinations.
BYD dealers in Europe will be able to start taking orders for the DOLPHIN G DM-i before the summer holidays, with the first deliveries to customers expected in early fall.
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