This is the BYD Dolphin G DM-i, a compact hatchback that will become the UK’s smallest plug-in hybrid model when it goes on sale in summer 2026. It offers an electric-only range of up to 65 miles and is expected to have a starting price of about £23,000.
Here’s the full lowdown on the 2026 BYD Dolphin G DM-i.
Chinese brand BYD’s model range already includes the Dolphin Surf, an electric city car, and the Dolphin, an electric supermini. The new Dolphin G DM-i is a totally new model that sits in between those two cars in size, but is more closely related to the BYD Atto 2, a Nissan Juke-sized compact SUV that’s available with either plug-in hybrid or pure-electric power.
BYD says that the Dolphin G DM-i is the first of its cars to be designed for overseas markets. That’s reflected in an exterior design that’s more attuned to European tastes than some of its other models.
Compared with both existing Dolphin models and the Atto 2, the Dolphin G DM-i has smoother surfacing and a much sleeker front end featuring slim headlights joined by a shiny black panel. There’s a similarly neat light bar at the rear, along with a vaguely sporty-looking boot spoiler. There are 16-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels, depending on trim, as well as a choice of six colours: Oxford White (solid), Obsidian Black, Ocean Blue, Skiing White, Time Grey (all metallic) or pearlescent Orange Sunset.
The Dolphin G DM-i is slightly larger than key rivals such as the MG3, Renault Clio and Toyota Yaris, being wider, longer and taller than all of them. In fact, it’s closer in size (but not shape) to the Ford Puma, a compact crossover.
BYD says the interior of the Dolphin G DM-i focuses on ‘space, simplicity and ease of use’. In terms of design it certainly delivers on simplicity, with a minimalist look featuring a dashboard with a strong horizontal emphasis and very little in the way of ornamentation.
As in most BYD models, there’s a landscape-format touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard; it’s either 10.1 inches or 12.8 inches in size, depending on spec. Beneath it there’s a small row of traditional buttons for functions such as the windscreen demister and driving modes.
Thanks to its generous dimensions, the Dolphin G DM-i ought to deliver on the ‘space’ part of the equation, while the images appear to show a totally flat floor that should give rear passengers plenty of room for their feet.
Boot space is a standout. BYD quotes a capacity of 425 litres with the rear seats in place – more than 100 litres more than hybrid versions of the MG3 or Renault Clio and almost as much as you’ll find in the Ford Puma. Even accounting for the fact that 45 litres of that capacity is made up by a compartment under the boot floor, that’s about as much space as you’ll find in a petrol-powered Volkswagen Golf.
The big news when it comes to the Dolphin G DM-i is its powertrain – as of mid-2026 it’s the smallest plug-in hybrid on the market. BYD gives the name DM-i to its plug-in hybrid technology, with ‘DM-i’ standing for ‘Dual Mode-intelligent’. The version used for the Dolphin G DM-i combines a 94bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 161bhp electric motor. The two power sources combine to give a nippy 0-60mph time of 8.3 seconds.
Two battery options will be available. Entry-level models have a 7.42kWh unit that gives a pure-electric range of 24.8 miles, whereas all other trim levels have a 18.3kWh battery that offers a range of 65 miles. That’s more than many larger plug-in hybrid models, and could give days’ worth of electric-only journeys, depending on your driving habits. Larger-battery versions also support DC charging at up to 39kW, allowing a 10-80% recharge in 26 minutes. The smaller battery has a less powerful onboard charger, with a 15-100% AC charge taking just under three hours.
The BYD Dolphin G DM-i will go on sale ‘ahead of the summer holidays’, according to BYD, with first customer deliveries due in autumn 2026.
Prices haven’t been confirmed, but considering that the larger Atto 2 DM-i 2026 starts at £26,995 we’d expect the entry-level BYD Dolphin G DM-i will cost about £23,000. That’s about £3,000 more than the cheapest MG3 or Renault Clio hybrid, but they are conventional – rather than plug-in – hybrid models.
Active, Boost, Comfort and Sport trim levels will be offered. Entry-level Active models feature 16-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, LED headlights and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay integration.
Boost trim and above includes the larger battery, electrically folding door mirrors and a wireless charging pad and heated front seats and steering wheel. Comfort trim includes features such as a head-up display, a panoramic roof, 18-inch wheels and ‘vegan’ leather upholstery. Sport models get all of that plus a range of sporty cosmetic upgrades.
