PARIS: The BYD Dolphin G DM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV) compact hatchback will go on sale across European markets in the coming weeks.
Billed as a game changer in Europe's B-segment, the Dolphin G DM-i is said to offer best-in-class practicality and can achieve more than 1,000km of range on a full charge and a full tank of petrol.
Like the BYD Atto 2 DM-i plug-in hybrid compact SUV (sport utility vehicle), the Dolphin G DM-i is expected to use BYD’s 1.5-litre Xiaoyun petrol engine, which offers a class-leading thermal efficiency of 43%.
The engine acts primarily as a generator for the electric side of the powertrain, only driving the wheels directly under heavy load.
In the UK, the Atto 2 DM-i is offered in two trims - Active and Boost.
The Atto 2 DM-i Active produces 165PS and a peak torque of 300Nm, which allows it to accelerate from 0-100kph in 9.1 seconds.
The Atto 2 DM-i Boost increases the total power output of 212PS while maintaining the same 300Nm maximum, cutting the 0-100kph sprint to 7.5 seconds.
Meanwhile, the Dolphin G DM-i is the first car developed by BYD specifically for overseas markets including Europe.
Its dimensions (4.16-metre long, 1.825-metre wide) place it squarely into the heartland of European superminis, the B-segment.
BYD executive vice president Stella Li commented, "The European B-segment is one of the most important parts of the market, and with Dolphin G DM-i, we want to redefine what customers can expect from a compact car in the electric era."
"By bringing long electric range, intelligent hybrid technology and advanced digital features into an accessible compact vehicle, we are making sustainable mobility smarter, more practical and available to many more people across Europe."
