BYD Dolphin G DM-i: UK Price, Specs and Review
The BYD Dolphin G DM-i is a plug-in hybrid supermini and BYD's first car designed for Europe — it isn't sold in China and is built at BYD's new factory in Szeged, Hungary. In the UK it starts at £23,990, which made it the country's cheapest plug-in hybrid at launch, and the bigger-battery versions can cover up to 65 miles on electricity. First UK deliveries began in September 2026.
| Trim | Price (on the road) | Battery / electric range (WLTP) | System power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active | £23,990 | 7.4 kWh / 24.8 miles | 176 PS |
| Boost | £26,990 | 18.3 kWh / 65 miles | 212 PS |
| Comfort | £28,490 | 18.3 kWh / 65 miles | 212 PS |
| Sport | £29,490 | 18.3 kWh / 65 miles | 212 PS |
UK launch prices announced in July 2026; first deliveries September 2026. Confirm current prices and offers with an official BYD dealer.
What the Dolphin G DM-i is
Despite the name, the Dolphin G is a different car from the electric Dolphin and the smaller Dolphin Surf. It pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a front electric motor using BYD's DM-i plug-in hybrid system, and BYD quotes up to 646 miles of total range. It was developed for European buyers and is not sold in China. BYD hasn't confirmed it for Australia, although Australian media report it could follow.
Trims and equipment
The entry Active has the small 7.4 kWh battery, an 8.8-inch screen, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection and parking sensors. Boost moves to the 18.3 kWh battery and 212 PS, with a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen, heated front seats, wireless phone charging and DC charging at up to 39 kW. Comfort adds 18-inch alloy wheels, an electrically adjustable driver's seat, a 360-degree camera and Google built-in; Sport adds black alloys, suede upholstery and exclusive colours.
Dolphin G vs Dolphin Surf vs Atto 2 DM-i
If you can charge at home, the fully electric Dolphin Surf is cheaper still at about £18,650. The Atto 2 DM-i is the small-SUV alternative with the same plug-in hybrid idea, from £26,995 for a 7.8 kWh version with 24 miles of electric range. The Dolphin G undercuts it by £3,000, and its bigger-battery trims offer 65 miles on electricity.
What reviewers say
Reviews are positive about value and electric range, less so about refinement. What Car? scored it 7 out of 10, calling it a roomy, well-equipped and good-value plug-in hybrid, though the entry model's small battery limits its appeal. Auto Express and Autocar both gave it 3.5 out of 5, criticising hard plastics on the dashboard and a petrol engine that can be slow to start and noisy when worked hard; Autocar also found rear space tight for taller adults.
Warranty and buying a used Dolphin G
The Dolphin G gets BYD's standard UK cover: 6 years / 93,750 miles on the vehicle and 8 years / 155,000 miles on the high-voltage battery, which has applied to plug-in hybrids since January 2026. On a used or nearly new one, decode the VIN to confirm the trim and battery — the Active's small battery gives well under half the electric range of the others — check the build date and look for open recalls.
FAQ
How much is the BYD Dolphin G DM-i?
From £23,990 for the Active, rising to £26,990 (Boost), £28,490 (Comfort) and £29,490 (Sport).
What is the electric range of the BYD Dolphin G?
24.8 miles (WLTP) for the Active with its 7.4 kWh battery, and 65 miles for the Boost, Comfort and Sport with the 18.3 kWh battery.
Is the BYD Dolphin G the same as the BYD Dolphin?
No. The Dolphin is a fully electric hatchback; the Dolphin G DM-i is a separate plug-in hybrid supermini designed for Europe.
Where is the BYD Dolphin G made?
At BYD's factory in Szeged, Hungary — BYD's first passenger-car plant in Europe.
Is the BYD Dolphin G available in Australia?
Not yet. BYD hasn't confirmed it for Australia, although Australian media report it could follow.
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