BYD Unveils Dolphin G DM-i Plug-In Hybrid With Over 1,000 km Range

BYD has unveiled the Dolphin G DM-i, transforming its electric compact into a plug-in hybrid with a range of more than 1,000 km. The Chinese manufacturer, currently neck and neck with its American rival Tesla, is determined to reclaim its position as global leader in electric vehicles while not putting all its eggs in one basket. With EVs subject to customs duties in Europe, the company is increasing its focus on hybrids.

The lineup already includes several models equipped with this powertrain, including the Atto 2 DM-i. The Dolphin G DM-i, first mentioned at the end of 2025 and confirmed by the brand’s vice president Stella Li in May 2026, has now been officially unveiled after months of anticipation.

In a press release, BYD provided initial details on the newcomer, which should compete directly with the Renault Clio. While it reuses the name of the electric compact that rivals the Volkswagen ID.3, its styling is intended to be somewhat different, particularly with very aggressive LED headlights at the front.

The vehicle’s dimensions remain compact at 4.16 meters long and 1.83 meters wide. By comparison, the electric BYD Dolphin measures 4.29 meters long and 1.77 meters wide.

In the European B segment, the Dolphin G DM-i should have no direct plug-in hybrid rival at launch. The Renault Clio is offered only as a self-charging hybrid (E-Tech), as are the Toyota Yaris and the Honda Jazz e:HEV, while the MG 3 Hybrid is also a non-rechargeable hybrid. BYD is therefore positioning itself in a still unoccupied niche.

This European push extends beyond design, with the Dolphin G DM-i having a strong chance of being produced at BYD’s Szeged plant in Hungary. The facility has begun trial production and is also set to build the Dolphin Surf, the Atto 2 and the Atto 3. This represents a significant industrial and political argument in a European market that closely scrutinizes the origin of Chinese vehicles.

The model is the brand’s very first vehicle specifically designed for markets outside China, and particularly Europe. The manufacturer inaugurated its design center in Milan at the end of 2025, headed by Wolfgang Egger, who previously worked at Alfa Romeo and Audi. For now, BYD remains relatively tight-lipped about the technical specifications, though the very high range of more than 1,000 km has been announced.