BYD Dolphin G DM-i (2026 – ) Electric review

There are hybrid hatchbacks operating in the same class as the BYD Dolphin G DM-i, the difference being you can’t plug them in to top up their battery packs. On all but the base-spec Dolphin G this means you can go up to 65 miles on electric power alone, while one outrageous WLTP economy figure promises something of the order of 200mpg or more. The reality is going to be more like 50-65mpg, unless the car is plugged in every night. Which still isn’t bad, but also not miles in advance of some of non-PHEV competitors and something to think about if you don’t have a home wallbox. A strong level of aftersales back-up, courtesy of a six-year warranty does add considerable purchase appeal to the BYD, though.

Although BYD is a relatively new name for British buyers the DM-i tech in its cars has been in service a long time in other markets. Indeed, the firm lays claim to making the world’s first mass-produced PHEV way back in 2008. So far as it’s possible to tell no BYD DM-i sold here has been particularly problematic, so there’s no reason to suspect that the Dolphin G would buck that trend. And you’ve always got the generous warranty to fall back on, should the worst happen.

As yet, the Dolphin G DM-i hasn’t been submitted for the usual testing with independent safety body Euro NCAP, but every other BYD put through the assessment has picked up the full five-star rating. The company is also proud to say the Dolphin G has a level of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) some rivals only offer as options or on more expensive trim levels. By that measure at least it should be one of the safest cars in its class.

Although the BYD Dolphin G DM-i is reasonably comfortable if the road surfaces are acceptable and driving speeds are higher, the PHEV can struggle on lumpier road surfaces. It particularly struggles around town under such circumstances, especially on the larger 18-inch alloy wheels of the upmarket Comfort and Sport models. Also, the front seats feel a touch firm and not so supportive over longer distances, which is a shame. By way of recompense, there’s a big boot in the Dolphin G in comparison to similar cars, although rear-passenger space is only average.

As you’d expect of an up-and-coming challenger from a fledgling brand, the BYD Dolphin G offers a lot of equipment for not a lot of money. Even entry-level Active versions have radar cruise control along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, but most folk will want at least the Boost for toys like heated seats and a heated steering wheel, the larger 12.8-inch infotainment screen, synthetic leather and wireless smartphone charging. This also adds the bigger battery pack for longer electric range, plus faster charging capabilities on the public network. Comfort grade really loads in the luxuries, including a head-up display, Google Built-In software and a panoramic roof, while from Sport is mainly about styling flourishes and the option of some gaudy two-tone interior colour schemes.

The combined power output of the BYD Dolphin G DM-i is higher than most comparable rivals in this sector, and enough for a 0-62mph time of just 8.3 seconds. Curiously, this petrol-electric runaround doesn’t feel anywhere near that lusty in reality, given it can take a veritable age for both 1.5-litre engine and electric motor to fully engage. The petrol part of this set-up is also noisy in such circumstances so for all the on-paper adavantages over rivals the Dolphin G doesn’t feel as satisfying to drive as you might hope.