BYD Dolphin G: New PHEV Hatchback Set to Challenge Golf GTE in 2026

Daily Car

17/12/2025

BYD is gearing up to launch its first bespoke European model, the Dolphin G, a plug-in hybrid hatchback slated for a 2026 release. This new offering aims to compete directly with established players like the Volkswagen Golf GTE and Toyota Prius, marking a significant step in BYD's European market strategy.

Key Takeaways

BYD's Dolphin G, a plug-in hybrid hatchback, will launch in Europe in 2026.
It is designed specifically for the European market, unlike BYD's current models.
The Dolphin G is expected to share its powertrain with the Atto 2 DM-i, offering a blend of petrol and electric power.
BYD will begin production in Hungary next year, with the Dolphin G potentially following soon after.

A New Contender in the PHEV Hatchback Segment

The Dolphin G will be a B-segment hatchback, serving as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) counterpart to the existing Dolphin electric hatchback. While specific technical details are still under wraps, it is anticipated to be closely related to the Atto 2 DM-i. This suggests a vehicle approximately 4.3 meters long and 1.8 meters wide, utilizing a powertrain that combines a 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor.

This advanced system allows for both series hybrid operation, where the engine acts as a generator, and parallel hybrid operation, where both power units work together for maximum performance. In the Atto 2 DM-i, this setup delivers a combined output of 259 horsepower and boasts an impressive fuel economy of 156 mpg. The larger of its two battery options provides an all-electric range of 56 miles. BYD suggests that a lower, lighter, and more aerodynamic hatchback design could potentially enhance these figures.

Designed for Europe

BYD Vice-President Stella Li confirmed that the Dolphin G will be the company's first vehicle specifically engineered for the European market. This is a departure from BYD's current strategy, where its nine existing models are adapted from the Chinese market. Li noted that there isn't a significant market for PHEV hatchbacks like the Dolphin G in China.

Production and Expansion Plans

BYD is set to commence vehicle production at its new factory in Hungary next year, initially focusing on the Dolphin Surf and Atto 2. The Dolphin G is expected to follow shortly thereafter. The introduction of the Dolphin G is part of a broader expansion of BYD's PHEV offerings in Europe, which includes models like the Seal U DM-i, Seal 6 DM-i, and Atto 2 DM-i, as well as upcoming vehicles such as the Denza B5 4x4 and Denza Z9 GT.

The company is also preparing to launch the Sealion 5 DM-i SUV in the UK imminently. Furthermore, a DM-i version of the Atto 3, BYD's inaugural UK-market car, is anticipated to arrive around 2027.

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