Car manufacturer BYD and its premium brand Denza will be exhibiting at the upcoming Paris Motor Show in October. This announcement confirms that Europe remains at the heart of the Chinese giant’s product offensive. As such, the Dolphin G DM-i could well steal the limelight from the Renault Clio and Toyota Yaris, the queens of our cities. This plug-in hybrid city car promises a range of 1,000 km on a single tank of petrol. This is a first for a model in the B-segment, which is very popular here.
First model developed for markets outside China
The BYD Dolphin range already includes the compact electric saloon, which competes with the Renault Megane e-Tech and VW ID.3, and the Dolphin Surf, which is also 100% electric, smaller in size, and rivals the Renault R5 and Citroën e-C3. Now slotting in between these two models is the Dolphin G, a versatile 4.16-metre city car. In other words, the perfect size to take on the stars of the B-segment: the Renault Clio, Toyota Yaris and Peugeot 208. BYD is placing a great deal of faith in this car, which has been specially developed for markets outside China, where there is demand for compact, affordable, easy-to-drive and economical cars. But above all, the Dolphin G will boast a significant advantage under the bonnet: DM (dual mode) ‘Super Hybrid’ technology, which enables the zero-emission driving of a 100% electric vehicle whilst retaining the flexibility of a hybrid for long journeys.
1,000 km range
In short, the Dolphin G is expected to feature the DM-i architecture already familiar from the range, namely a petrol engine that recharges a battery (7.8 kWh or 18 kWh), as in the Atto 2 DM-i SUV. Wheel drive is provided by a front-mounted electric motor (sometimes assisted by the combustion engine for more powerful acceleration). As a result, this plug-in hybrid technology (the car can also be plugged into a charging point) can deliver a range of up to 1,000 km on a single tank of petrol. Given the current sharp rise in fuel prices and the fact that electric city cars are still too expensive, this solution comes at just the right time.
A unique offer, a winning strategy?
Whilst BYD has not yet released the exact technical specifications for the Dolphin G, the other DM-i models in the range can travel 40 km in all-electric mode with the smaller battery (7.8 kWh) or nearly 90 km with the larger battery (18 kWh). Compared to its rivals such as the Clio, Sandero or Yaris, which are available as standard hybrids, the Dolphin G therefore has a significant advantage in terms of fuel economy and an unbeatable range. BYD is even making a rather revolutionary new offering in this B-segment, which is highly competitive in Europe. Whereas ‘Super Hybrid’ technology was previously reserved for larger SUVs or estate cars, it is now making its debut in a compact, versatile car. This is a market with very high sales volumes – enough to whet BYD’s insatiable appetite.
Attractive price
In contrast, the Dolphin G’s lines are very conventional and its styling is designed to be universally appealing. However, its price, which has not yet been announced, is likely to attract attention. It could start at around €25,000, which is slightly less than the Atto 2 DM-i SUV. Sales will begin this summer, with the first deliveries scheduled for the third quarter of 2026. The city car is likely to be one of the stars of the Paris Motor Show, starting on 12 October, at the BYD stand. The manufacturer is returning to Paris for the third consecutive year and is bringing its premium brand Denza, whose recent Z9 GT and ultra-fast charging system will be the must-see highlights at the show.
