New images shared on Chinese social media over the weekend revealed that the Shenzhen-based carmaker BYD is preparing to unveil a new version of its Dolphin model.
The images shared on WeChat show a heavily camouflaged prototype vehicle, which was seen roadtesting in China.
Exterior-wise, the upcoming model adopts a more traditional hatchback look, moving away from the current model’s crossover-inspired design.
According to several local media reports, the model is expected to feature four-link or even five-link suspension, a frunk (or front trunk), a larger motor, and increased battery capacity.
Rumors circulating on WeChat noted that the vehicle might feature BYD‘s in-house developed Cell-to-Body battery integration technology.
According to local media outlet CarNewsChina, the highest spec of the model is expected have a CLTC range above 520 km (323 miles).
The upcoming Dolphin is also expected to be featured in a hybrid powertrain, in addition to its battery electric version.
The same outlet revealed that the vehicle is expected to be launched by the end of the second quarter, and to have a similar price to the current generation.
The BYD Dolphin was launched in China in 2021, and expanded overseas in 2023.
Its first facelift took place in early 2025, introducing BYD‘s God’s Eye advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS).
The model is priced from 99,800 to 125,800 yuan (approximately $14,000—17,000).
BYD sold 347,353 vehicles in China last month, registering a 10.2% drop year over year as competition in the new energy vehicle (NEV) market increases.
Despite the drop, BYD remains the best-selling brand in its domestic country, retaining 26.7% of the market share.
Of the over 347,000 units, 21,888 were Dolphin EVs. Dolphin sales have stagnated around 20,000 monthly units since April, despite slight fluctuations.
The BYD Seagull, positioned below the Dolphin as it is the brand’s smaller model, represented 34,586 units.
The Seagull was launched in 2023 in China and is known as the Dolphin Mini in South America and as the Dolphin Surf in Europe.
Last week, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation announced that over 115,000 BYD vehicles will be recalled in China due to design and battery-related safety issues.
The recall includes 71,248 Yuan Pro SUVs manufactured from February 2021 to August 2022.
It is BYD‘s largest recall ever, following 97,000 Seagulls and Yuan Plus units recalled a year ago.
