The DG-800 was planned primarily as a powered self-launching sailplane. In the meantime it has spawned many variants, differentiated by the type of powerplant (Rotax, Midwest or Solo), the span extensions (15 metre, 18 metre, both in variants with or without winglets), maximum allowed take-off mass, etc.
The newest model is the DG-808C, a self launching sailplane with a Solo 2625 engine and the new designed "DEI-NT" Engine Control System.
There are also unpowered variants, the DG-800S and DG-808S, aimed at competition flying. These pure glider variants have a shorter and lighter fuselage built in the moulds of the DG-600 and allow a broader range of wing loadings.