BYD Dolphin G (2026 onwards) | Expert Rating

BYD Dolphin G (2026 – present) | Expert Rating

Summary

The BYD Dolphin G is a compact hatchback with the unique selling point of being the only plug-in hybrid supermini currently available in the UK.

“It’s spacious with a big boot”, says Parkers’ Amrit Kaur, “and, if running 65 miles on electric power alone while still having the flexibility of a petrol engine sounds good to you, it’s worth considering.”

Reviewers generally agree that the Dolphin G is a sensible compact motoring choice, which The Independent’s Steve Fowler calls BYD’s “most convincing” car yet, and Electrifying.com’s James Batchelor says “looks and feels like an Atto 2 SUV but in a more traditional small car package.”

Matt Robinson of Auto Express calls the supermini a “perfectly proficient little runaround” that “promises terrific value” to help you “overlook its flaws”, such as a “gritty low-speed ride” and a lethargic throttle response.

The Car Expert’s own Andrew Charman suggests that buyers avoid the entry-level model and its lower electric-only range, and concludes that, “while there are some niggles, none of them are a deal breaker”, praising the BYD for its fuel efficiency, big boot and competitive price tag.

As of the time of writing, we are waiting for more reviews to be published and to collect running cost estimations for the model before giving the car an Expert Rating score. Check back soon!

More BYD Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features

Dolphin G highlights

Plug-in hybrid powertrain unique in class
Class-leading efficiency and electric-only range
Big boot by supermini standards
Competitive pricing

Dolphin G lowlights

Slightly cramped rear seating
Entry-level model offers less battery range
Unrefined low speed ride quality
Sluggish when you put your foot down

Key specifications

Body style: Small hatchback
Engines: petrol plug-in hybrid
Price: From £23,990

Launched: Autumn 2026
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Featured reviews

“The plug-in hybrid BYD Dolphin G supermini is efficient, roomy, well-built and worthy of consideration as a first entry into electrified motoring.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 7 / 10

Read full review

The Car Expert

Andrew Charman

“The BYD Dolphin G is a small plug-in hybrid hatchback with impressive range, but it’s not as comfortable as a Toyota Yaris.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 8 / 10

Read full review

Carwow

Jamie Edkins

More reviews

Auto Express

Score: 7 / 10
“The BYD Dolphin G is a perfectly proficient little runaround that promises terrific value and a genuine USP in this segment: a plug-in hybrid powertrain. If that sort of arrangement appeals, then there’s plenty on offer to help you overlook its flaws.”
Author: Matt Robinson
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“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.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The BYD Dolphin G is a solid choice of small car that is easy to get on with and gets a class-topping boot. The unique prospect of being a plug-in hybrid supermini has the pull an impressive 65 miles of electric-only range and the flexibility of a petrol engine. Without this though, we’d look elsewhere for a more rewarding drive.”
Author: Amrit Kaur
Read review

Electrifying.com

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“In many ways, it looks and feels like an Atto 2 SUV but in a more traditional small car package.”
Author: James Batchelor
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The BYD Dolphin G is a sensible choice of small car with the unique draw of a plug-in hybrid powertrain in a supermini. It’s spacious with a big boot and, if running 65 miles on electric power alone while still having the flexibility of a petrol engine sounds good to you, it’s worth considering.”
Author: Amrit Kaur
Read review

The Independent

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Dolphin G DM-i is smooth, roomy, clever, very well equipped and possibly BYD’s most convincing European car yet. I’d buy one as a little runaround and probably end up using it for much more – I was hugely impressed by it.”
Author: Steve Fowler
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of September 2026, the BYD Dolphin G has not been assessed by Euro NCAP.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of September 2026, the BYD Dolphin G has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

No data yet

As of September 2026, we don’t have independently verified data available for the BYD Dolphin G. Check back again soon.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the BYD Dolphin G

BYD’s new car warranty is better than average, and better than rival brands in a similar price bracket as the Dolphin G.

The duration is six years, with a limit of 93,750 miles. In addition to the standard new car warranty, the plug-in hybrid has an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the BYD Dolphin G

As of September 2026, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the BYD Dolphin G. However, recall information is updated regularly, so this may have changed.

You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local BYD dealer.