# BYD Dolphin Surf development and powertrain expansion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/byd-dolphin-surf-development-and-release > Updated: 2026-09-09T08:40:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 3. Leaked images of the upcoming BYD Dolphin Surf interior revealed a design shift toward a Tesla-style interface. The redesign removes the traditional digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, consolidating driving information into a single large central touchscreen. This change is expected to reduce manufacturing costs by eliminating extra screens and wiring, though it may impact driver ergonomics. Following these design developments, BYD introduced a five-seater configuration for the Dolphin Surf to improve interior practicality. While the entry-level Active trim remains a four-seater, the Boost and Comfort trims now offer an additional central seat. The Dolphin Surf, a European version of the BYD Seagull, has been expanded to 3,990 mm to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. The Seagull variant has achieved significant global sales, exceeding 700,000 units across markets in China, South America, Southeast Asia, Australia, and South Africa. BYD is now expanding powertrain options for the Dolphin compact car line with the introduction of a plug-in hybrid version, the Dolphin G DM-i. This variant combines a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, offering a total system output of either 129 kW or 156 kW. Depending on the battery configuration, which ranges from 7.42 kWh to 18.3 kWh, the vehicle can achieve an electric-only range of 40 to 105 kilometers, with a total combined range estimated to reach up to 1,040 kilometers. Pricing for the hybrid model starts at 28,990 euros, approximately 5,000 euros less than the purely electric version. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: BYD introduces plug-in hybrid version of Dolphin compact car BYD has introduced a plug-in hybrid version of the Dolphin compact car, offering a total range of up to 1,040 kilometers and starting at 28,990 euros. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/byd-introduces-plug-in-hybrid-version-of-dolphin-compact-car ### 2026-09-04: BYD introduces five-seater Dolphin Surf electric model BYD has launched a five-seater version of the Dolphin Surf electric car in Spain, improving interior practicality for its Boost and Comfort trim levels. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/byd-introduces-five-seater-dolphin-surf-electric-model ### 2026-08-16: BYD Dolphin Surf interior leaks reveal Tesla-style design Leaked images reveal the new BYD Dolphin Surf interior, which replaces the driver's instrument cluster with a single central touchscreen, adopting a design strategy similar to Tesla. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/byd-dolphin-surf-interior-leaks-reveal-tesla-style-design --- Cite as: BYD Dolphin Surf development and powertrain expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/byd-dolphin-surf-development-and-release