BYD Dolphin goes plug-in hybrid

BYD has unveiled the new Dolphin G DM-i for Europe, introducing plug-in hybrid technology to the Chinese brand’s hatchback for the first time and bringing a claimed combined driving range of more than 1000km. But it’s not coming to Australia... for now.

BYD has revealed a plug-in hybrid version of its Dolphin hatchback, which until now, has been offered exclusively with electric power.

But don't expect to see the new ‘Super Hybrid’ Dolphin – which sports a new exterior design with slimmer lights and a more bulbous body – offered locally.

“The Dolphin PHEV announced for Europe is not part of the Australian BYD strategy at this stage,” a spokesperson for BYD Australia told carsales.

Aimed squarely at Europe’s high-volume supermini segment, the new 2026 Dolphin G DM-i is said to blend compact dimensions – 4.16m long, 1.83m wide – with the practicality of a family car.

Underneath, it combines a petrol engine with a front-mounted electric motor, but while BYD is yet to detail powertrain figures or battery capacity, it quotes a combined driving range of more than 621 miles (or 1000km) with a full battery and fuel tank.

The BYD Dolphin G DM-i is due to launch across Europe in the coming weeks, with first customer deliveries expected later this year.

Full specifications and equipment details, as well as pricing, will be announced closer to launch.

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