According to Car News China, BYD is finalizing an upgrade for its small all-electric hatchback Dolphin. The test car in China is covered in camouflage but still reveals important changes in design, chassis and battery system. The focus is on the Blade 2.0 battery pack and the ability to increase the operating range to over 520 km/charge according to the CLTC cycle in the highest configuration.
Notably, local sources say BYD may apply Cell-To-Body technology to the new Dolphin, while also upgrading the rear suspension and expanding the range of powertrain configurations. Many items are currently in the state of speculation or testing, so we will have to wait for an official announcement when the car is expected to launch around June-August 2026.
Ocean Aesthetics language, streamlined aerodynamic details
From the front, the BYD Dolphin 2026 appears with thinner headlights and smaller air vents, creating a neater and more modern feel than the current version. The rear is slightly edited to synchronize the overall design according to the company's Ocean Aesthetics language.
The basic dimensions remain the same, including length x width x height of 4,280 x 1,770 x 1,570 mm, wheelbase of 2,700 mm. This shows that BYD approaches the upgrade in the direction of optimizing aerodynamics and recognition instead of changing the body proportions.
Minimalist cabin, focusing on floating screens and connectivity
The interior is described as simpler, using two-tone seats and a floating touchscreen. The DiLink 5.0 entertainment system with Qualcomm 8295 chip is the highlight, with voice response capability said to reach 0.8 seconds (according to the source). This layout is in line with the trend of optimizing the digital experience on the dashboard, reducing physical buttons.
Driver assistance features reach L2+ level, which is still advanced assistance, not self-driving; the driver must be in control and ready to intervene in all situations.
Chassis and powertrain: many promising improvements
Reports suggest that the new BYD Dolphin could get an upgraded rear suspension, potentially moving to a four-link or even five-link setup. If adopted, this would be a worthwhile change for a compact electric hatchback that aims to strike a balance between ride comfort and body stability.
On the other hand, BYD is said to add a rear-wheel drive option, accompanied by a more powerful electric motor. The highest version can reach an operating range of over 520 km / charge, announced by CLTC, thanks to a larger capacity battery pack. The Blade 2.0 battery is also emphasized on its cold resistance: it can maintain 82% of the available capacity at a temperature of -30 degrees Celsius.
Maintain platform size, expand configuration
Keeping the same dimensions and 2,700 mm wheelbase shows that BYD has not changed the basic space of the Dolphin. Instead, the company focuses on functionality and range: it can add a front trunk, a longer operating range and the option of rear-wheel drive (according to rumors). These changes, if implemented in the commercial version, will expand the customer base from urban to inter-provincial needs.
Safety and technology: L2+ is at the heart
The L2+ driver assistance system is expected to continue to be the focus, combined with the DiLink 5.0 software infrastructure. At L2+ level, the vehicle assists, not replaces, the driver; the driver must actively observe and intervene when necessary. Information on independent safety certifications (e.g. NCAP) has not been mentioned yet, waiting to be announced when the vehicle is launched.
Key specifications and milestones
| Category | Current BYD Dolphin (VN GLX 2024) | BYD Dolphin 2026 (expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (mm) | 4,280 x 1,770 x 1,570; wheelbase 2,700 | Remain 4,280 x 1,770 x 1,570; wheelbase 2,700 |
| Engine | Electric, 94 hp, 180 Nm | Stronger (reported), details not yet released |
| Drive system | Not published | Rear-wheel drive available |
| Rear suspension | Not published | Can be 4 links or 5 links |
| Maximum operating range | 405 km/charge | Over 520 km/charge (CLTC cycle, premium version) |
| Battery | Not published | Blade 2.0; can maintain 82% capacity at -30 degrees Celsius |
| Interior/Infotainment | Center screen; according to VN configuration | Floating display; DiLink 5.0; Qualcomm 8295 chip; 0.8 second voice response |
| Time/Price | Price 659 million VND (VN, GLX 2024) | Expected launch 6–8/2026; 99,800–129,800 yuan (about 14,000–18,200 USD) |
Pricing, positioning and market context
In China, the BYD Dolphin sold 21,888 units in September alone (according to Car News China), leading the compact electric vehicle segment. The upgrade is expected to cost 99,800–129,800 yuan, equivalent to about 14,000–18,200 USD, depending on the configuration. In Vietnam, the Dolphin will be launched from June 2024 with a GLX version, priced at 659 million VND; maximum announced range of 405 km/charge, capacity of 94 horsepower and torque of 180 Nm.
Thus, the 2026 version is positioned as a step forward in operating range and battery technology, while expanding the choice of powertrains (if commercialized as the test information). The design changes are mainly to refine the identity, suitable for the mid-life upgrade cycle.
Conclusion: Upgrade focus on battery and configuration range
The BYD Dolphin 2026 shows a drive to improve efficiency with the move to Blade 2.0 batteries and improved powertrain/chassis. While the design is refined enough, changes to the platform and technology promise to make a big difference in range and versatility, especially if rear-wheel drive and multi-link rear suspension options make it to production.
- Pros: claimed range can exceed 520 km (CLTC) in the high-end version; Blade 2.0 battery; many upgraded chassis and transmission items; minimalist interior with DiLink 5.0 platform.
- Limitations/points to clarify: most specs not yet released; much information is speculative; L2+ driving assistance not self-driving; release date still to be confirmed.
Source: https://baonghean.vn/byd-dolphin-2026-ban-nang-cap-thiet-ke-moi-pin-lon-10308586.html
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