BYD's current smallest electric car in Australia – before the Atto 1 arrives in November – looks to be on the verge of a major makeover for its next generation.
Electric Cars
A prototype believed to the next-generation 2026 BYD Dolphin electric car has been spotted testing in its home market for the first time, ahead of a rumoured unveiling next year.
And it appears set to adopt more conventional 'two-box' hatchback styling than the Dolphin in showrooms today, which is the length of a Volkswagen Golf but the width of a Polo in the class below.
Reports claim it could switch to rear-wheel drive, with larger battery packs and possibly the option of plug-in hybrid power, but these are yet to be verified.
While the Dolphin is one of China's top-selling new cars – placed 16th overall last month, on more than 21,000 deliveries – it has been a more modest performer in Australia.
Images posted to Chinese social media, spotted by BYD-Fans and Car News China, show what is thought to be a new Dolphin with lower, sportier styling than today's model.
Its badges have been taped up, but the distinctive blue camouflage wrap indicates it is a BYD, as do cues such as the shape of the rear light bar, and slim LED headlights.
The dimensions of the vehicle are not clear, but the bonnet line appears flatter than the current Dolphin, the windscreen pillars have been shifted back, and there are fewer creases on the doors and side bodywork.
No technical details of the new Dolphin are known – if that is what this vehicle is – but Car News China speculates a switch from front- to rear-wheel drive, along with more powerful electric motors and larger battery packs.
Powering the current Dolphin is a choice of 44.9kWh and 60.5kWh battery packs, paired with 70kW/180Nm and 150kW/310Nm front electric motors, respectively, rated for 340km to 427km of WLTP driving range.
Car News China also speculates on more advanced four- or five-link independent rear suspension for improved road-holding, as well as the option of plug-in hybrid power.
BYD is yet to comment on plans for a next-generation Dolphin, and the above remains speculation for now.
Reports claim the 2026 BYD Dolphin may be unveiled in China in the second quarter of next year (April to June), but if history is a guide, it may be two years before a right-hand-drive version comes to Australia.
In China, it may be sold alongside the current Dolphin as the 'Dolphin L' – or similar – as with other BYD model families.
Electric Cars Guide
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
