Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika.BYD already sells two electric hatchbacks with the Dolphin name in its international lineup. One is the larger five-door Dolphin, while the smaller model is sold in Europe as the Dolphin Surf and in Latin America as the Dolphin Mini.Both models are also available in China, although the smaller car is sold there as the BYD Seagull. Now the company is preparing another member of the Dolphin family.The new model is called the BYD Dolphin G, and unlike the other Dolphins, it is not a fully electric car. It is a plug-in hybrid using BYD’s DM i powertrain technology.AdvertisementAdvertisementBYD says the Dolphin G has been developed specifically for Europe and other export markets, where compact and efficient cars remain extremely important.A New Dolphin For Europe’s B SegmentPhoto Courtesy: Autorepublika.In Europe, the Dolphin G will compete in the B segment, one of the most important parts of the small car market. The hybrid hatchback measures about 163.8 inches long. BYD has not yet released the wheelbase figure.For comparison, the electric BYD Dolphin sold in Europe is about 168.9 inches long and has a 106.3-inch wheelbase. The smaller Dolphin Surf measures about 157.1 inches long, with a 98.4-inch wheelbase.That places the Dolphin G between BYD’s two existing electric hatchbacks in overall size.A Softer Look Than The Electric DolphinsPhoto Courtesy: Autorepublika.Visually, the plug-in hybrid hatchback looks different from the electric Dolphin models. Its body has softer and more rounded lines, giving it a calmer appearance.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Dolphin G also gets stretched headlights, semi-hidden door handles, and a floating roof design.BYD has not yet shown the rear of the car or the full interior. Even so, it is already clear that the cabin will include a digital instrument display and a large central infotainment screen.That layout follows the direction BYD has used across its recent export models, with a strong focus on screen-based technology and clean cabin design.The Powertrain May Come From The Atto 2Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika.BYD has not released full technical details yet. The company has only confirmed that the total driving range will exceed 621 miles.European media reports suggest the Dolphin G may use hardware related to the European BYD Atto 2 crossover.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn the Atto 2 DM i, the plug-in hybrid system combines a 91 cubic inch naturally aspirated gasoline engine with 98 HP and an electric motor on the front axle. Total output in that crossover is rated at either 166 HP or 212 HP, depending on the version.Long Range Will Be The Main Selling PointThe BYD Atto 2 DM i uses battery packs with capacities of either 7.8 kWh or 18 kWh.With the smaller battery, the crossover can travel about 25 miles in electric mode on the WLTP cycle, while total range reaches about 578 miles.With the larger battery, electric range rises to about 56 miles, while total driving range reaches around 621 miles.If the Dolphin G receives a similar system, its main advantage will be very low fuel use in city driving and long total range for longer trips. The official European debut of the BYD Dolphin G DM i will take place in the coming weeks, while first deliveries to European showrooms are expected near the end of summer.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis article originally appeared on Autorepublika.com and has been republished with permission by Guessing Headlights. AI-assisted translation was used, followed by human editing and review.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don’t miss what’s coming next.
