BYD Dolphin G DM-i Officially Launches in Europe: Everything You Need to Know

BYD is expanding its Dolphin lineup in Europe with a brand-new addition: the Dolphin G DM-i, a plug-in hybrid hatchback that bridges the gap between the all-electric Dolphin and the compact Dolphin Surf (sold in China as the Seagull). First teased with exterior images back in May, the Dolphin G DM-i has now been officially unveiled for the European market — with full specs, trim levels, and pricing revealed.

The Dolphin G DM-i makes a confident first impression, with BYD’s latest design language giving the hybrid hatchback a presence that punches above its class.

Exterior Design: Sharp, Modern, and Distinctive

The Dolphin G DM-i sits between its siblings in terms of size, measuring:

Length: 4,160 mm
Width: 1,825 mm
Height: 1,575 mm
Wheelbase: 2,610 mm

It’s 130 mm shorter but 55 mm wider than the electric Dolphin sold in Europe, giving it a noticeably stockier, sportier stance.

Up front, the car features slender, connected LED headlights and a trapezoidal air intake with active grille shutters. The sides are sculpted with dynamic character lines, semi-flush door handles, and C-pillars that blend seamlessly into the glasshouse. At the rear, a slim light bar ties the design together, echoed by a decorative trim strip on the lower bumper. Depending on trim level, buyers can choose between 16-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels, with optional plastic arch cladding for a more rugged look.

Sculpted flanks, hidden door handles, and blacked-out rear pillars give the Dolphin G DM-i a sleek, fastback-inspired silhouette that stands out in the compact hatchback segment.

Interior: Clean, Tech-Forward, and Practical

Inside, the Dolphin G DM-i takes a restrained yet modern approach. Key interior features include:

8.8-inch digital instrument cluster
10.1-inch or 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google services
Three-spoke steering wheel with fin-inspired spoke design
A floating centre console with physical buttons, cupholders, and a wireless charging pad
Subtle ambient lighting throughout the cabin
Coloured accent stitching on door cards and seats for a premium touch

Boot space is a strong suit: the load floor isn’t the lowest, but capacity ranges from 425 litres with all seats up to an impressive 1,225 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

A driver-focused cockpit keeps clutter to a minimum, with a widescreen display setup and thoughtfully placed controls making everyday use feel intuitive.

Trim Levels: Four Options to Choose From

The Dolphin G DM-i is available in four trims: Active, Boost, Comfort, and Sport.

Active (Base)

Full LED lighting front and rear
Front and rear parking sensors
Fabric upholstery
Digital driver display
Dual-zone climate control
Rear-view camera
Adaptive cruise control
Automatic emergency braking
Lane-keeping assist

Boost

Larger 12.8-inch infotainment screen
Heated front seats and steering wheel
Wireless smartphone charging
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function for powering external devices

Comfort

Panoramic glass roof
Head-up display (HUD)
Mixed-material upholstery
360-degree surround-view camera system

Sport

Sport-specific badging and black alloy wheels (18-inch)
Two-tone Alcantara-style seat upholstery

From the entry-level Active to the range-topping Sport, each trim adds a meaningful layer of refinement — the Sport’s Alcantara-style finish and blacked-out wheels giving it a distinctly athletic character.

Powertrain: BYD DM-i Hybrid System Explained

At the heart of the Dolphin G DM-i is BYD’s proprietary DM-i hybrid system, combining a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine with a front-mounted electric motor.

BYD’s DM-i architecture is engineered around real-world efficiency: the petrol engine primarily acts as a generator, keeping the electric motor doing most of the heavy lifting.

Active Trim

Combined output: 175 hp / 210 Nm
Battery capacity: 7.4 kWh
Electric-only range: up to 40 km (WLTP)

Boost, Comfort & Sport Trims

Combined output: 212 hp / 210 Nm
Battery capacity: 18 kWh
Electric-only range: 90–105 km (WLTP)
Fast charging: 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes

All Trims Share

0–100 km/h: 8.3 seconds
Top speed: 180 km/h (electronically limited)
Total range: up to 1,020–1,040 km
Average fuel consumption: 4.3–4.5 L/100 km

The higher-powered variants are particularly compelling for drivers who want genuine EV capability for daily commutes with no range anxiety for longer journeys.

With over 1,000 km of combined range and the ability to cover most daily drives on electricity alone, the Dolphin G DM-i is built to make charging stops the exception rather than the rule.

European Availability and Pricing

Sales of the BYD Dolphin G DM-i in Europe are expected to begin within the coming months. The first deliveries to dealerships are planned for summer 2025, with a full market rollout in key countries scheduled for autumn 2025.

In Germany, the base Active trim is priced at €28,990. However, after applying the German federal EV subsidy and a BYD manufacturer discount, the effective price can drop to as low as €18,990 — making it a highly competitive proposition.

For context, the smaller Fiat Grande Panda hybrid starts from €17,490 in Germany, putting the Dolphin G DM-i squarely in the same segment but with significantly more electric range and technology on offer.

Priced to compete with established European rivals, the Dolphin G DM-i makes a strong value case — especially once local incentives are factored in.

Why the BYD Dolphin G DM-i Matters

The Dolphin G DM-i represents a smart move by BYD into the hybrid space at a time when many European buyers remain hesitant about fully electric vehicles. With:

Up to 105 km of electric-only range on higher trims
A total range exceeding 1,000 km
Ultra-low fuel consumption of under 4.5 L/100 km
Competitive starting prices after incentives
A full suite of driver assistance and connectivity features

…it’s positioned to appeal to buyers who want lower running costs without compromising practicality or range confidence. Watch this space as European deliveries approach.

By Sofia Laurent

Published June 12, 2026 • 5m to read