BYD will launch the Dolphin G DM-i plug-in hybrid supermini in September, priced from £23,990, with orders now open.
The new model was revealed alongside several BYD launches at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, including the Denza Z supercar, Denza Bao 5 (see below) and BYD Shark pick-up.
The Dolphin G is based on the fully electric Dolphin Surf and will be sold alongside it in the manufacturer’s UK line-up.
BYD said the Dolphin G is the first plug-in hybrid model in the supermini segment. Its main rivals will include the MG3 Hybrid+, Renault Clio and Vauxhall Corsa.
Measuring 4,160mm long, the Dolphin G has a 425-litre boot and will be offered in four trim levels: Active, Boost, Comfort and Sport.
Buyers can choose between two plug-in hybrid powertrains, both pairing a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. The entry-level Active model uses a 7.4kWh battery with a claimed electric-only range of 25 miles, while higher-spec versions feature an 18.3kWh battery capable of up to 65 miles.
Outputs range from 176PS to 212PS, with claimed CO2 emissions as low as 32g/km.
Standard equipment includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection and front and rear parking sensors. Higher trim levels add features including heated seats, a larger 12.8-inch infotainment display, integrated Google services, a 360-degree camera and upgraded interior materials.
B-segment one of the most important segments in Europe
Stella Li, BYD executive vice president, said: “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.”
The Dolphin G joins BYD’s growing plug-in hybrid range alongside the Atto 2 DM-i and Ti7 seven-seater.
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Active | £23,990 |
| Boost | £26,990 |
| Comfort | £28,490 |
| Sport | £29,940 |
Denza broadens range with Bao 5
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Denza also used Goodwood to introduce the Bao 5, its first SUV for the European market.
The B5, as it was named last year, made its trade show debut at Automotive Management Live in November last year.
The plug-in hybrid is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine and twin electric motors producing a combined 544PS, giving it a claimed 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds.
Built on BYD’s DMO plug-in hybrid platform, the Bao 5 combines a ladder-frame chassis with three electronic locking differentials and optional DiSus-P hydraulic suspension to target buyers looking for both off-road capability and electrified driving. It offers a claimed electric range of up to 56 miles and a total driving range of 537 miles.