BYD introduced the 2026 Dolphin Mini lineup with a significant upgrade: the incorporation of LiDAR sensors and the advanced DiPilot 300 autonomous driving system, features previously restricted to premium vehicles. The Chinese electric compact reinforces its safety and connectivity proposal to face fierce competition in the Chinese market, where models such as the Li Auto EX2 dominate sales with similar technologies.
LiDAR technology democratized in compact vehicles
The addition of LiDAR represents an important milestone in the democratization of advanced safety technologies in entry vehicles. The sensor works like an infrared pulse radar, mapping the environment in three dimensions using laser waves. Essa capability offers assisted navigation in urban environments, traffic sign recognition, lane reading and obstacle detection with precision previously exclusive to more expensive models.
The DiPilot 300 system integrates multiple sensors to create a complete assisted driving experience. The configuration includes high-resolution cameras, millimeter-wave radar, ultrasonic sensors and precision 3D mapping. Na China, the package is offered as an option for approximately 15,300 reais, a value considered high for the segment, but competitive given the added features.
Especificações and security equipment
- Frenagem automatic emergency response (AEB) with pedestrian and vehicle detection.
- Câmera 360 degrees for panoramic view around the vehicle.
- Tela 12.8-inch DiLink 150 multimedia integrated into the panel.
- 50 Watt Induction Carregamento for compatible mobile devices.
- Bidirectional Climatização with independent adjustment for driver and passenger.
- Driver’s Banco with six-way electrical adjustment and integrated heating.
The Dolphin Mini 2026 received visual and chromatic updates that reinforce its identity in the market. The new front bumper, 16-inch wheels and revised headlight graphics give the compact a more modern appearance. The body colors include new tones such as “Manga Orange” and “Menta Green”, while the interior follows minimalist design trends with an instrument panel in “Automático Beige”.
Desempenho and battery life
The electric motor has not undergone any changes and continues to generate 75 horsepower with a torque of 13.8 kilograms of force. Na China, two battery options are available for purchase. The version with a 30.08 kWh battery offers a range of 305 kilometers, while the 38.88 kWh battery has a range of 405 kilometers according to Chinese homologation tests.
The base price of the Dolphin Mini starts at 69,900 yuan (approximately 50,500 reais) and reaches 85,900 yuan (about 62,100 reais) in the top version. The inclusion of the DiPilot 300 as an option positions the model in a competitive price range for the entry segment, differentiating it from direct rivals through advanced technology.
Posicionamento competitive in Chinese market
The Dolphin Mini reached its sales peak in April 2025 with 34,005 units sold, but did not maintain this performance in subsequent months. In June, 30,708 units were sold, a number that was not surpassed in the following months. The Li Auto EX2, market leader in the segment, sold 465,775 units in 2025 and 319,956 units in the same period, maintaining a significant advantage of approximately 150 thousand units over the BYD model.
The difference in sales reflects the aggressive pricing strategy of the Li Auto EX2, which offers technology options at a more accessible price range. The upgrade of the Dolphin Mini with LiDAR and DiPilot 300 represents BYD’s direct response to this competitive pressure, seeking to justify its price positioning through safety and autonomous driving features that were previously exclusive to premium segments.
BYD Global Estratégia in Automotive Technology
BYD maintains a relevant position in the global electric vehicle market and continues to invest in safety and autonomous driving technologies even in entry-level models. Incorporating advanced ADAS systems into compacts is a rare strategy outside of China, where most manufacturers reserve these technologies for higher price ranges. Essa differentiated approach consolidates the competitive proposal of the Dolphin Mini and demonstrates the manufacturer’s commitment to accessible innovation in the compact electric vehicle segment.
