BYD has released full specifications for the DOLPHIN G DM-i, its first B-segment plug-in hybrid for Europe, with up to 65 miles of WLTP pure-electric range and a combined range of up to 646 miles on a full charge and full tank. The company says the DOLPHIN G DM-i is the only supermini equipped with its plug-in Super Hybrid with DM technology, and the first car BYD developed specifically for Europe. Orders open across European markets ahead of the summer holidays, with first deliveries expected in early autumn.
Highlights
- Up to 65 miles of WLTP pure-electric range with the 18.3kWh Blade Battery; 24.8 miles with the 7.42kWh entry battery
- BYD reports combined range of up to 646 miles and weighted WLTP fuel consumption of 201.7 mpg (UK imperial; roughly 168 mpg US) with a fully charged battery
- 163PS (120kW) electric drive motor delivers 0–62 mph in 8.3 seconds
- Four trim levels — Active, Boost, Comfort and Sport — with 425 liters of cargo capacity across the range
How Does the Super Hybrid DM-i System Work?
The DOLPHIN G DM-i uses BYD’s self-developed Super Hybrid with DM architecture, which the company describes as EV-led: the high-torque electric motor drives the wheels in most situations, while the Xiaoyun 1.5-liter gasoline engine runs at peak efficiency to keep the Blade Battery charged. The DM-i designation stands for Dual Mode Intelligence, covering two electric motors (a drive motor and a generator motor), the gasoline engine, and power control units that manage the mix.
In EV mode, the car runs on battery power alone, with the drive motor also recovering energy during braking. In HEV mode — selected by the driver or activated automatically when the battery depletes — the system switches among five configurations without driver input:
- Series high-speed running: the drive motor powers the wheels using the battery plus the engine-driven generator motor
- Series with recharge: part of the generator output drives the wheels while the remainder recharges the battery
- Parallel acceleration: a clutch engages so the engine and electric motor drive the wheels together
- Parallel with recharge: surplus engine power is diverted through the motor back into the battery
- Direct drive: the engine alone powers the wheels when demand matches its output
The permanent magnet synchronous motor produces 163PS (120kW) and 210Nm on its own, and BYD quotes a top speed of 112 mph.
Battery, Range and Charging
Two Blade Battery sizes are offered. The Active trim carries a 7.42kWh pack rated at 24.8 miles of WLTP Combined pure-electric range and 633 miles combined. Boost, Comfort and Sport trims use an 18.3kWh pack, extending pure-electric range to 65 miles and combined range to 646 miles while cutting CO2 emissions from 60g/km to 32g/km. All range and consumption figures are manufacturer-cited WLTP results; the WLTP cycle is not directly comparable to US EPA ratings and typically returns higher numbers.
Active versions include a 3.3kW onboard charger that refills the battery from 15% in just under three hours. The larger-battery trims step up to 6.6kW AC charging and add 39kW DC capability, taking the 18.3kWh pack from 10% to 80% in 26 minutes.
| Specification | Active | Boost / Comfort / Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity (kWh) | 7.42 | 18.3 |
| Pure-electric range, WLTP (miles) | 24.8 | 65 |
| Combined range, WLTP (miles) | 633 | 646 |
| Max system power (PS/kW) | 176/129 | 212/156 |
| CO2 emissions (g/km) | 60 | 32 |
| AC charging power | 3.3kW | 6.6kW |
| DC charging | — | 39kW (10–80% in 26 min) |
| Kerb weight (kg) | 1,440 | 1,555 |
Sized for European Superminis
At 4,160mm long and 1,825mm wide on a 2,610mm wheelbase, the DOLPHIN G DM-i is 170mm shorter than the ATTO 2 DM-i SUV, making it BYD’s most compact Super Hybrid model. The company says the wheelbase is longer than any of the car’s conventionally powered rivals, supporting seating for five adults and 425 liters of cargo capacity — including a 45-liter underfloor compartment — expandable to 1,225 liters with the 40:60-split rear seats folded.
The design follows BYD’s ocean-influenced styling language, with a rising shoulder line, a floating roof treatment, and a full-width rear light bar housing the LED tail-lights. Inside, an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel pairs with a 10.1-inch or 12.8-inch infotainment screen, and a column-mounted gear selector frees up dual-level storage between the front seats.
Four Trim Levels
- Active: 7.42kWh battery, 16-inch alloys, front and rear parking sensors, rear-view camera, LED lighting, 10.1-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic air conditioning
- Boost: 18.3kWh battery, 12.8-inch screen, heated front seats and steering wheel, 15W wireless charging pad, eight-speaker audio, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability for powering external devices
- Comfort: adds a head-up display, panoramic roof, 360-degree camera, 18-inch dual-tone alloys, vegan leather and fabric upholstery, and Google integration with Google Maps, Google Assistant and downloadable apps
- Sport: builds on Comfort with gloss-black 18-inch wheels, discreet badging, and a two-tone cabin with suede-finish seat panels
Driver-assistance equipment is standard across all trims, including Adaptive and Intelligent Cruise Control, Emergency Lane Keeping Assistant, Lane Departure Assist, front and rear Cross Traffic Alert with Cross Traffic Brake, Blind Spot Detection, a Driver Monitoring System and Door Opening Warning.
Pricing and Availability
BYD has not yet announced pricing. Six exterior colors are offered — Skiing White, Time Grey, Obsidian Black and Ocean Blue metallics, solid Oxford White, and pearlescent Orange Sunset. European dealers begin taking orders ahead of the summer holidays, with first customer deliveries expected in early autumn. The announcement follows the model’s initial unveiling last month, which had left battery, range and output figures unconfirmed.
BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li commented: “The European B-segment is one of the most important parts of the market, and with DOLPHIN G DM-i, we want to redefine what customers can expect from a compact car in the electric era. By bringing long electric range, intelligent hybrid technology and advanced digital features into an accessible compact vehicle, we are making sustainable mobility smarter, more practical and available to many more people across Europe. When we bring so many standout qualities and new features to such an important sector of the market here, you can see why we say, ‘It’s not a car, it’s a BYD!’.”
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