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Chinese Electric Hatchback Receives Second Generation With Bolder Design and Will Arrive in the Brazilian Market in 2026 With Plug-In Flex Hybrid Option Developed Especially for the Country
Prototypes of the second generation of the BYD Dolphin are already circulating on the streets of China in the final testing phase, revealing important changes that promise to revolutionize the compact hatchback.
The model, which leads electric vehicle sales in Brazil, will gain a version with two engines, one flex and another electric, exclusive to the national market, representing an unprecedented strategy by the Chinese automaker to attract consumers still wary of 100% electric vehicles.
According to images released by specialized websites such as CarNewsChina and BYD-Fans, the new Dolphin features a definitive body with more modern lines.
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The design abandons the current monovolume feel to adopt more traditional compact hatchback characteristics, inspired by BYD’s “Ocean Aesthetics” language.
The big news for Brazil will be the offer of a flex plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, confirmed since the end of 2024. This technology will combine an internal combustion engine with electric propulsion, adapted to work with ethanol or gasoline, meeting the specifics of the Brazilian market.
Revamped Design and More Front Space
Images of the prototypes show a significant visual evolution, with an elongated hood that creates space for a possible front trunk, common in electric models.
This change is not just aesthetic: the additional space in the front will be crucial for accommodating the combustion engine of the hybrid version.
Among the visual highlights are thinner and elongated headlights, compact air intakes, and rear lights that span the full width of the vehicle. The bumper has received a more robust and modern design, completing the model’s aesthetic renewal.
The dimensions are expected to remain similar to the current generation, maintaining approximately 4.29 meters in length, 1.77 meters in width, and 1.57 meters in height, with a wheelbase of 2.70 meters. This configuration ensures urban agility without compromising interior space for passengers and luggage.
e-Platform 4.0 Brings Technological Advances
The second generation marks the Dolphin’s transition to the e-Platform 4.0, replacing the current e-Platform 3.0. The new platform introduces CTB (cell-to-body) technology, which integrates battery cells directly into the body, increasing structural rigidity and reducing weight by eliminating unnecessary wires and harnesses.
The 100% electric version will receive a multilink rear suspension, rear-wheel drive, and the new generation of the Blade Battery 2.0, which offers greater resistance to cold climates and a range of up to 520 kilometers on the Chinese CLTP cycle.
For Brazil, where the Inmetro cycle is different, the actual range will need to be adjusted according to national standards.
The interior promises to follow the minimalist trend with a completely revamped digital dashboard, including a central touchscreen and the DiLink 5.0 system. Equipped with the Qualcomm 8295 chip, the system will be capable of responding to voice commands in just 0.8 seconds and offering various driver assistance features.
Exclusive Flex Hybrid Version for the Brazilian Market
The major bet for Brazil will be the flex plug-in hybrid configuration, developed in partnership between Brazilian and Chinese engineers. The setup will likely use the 1.5 DM-i aspirated flex engine, with 98 hp of power and 12.4 kgfm of torque, assisted by a traction electric motor.
The Blade (LFP) batteries will have a capacity of 8.3 kWh, providing a range of approximately 50 kilometers in fully electric mode according to Inmetro standards.
This configuration will allow the driver to operate daily solely on electric energy, resorting to the combustion engine for longer trips or when the battery is depleted.
The hybrid version represents a crucial strategy for BYD to expand the commercial reach of the Dolphin. The model could be more accessible than the 100% electric version and cater to consumers concerned about charging infrastructure or who still do not fully trust pure electric technology.
Domestic Production at the Camaçari Factory
BYD officially inaugurated its factory in Camaçari, Bahia, in October 2025, with an investment of R$ 5.5 billion and an initial production capacity of 150,000 vehicles per year. The automaker announced ambitious plans to expand capacity to 600,000 units annually, consolidating Brazil as a regional hub for the company.
Operations began with the electric hatchback Dolphin Mini, the hybrid SUV Song Pro, and the mid-size sedan King, all in SKD (semi-knocked down kits imported from China) regime. The expectation is that the new flex hybrid Dolphin will be produced locally when the factory reaches full production capacity.
The industrial complex is expected to generate up to 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, revitalizing the economy of the region that suffered from the closure of Ford in 2021. BYD has also established partnerships with local suppliers, strengthening the Brazilian automotive chain.
Launch Expected in 2026
Sources in the Chinese press indicate that the launch of the new generation of the BYD Dolphin will occur between June and August 2026 in the Asian market. For Brazil, the arrival is expected shortly thereafter, possibly still in the second half of 2026 or early 2027.
The current Dolphin has established itself as the absolute leader among electric vehicles in Brazil, surpassing 100,000 units sold throughout 2025. With prices starting at R$ 159,800, the model has managed to democratize access to electric cars in the country, competing directly with combustion-powered compact hatchbacks.
The flex hybrid version could represent a new chapter in this success story, especially if it can maintain competitive prices and offer the versatility of running on electricity or traditional fuels.
BYD bets that this flexibility will be decisive in capturing an even larger share of the Brazilian market.
Do you believe that the flex hybrid version of the BYD Dolphin will be more attractive than the 100% electric model for Brazilian consumers? Or is the charging infrastructure already sufficiently developed to make pure electric vehicles the better option? Share your opinion in the comments.
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