The first images of a new plug-in hybrid small hatchback from BYD, developed specifically for the European market, have been revealed.

The new BYD Dolphin G DM-i will slot into BYD’s global line-up alongside the existing Dolphin EV, this time as a slightly smaller model, shorter than the current Dolphin EV, but bigger than B-segment rivals like the Volkswagen ID. Polo and Renault 5 E-Tech.

The Dolphin G offers a new look for BYD’s ‘ocean series’ vehicles, departing from the wave-like headlights of current models destined for the Chinese market, and taking on a more pointed front-end design with triangular headlights and a narrow grille panel.

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The rear of the car is yet to be revealed, but the Dolphin EV’s black plastic-clad wheel arches, floating rear roof, and gloss-black D-pillar design carry over. Flatter body sides and a small wave at the rear of the beltline evolve the design.

BYD has not yet announced the powertrain details for the Dolphin G DM-i, other than confirming that the combined range from the electric and combustion engine is more than 1000km from a full charge and full tank of petrol.

It is believed that the Dolphin G may use a version of the plug-in hybrid system used in the Atto 2 DM-i in Europe, combining a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and a single electric motor with 122kW and 156kW combined output versions available.

The Atto 2 offers a choice of 7.8kWh or 18kWh batteries, providing 39km or 86km of WLTP electric-only driving range. While it’s unknown if the Dolphin G will mirror these specs exactly, the production configuration is likely to be similar.

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The Dolphin G measures 4160mm long, making it 130mm shorter nose-to-tail than the Dolphin EV currently sold in Australia, but longer than B-segment rivals in Europe, like the newly-launched Volkswagen ID. Polo EV (by 107mm) and the segment’s best-selling Dacia Sandero (by 61mm).

While the Dolphin G is the first BYD vehicle developed specifically for overseas markets and not a Chinese model tweaked for international sales, BYD is also working on a Japan-specific kei car, and is set to become the first non-Japanese brand to do so. BYD also has plans for a wider range of products specifically designed for overseas markets to follow.

The Dolphin G will be one of the first models built at BYD’s Szeged, Hungary, factory, and is expected to receive its full, official launch in June, 2026.