- Fifth-gen system is introduced to Europe in the region’s first and only PHEV B-segment hatchback
- Improvements in powertrain, thermal management and electrics integration deliver significant gains in efficiency
- DOLPHIN G DM-i achieves up to 646 miles of combined range and weighted fuel consumption of just 201.7mpg
BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new-energy vehicles, presents the latest version of its Super Hybrid technology, DM 5.0, in the compact shape of the all-new DOLPHIN G DM-i.
The first BYD designed and developed for Europe uses improvements in three key areas to deliver best-in-class flexibility, achieving weighted fuel consumption on a full battery of just 201.7mpg.
BYD’s Super Hybrid DM technology has been a success since launch, with more than 8.5 million DM vehicles sold around the world. European customers have benefited from this breakthrough innovation too, making BYD the number-one PHEV brand in many markets and embracing an ever-widening line-up of DM-i vehicles – ATTO 2 DM-i, SEAL 6 DM-i, SEALION 5 DM-i, SEAL U DM-i and SEAL 5 DM-i.
Now the DOLPHIN G DM-i arrives to redefine the B-segment hatchback market – and the first plug-in hybrid entry in the class introduces a new generation of Super Hybrid to Europe: DM 5.0. This harnesses gains made in three core areas: powertrain, thermal management and electric integration.
BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li said: “We never stop innovating at BYD, and the debut of DM 5.0 shows how this commitment extends to even our more compact models. The benefits of these cutting-edge technologies really help DOLPHIN G to stand out with outstanding fuel efficiency in real-world use, as well as EV range for everyday driving and the long-distance flexibility that comes with 646 miles on a full tank and a full charge. This combination – DOLPHIN G and DM 5.0 – is born to disrupt, and we strongly believe it will shake up this important segment in Europe.”
The changes to the powertrain include a new version of BYD’s 1.5-litre petrol engine, developed specifically for use in Super Hybrid. This features a higher compression ratio than before (16:1) along with intelligent fuel injection, combustion, split cooling and variable lubrication. In the DOLPHIN G DM-i, the petrol engine produces 95PS or 70kW.
Furthermore, DM 5.0 brings gains to the EHS (electric hybrid system), achieved through optimisations in the cooling and transmission design, plus the use of ultra-thin silicon steel sheets.
Thermal management gains help to boost efficiency further, with a coordinated approach to the front compartment, the cabin and the battery. The industry’s first full-temperature-range thermal-management architecture incorporates features like direct cooling technology for the Blade Battery and intelligent control of the cabin environment to ensure not only better performance but also better efficiency. Together, these measures contribute fuel and energy savings in hotter and cooler temperatures.
Finally, DM 5.0 has optimised electronics and electrics, including a world-first three-controller integration for the powertrain domain that delivers more computing performance and faster signal transmissions. Combined with BYD’s advanced 7-in-1 electronic control technology, the system adapts to diverse road conditions, temperatures and operating scenarios to ensure refined optimal overall control and an excellent driving experience.
These improvements make the DOLPHIN G DM-i a standout offering in the B-segment hatchback class, with 65 miles of pure-electric range – enough for most daily journeys – and combined range, on a full tank and a full charge, of 646 miles. Its weighted fuel consumption on a full battery is as low as 201.7mpg, slashing running costs. Yet its maximum system power of 212PS means strong performance, with 0-62mph taking just 8.3 seconds.
CLEVER POWERTRAIN MATCHED BY LATEST CABIN TECHNOLOGIES
BYD’s first B-segment hatchback has all the design qualities to strike a chord with European customers. With a length of 4160mm and a width of 1825mm, it sits firmly in the heartland of European superminis. And its long wheelbase of 2610mm means best-in-class cabin space and a huge boot capacity of 425 litres.
The DOLPHIN G DM-i reflects BYD’s approach of making the latest technologies available across its model line-up, with many of its standard features either rare in the B-segment or not available at all on rivals. These include a 12.8-inch touchscreen with Google1 built-in for Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play, front and rear parking sensors with 360°-view camera, heated seats and steering wheel, courtesy puddle lights, 18-inch alloy wheels and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) for powering up devices when on the move.
Two sizes of Blade Battery are offered in the DOLPHIN G DM-i. Active versions feature a 7.42kWh capacity for 24.8 miles of WLTC Combined pure-electric range and a combined total range of 633 miles. Boost, Comfort and Sport editions have an 18.3kWh Blade Battery, extending the pure-electric range to 65 miles and the combined total range to 646 miles, while also lowering CO2 emissions from 60g/km to just 32g/km.
Active models have a 3.3kW on-board charger that can refill the battery completely from 15% in just under three hours. Boost, Comfort and Sport versions increase this power to 6.6kW and include a 39kW DC charging capability that takes the 18.3kWh battery from 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes.
BYD dealers in many European markets are already taking orders for the DOLPHIN G DM-i, with the first cars expected to be delivered to customers in late summer.
