BYD Dolphin PHEV spied ahead of European debut

The BYD Dolphin G has been caught on camera ahead of its expected reveal in Europe and a starring role at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

While related to the battery-electric BYD Dolphin five-door hatch currently in Australian showrooms, the Dolphin G has reportedly been developed specifically for Europe as the brand looks to capitalise on the popularity of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).

This should mean a cheaper sticker price than the Dolphin EV, which is priced from €33,990 (A$55,260) in Europe and currently from $29,990 before on-road costs in Australia.

BYD Australia hasn't confirmed the Dolphin G for local showrooms.

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The spy images, posted by ThinkerCar on social media, show a camouflaged Dolphin G with similar proportions to the current EV version, a rival to the MG 4, GWM Ora and Cupra Born, among others.

Some reports out of Europe have indicated the Dolphin G may be smaller than the existing Dolphin EV, which is sized similarly to the Volkswagen Golf, and instead enter the European B-segment where models like the Peugeot 208 and Toyota Yaris compete – and where there are no plug-in hybrids to be found.

The G, which may stand for ‘gasoline’, is anticipated to run the same PHEV powertrain as the BYD Atto 2 DM-i sold overseas, which uses the same e-Platform 3.0 as the Dolphin.

The Atto 2 is sold only as an EV in Australia, but a right-hand drive PHEV version is offered in the UK in two model grades using a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a single electric motor.

The base model has total outputs of 122kW/300Nm and features a 7.8kWh battery and a claimed 39km (WLTP) electric driving range.

A more potent 156kW/300Nm version running an 18kWh battery has a claimed 88km (WLTP) electric range and is used in the larger BYD Sealion 5 sold in Australia, with a claimed combined fuel economy of 4.6L/100km (NEDC).

The Dolphin G is expected to use the smaller of the two battery packs given its pricing and packaging priorities.

It’s also expected to offer similar cabin equipment to the Dolphin EV, which in Australia comes with a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

As BYD's global presence continues to grow, it's now beginning to invest in bespoke vehicles for export markets. This includes the Racco, an electric kei car developed for the Japanese market.

Sales of the Dolphin have more than doubled year-to-date in Australia, with BYD climbing to second place overall in April after becoming the first Chinese car brand to break into the local top five last June.

MORE: Explore the BYD Dolphin showroom