BYD Dolphin G DM-i Review: BYD Is Coming for the Supermini

The UK loves a supermini, and BYD knows it. So the latest car to roll off the production line is the Dolphin G DM-i, a new model which BYD claims is the first-ever plug-in hybrid supermini, and John Marcar has driven it.

Is anyone else starting to lose track of how many cars BYD launches per year? It's forgivable, as the brand continues to go from strength to strength, with sales figures that increasingly make the old-guard competition more than a bit nervous.

To date, BYD now claims to have sold almost 18 million BEV and PHEV vehicles, with 2.6 million sold in 2026 alone (so far!). In the UK, 200,000 vehicles have been registered between January and September already, with the Seal U DM-i, (the current largest SUV) proving to be the most popular model in the showrooms.

The First Hybrid Supermini

The new car steps away from the big SUVs and is far more recognisable as a long-term favourite for UK and European buyers: it's the good old supermini. A supermini is a compact family car, and for decades the segment has been dominated by the VW Polo, Mini Cooper, Renault Clio, and Ford Fiesta. Just as it has done for the EV saloon, family estate, and small, large, and midsize SUV, BYD now wants a slice of the supermini cake and has launched the new Dolphin G DM-i.

Engine and Battery

The Dolphin G DM-i uses the hybrid format that's been a roaring success for BYD over the past few years. It's a 1.5L 4-cylinder petrol engine which works in tandem with either a 7.4 or 18.3kWh blade battery. The larger battery capacity grants 65 miles of electric-only range, while the smaller 7.4kWh unit still delivers a commendable 25 miles of electric-only range.

Power and Combined Range

Working in tandem, the engine, battery, and motor produce 175-212 bhp (depending on battery specification), which is ideal for a supermini. The models also offer an overall range of 633 miles (175 bhp version) or 646 miles (212 bhp version) with a full tank of fuel and a full charge.

Size and Shape - is it actually 'mini'?

BYD is keen to shout about the Dolphin G DM-i being considerably larger inside than its competitors, and it is. The 425L boot, for example, is up to 48% larger than the closest competitors from Renault, Toyota, Peugeot and MG.

Interior space and legroom are another selling point for the BYD, and yes, it is wonderfully spacious for a supermini, but that might be because it's not actually that mini. The Dolphin G is 4.1m long, 1.5m tall and 1.8m wide, which blurs the line between a B-segment supermini and a C-segment hatchback such as a VW Golf, which shares remarkably similar exterior dimensions.

Prices and Trim

The Dophin G DM-i is launching in 3 trim levels. 'Active' is the entry-level trim priced at £23,990, which utilises the smaller 175bhp powertrain, but still comes equipped with some nice features, including 16-inch alloy wheels, an 8.8-inch driver display, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Intelligent Voice Control, on-board 4G connectivity and ADAS to appease EURO NCAP.

'Boost' is the next step up from Active and utilises the larger-capacity 212bhp powertrain. Boost is priced from £26,990 and adds a few luxuries compared to the Active trim, such as heated front seats and steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, an upgraded sound system, a wireless phone charging pad, privacy glass, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, split-folding rear seats and a vehicle-to-load (V2L) system.

'Comfort' is the next in the range, priced from £28,490, adding fabric and vegan leather, 18" alloy wheels, a head-up display, a panoramic roof, a Google system built into the infotainment, an electric adjustable driver seat, a 360-degree camera system and exterior puddle lights.

'Sport' is the top-of-the-range model, priced at £29,490, and takes everything from the comfort model, adding a handful of features, including 18-inch black alloy wheels, a suede and vegan leather interior, an embroidered headrest, and additional accent colours for the interior trim.

Monthly Prices

For those looking to purchase on a PCP agreement, BYD is offering the Dolphin G DM-i at launch with an introductory retail offer of 1.9% APR. This means that with a £1,999 deposit across the range, the Active is £249 p/m, Boost is £257 p/m, Comfort is £287 p/m, and Sport is £327 p/m.

Driving Review

To Drive, the Dolphin G DM-i is consistent with other BYD hybrids in the range. The cabin feels spacious and comfortable; the materials and touchpoints are high quality, and the tech interface, with or without the built-in Google system, is very good.

I tested both the Boost and Comfort trims, both producing 212bhp, and the power felt more than sufficient for the car's size. The model was designed and engineered specifically for the European market, and it shows. Low road rumble and dampened wind noise are impressive, as is the general comfort on typical UK roads.

The power delivery feels closer to an EV than a combustion car, with the electric motor doing the brunt of the work from a standing start. During hard acceleration, the engine will fire to boost power, which can sound a little strained at times, but in most driving conditions it'll go unnoticed, quietly humming away in the background to power the motor and charge the battery, which is specifically designed for PHEV use.

The steering, brakes, and overall feel of the Dolphin G are very good, and cabin visibility is fantastic, making the interior feel even more spacious.

Conclusion

BYD is already dominating the PHEV SUV market, and with smaller cars like the Seal 6 DM-i and now the Dolphin G DM-i arriving on the scene, we're likely to see even more BYD badges on the road. We're also almost certain to see the competition launch other PHEV superminis, but BYD has done what it does best and got in there first at a price point the likes of VW, Renault, and Ford might struggle to match.

Importantly, the success of BYD vs the old guard goes beyond being more competitively priced - the product is also undeniably very good. For those who aren't fussed about brand loyalty or the badges on the bonnet, I expect the Dolphin G will prove to be another big hit for BYD.

Words by John Marcar
Photography by BYD UK