Dolphin G will share its plug-in hybrid architecture with the Atto 2 DM-i, featuring a 1.5 L four-cylinder engine paired with a front-mounted electric motor.
On December 17, Autocar reported that BYD will launch its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) hatchback developed specifically for the European market next year, named Dolphin G.
The model is positioned to compete directly with the Volkswagen Golf GTE and the Toyota Prius.
The Dolphin G is classified as a B-segment PHEV hatchback, with its fully BEV counterpart corresponding to the Dolphin already on sale in China.
Based on currently disclosed information, the Dolphin G remains several months away from its official debut.
The vehicle is expected to measure approximately 4.3 m in length and 1.8 m in width, placing it squarely within the mainstream size range of European compact hatchbacks.
In terms of powertrain, the Dolphin G will share its plug-in hybrid architecture with the Atto 2 DM-i, which corresponds to the Yuan UP in China.
The system consists of a 1.5 L four-cylinder engine paired with a front-mounted electric motor, capable of operating in both series and parallel hybrid modes.
On the Atto 2 DM-i, this setup delivers a combined output of 259 bhp, with an official combined fuel consumption of around 1.5 L/100 km.
Versions equipped with a higher-capacity battery offer approximately 90 km of pure electric driving range.
Given the Dolphin G’s lower ride height, lighter body, and reduced aerodynamic drag, there is potential for further efficiency gains in real-world use.
BYD Vice President Stella Li stated that the Dolphin G is the company’s first model truly tailored for the European market, rather than an adaptation of vehicles originally designed for China, as is the case with BYD’s existing nine models sold in Europe.
She also noted that there isn’t any market in China for PHEV hatchbacks such as the Dolphin G.
From a manufacturing perspective, BYD plans to begin local production in Europe at its Hungarian plant next year.
The initial locally produced models will include the Dolphin Surf and Atto 2, with the Dolphin G expected to join the production lineup at a later stage.
With the introduction of the Dolphin G, BYD’s PHEV portfolio in Europe will continue to expand, forming a more comprehensive lineup alongside the Seal U DM-i, Seal 6 DM-i, Atto 2 DM-i, as well as the Denza B5 AWD (also known as the Fangchengbao Bao 5) and the Denza Z9 GT.
In addition, BYD plans to launch the Sealion 5 DM-i SUV in the UK market in the coming weeks. A plug-in hybrid version of the Atto 3 is also under planning and is expected to be introduced in 2027.
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