BYD Dolphin G DM i review UK: The Compact Plug-in Hybrid Supermini

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If you are looking for a comprehensive BYD Dolphin G DM i review UK, this guide covers everything you need to know about this new addition to the market. The BYD Dolphin G DM i is notable as the only plug-in hybrid (PHEV) supermini currently available in the UK, making it a unique proposition for buyers. It is also the first car developed by BYD specifically for the European market and stands as the most compact DM-i model in the brand’s lineup, measuring 170 mm shorter than the BYD Atto 2 DM-i.

Guides for the BYD Dolphin G DM-i

BYD Dolphin G DM i UK arrival and positioning

The BYD Dolphin G DM i UK rollout marks an important milestone for the brand. BYD scheduled the first UK deliveries for autumn 2026 confirm current availability with your dealer. This model aims to offer the flexibility of a combustion engine alongside advanced electric vehicle technology. The manufacturer states that the car includes firsts for the B-segment, such as a built-in Google system, a head-up display, and an NFC smartphone key.

BYD Dolphin G DM i hybrid review: Powertrain and performance

Our BYD Dolphin G DM i hybrid review must begin with the powertrain. The car features a front-wheel-drive Super Hybrid DM-i system. This setup consists of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder Xiaoyun petrol engine producing 95 PS (70 kW) and 120 Nm of torque, paired with an electric drive motor (permanent-magnet synchronous) that generates 163 PS (120 kW) and 210 Nm of torque. The system integrates two electric machines—a drive motor and a generator—alongside the petrol engine. It can operate in EV mode and HEV mode, offering five intelligent configurations that include a clutch-based direct drive. The vehicle features a 42-litre fuel tank.

The entry-level Active trim uses a 7.42 kWh Blade (LFP) battery, providing a total system output of 176 PS (129 kW). In contrast, the Boost, Comfort, and Sport trims upgrade to an 18.3 kWh battery, boosting the total system output to 212 PS (156 kW). Across all trims, the system torque remains at 210 Nm, and every version can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 8.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 112 mph.

Trims and BYD Dolphin G DM i price UK

The BYD Dolphin G DM i price UK depends on which of the four available trims you select: Active, Boost, Comfort, or Sport. Prices are indicative — confirm current price, offers and delivery times with your local BYD dealer.

Trim Level	OTR Price	System Power	Battery Size
Active	from £23,990	176 PS	7.42 kWh
Boost	from £26,990	212 PS	18.3 kWh
Comfort	from £28,490	212 PS	18.3 kWh
Sport	from £29,490	212 PS	18.3 kWh

For the exterior finish, Sunset Orange metallic is a no-cost paint option. Skiing White, Time Grey, Obsidian Black, and Ocean Blue cost an additional £750. BYD’s press information also mentions a solid Oxford White paint option. Inside, the Active, Boost, and Comfort trims feature a black or grey interior. The Sport trim offers a black-and-orange or black-and-blue interior depending on the chosen exterior colour.

Exterior BYD Dolphin G DM i dimensions and styling

The BYD Dolphin G DM i dimensions make it highly practical for urban environments while remaining spacious. It has a length of 4,160 mm, a width of 1,825 mm (2,240 mm including mirrors), and a height of 1,575 mm. The wheelbase is 2,610 mm, which BYD notes is longer than any conventionally powered rival. The turning radius is 5.15 m. For hauling, it supports a braked towing capacity of 750 kg and a roof load of 75 kg. The gross vehicle weight for the 18.3 kWh trims is 2,040 kg.

Design-wise, the exterior features an ocean-influenced front with adaptive air intakes in the lower bumper, a “kick” motif after the rear door shut line, and a floating roof. The rear displays a full-width bar with the BYD badge, LED tail lights, and a roof spoiler with a third brake light. The suspension uses a MacPherson strut at the front and a torsion beam at the rear.

Interior space and BYD Dolphin G DM i boot space

The BYD Dolphin G DM i boot space is generous for its class, offering 425 litres of capacity, which BYD claims is more than many family hatchbacks. With the 40:60 split rear seats folded flat, the capacity increases to 1,225 litres. This includes a 45-litre underfloor compartment and convenient shopping-bag hooks.

Inside, the cabin features a column-mounted gear selector, which frees up space for dual-level storage between the seats, a cubby divider, a cupholder, and a wireless charging pad. A simple row of buttons controls key functions.

Equipment levels are extensive. The Active trim includes 16-inch alloys, LED lights, heated and electric folding mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic air conditioning, an 8.8-inch digital driver display, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation (plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a rear-view camera, front and rear sensors, fabric seats with 6-way driver and 4-way passenger adjustment, and two front USB ports.

The Boost trim adds the larger 18.3 kWh battery, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, a vegan-leather heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming mirror, electrically folding mirrors, multi-colour ambient lighting, a 15 W wireless charger, rear air vents and USB ports, an 8-speaker audio system, V2L functionality, Google Maps navigation, privacy glass, Blind Spot Detection, and a head-up display.

The Comfort trim upgrades to 18-inch dual-tone alloys, Google built-in (Maps, Assistant, Play Store), a panoramic roof with an electric sunshade, a 360-degree camera, mirror puddle lights, part-fabric and vegan-leather seats, and an electric driver seat with lumbar support. Finally, the Sport trim features black 18-inch gloss wheels, discreet badging, and a two-tone cabin with motorsport-style artificial suede and orange/blue highlights.

Safety is standard across the range, featuring Adaptive and Intelligent Cruise Control, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Assist, Front/Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Brake, Blind Spot Detection, a Driver Monitoring System, Door Opening Warning, Forward and Rear Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Limit Control, TPMS, emergency call, ISOFIX/i-Size points (front passenger and outer rear), and a mechanical child lock. The car is equipped with driver, front passenger, front centre, front side, and curtain airbags.

FAQ

Is BYD Dolphin G DM i a good car? The BYD Dolphin G DM i offers a compelling package as the only PHEV supermini in the UK. It features a spacious 425-litre boot, comprehensive safety equipment, and an electric range of up to 65 miles for the 18.3 kWh trims.

What is the boot space like? The BYD Dolphin G DM i boot space is 425 litres, expanding to 1,225 litres when the rear seats are folded down in a 40:60 split. It also features a 45-litre underfloor compartment.

What are the dimensions of the car? The BYD Dolphin G DM i dimensions are 4,160 mm in length, 1,825 mm in width (2,240 mm with mirrors), and 1,575 mm in height, providing a compact footprint with a long 2,610 mm wheelbase.

How fast is the vehicle? All trims of the BYD Dolphin G DM i can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 8.3 seconds. The top speed is capped at 112 mph.

To find out more, book a test drive or confirm with your local BYD dealer.