A closely camouflaged prototype believed to be the all-new 2026 BYD Dolphin was noticed testing on public roads in China, hinting at main upgrades for the compact electrical hatchback. The present Dolphin stays China’s top-selling compact EV, with 21,888 items offered in September. The following-generation mannequin seems set for an in depth mechanical overhaul.
In line with a Chinese language automotive supply, the brand new Dolphin will probably undertake BYD’s CTB (cell-to-body) battery integration expertise, together with a revised rear suspension, presumably a four-link and even five-link setup. Experiences additionally counsel the addition of a rear-wheel-drive configuration, a entrance trunk, and higher-output motors paired with an enlarged battery pack. Business insiders anticipate long-range rear-wheel-drive and hybrid variations to debut within the second quarter of 2026.
Preliminary information point out that the top-spec 2026 Dolphin may exceed 520 km CLTC vary, powered by BYD’s Blade Battery 2.0 with improved cold-weather endurance, retaining 82% capability at –30°C.
The inside is prone to characteristic a simplified dashboard with dual-tone seats and a big floating central touchscreen. It could embrace DiLink 5.0 powered by the Qualcomm 8295 chip, providing 0.8-second voice response and optionally available L2+ driver help with freeway NOA (Navigation on Autopilot).
The outside design is purported to proceed the model’s “Ocean Aesthetics” language, with slimmer headlights, smaller air intakes, and a refined rear part that includes full-width taillights. The automobile’s dimensions stay much like the present mannequin at 4,280 mm in size, 1,770 mm in width, and 1,570 mm in peak, with a 2,700 mm wheelbase.
Launch timing is predicted between June and August 2026, with pricing prone to stay between 99,800 and 129,800 yuan (roughly 14,000 to 18,200 USD). The present 2025 Dolphin, launched earlier this yr, presents as much as 520 km vary and begins on the identical entry value.
