Byd Dolphin G DM-i: the first plug-in hybrid city car makes its debut. What is the Chinese model, which is targeting the European market, like, and how does it perform?

This mechanism allows, for example, the power of the petrol engine to be combined with that of the electric motor during rapid acceleration, ensuring maximum performance without the driver having to intervene. That the Dolphin G DM-i, measuring 4,160 mm in length and 1,825 mm in width, has what it takes to cause a stir in the European market is also confirmed by the words of Stella Li, executive vice president of BYD, who states: “The European B-segment is one of the most important, and with the Dolphin G DM-i we aim to redefine customer expectations of a compact car in the electric era. By bringing a long range with intelligent super-hybrid technology and advanced digital features to a compact and affordable vehicle, we are making sustainable mobility smarter, more practical and available to a wider number of people in Europe”. And beyond the Chinese executive’s grandiose marketing rhetoric, it is clear that the Chinese giant is aiming straight for the hearts of European customers.

Returning to the technical specifications of the Dolphin G DM-i, the permanent magnet synchronous electric motor delivers 163 hp (120 kW) and 210 Nm, enabling a 0–100 km/h sprint in just 8.3 seconds. This performance means the Dolphin G DM-i is equally at home on country roads, on the motorway and in city traffic.

There are four versions: Active (base), Boost, Comfort and Sport. Two Blade Battery variants are available: the Active versions are equipped with a 7.42 kWh battery, offering a combined WLTP all-electric range of 40 km and a combined total range of 1,020 km. The Boost, Comfort and Sport versions, on the other hand, feature an 18.3 kWh Blade Battery, which brings the all-electric range to 105 km and the total combined range to 1,040 km, whilst reducing CO₂ emissions from 60 g/km to just 32 g/km. The Active versions are equipped with a 3.3 kW on-board charger, capable of fully recharging the battery from 15% in just under three hours.

The Boost, Comfort and Sport versions increase this power to 6.6 kW and feature a 39 kW DC charging capacity, which allows the 18.3 kWh battery to be charged from 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes. The range comprises four trim levels. The entry-level Active trim features a 7.42 kWh Blade Battery, offering a 40 km electric range and a total range of 1,020 km. Exterior features include 16-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors with a camera, and LED headlights. The interior features an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch infotainment system with voice control and smartphone integration, automatic climate control and manually adjustable seats.

The Boost version features an 18.3 kWh battery, increasing the electric range to 105 km and the total range to 1,040 km. The equipment is enhanced with a 12.8-inch central display, heated seats and steering wheel, electrically folding mirrors, a wireless charging pad, an eight-speaker audio system and USB sockets, including in the rear. It also introduces Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology to power external electrical devices. The top-tier Comfort trim borrows features from higher segments, incorporating a head-up display, panoramic roof, 18-inch alloy wheels and a 360° camera. Inside, there are new fabric and vegan leather upholstery options, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat and an advanced multimedia system with integrated Google services (Maps and Assistant) and access to third-party apps.

At the top of the range is the Sport variant, which builds on the Comfort model’s features whilst giving them a sportier twist. Its styling is characterised by 18-inch dark-finished alloy wheels, exclusive graphics and a two-tone interior with Alcantara inserts on the seats. The car is equipped with an infotainment system which, depending on the version, offers varying degrees of integration with the Google ecosystem (the manufacturer does not, however, mention Gemini as a voice assistant, but only the older Google Assistant).

The car boasts an impressive wheelbase of 2,610 mm, ensuring interior space on a par with the next-higher segment and a boot capacity of 425 litres – more than most C-segment hatchbacks. The total capacity can be increased to 1,225 litres by folding down the 40:60 split rear seats, and the boot walls are fitted with fixed hooks to keep shopping bags in place.

Prices, excluding any promotions, range from around €25,000 to just under €31,000; specifically, they start at €24,790 for the Active version, €27,290 for the Boost, €28,790 for the Comfort and €30,790 for the Sport.

On first drive, the Chinese compact car in its comfort trim reveals some interesting qualities. There is plenty of space on board for a B-segment car, and the 2.61-metre wheelbase ensures good roominess even for rear-seat passengers. The slightly raised driving position improves visibility, particularly in urban settings. The ergonomics and digital instrument cluster are also impressive, featuring clear and intuitive graphics. On the dynamic front, the electric motor delivers brisk acceleration from a standstill and a responsive throttle response. Less convincing, however, are some of the interior materials, which are of rather cheap quality. The work on the interior space is also noteworthy, with the boot offering between 425 litres and 1,225 litres.