BYD is one of the most recognisable names of the moment, with this Chinese brand’s cars becoming a common sight on our roads. Though BYD has only started selling cars here relatively recently, it is already a popular brand and we offer many of its cars here at My Electric Lease.

It’s set to expand its range further, too, with the new Dolphin G DM-i. It’s a compact B-segment car, but one which has far more tech on board than you might expect. Let’s check it out.

Plug-in hybrid powertrain

If there’s one thing that BYD has become known for above all else, it’s electrification. After all, BYD started out as a battery company and today its expertise in this area is integrated into all of its cars, including the new Dolphin G DM-i, which gets a plug-in hybrid setup as standard.

Though it does have a 1.5-litre petrol engine, the Dolphin G’s setup has been designed to work primarily as an electric vehicle, with the combustion engine working as a generator for the battery and motors. BYD says that on big-battery models, you could get up to 65 miles of electric-only driving, alongside consumption of 201.7mpg. When you combine petrol and electric power, you could get up to 646 miles, too.

Compact proportions

The BYD Dolphin G has been designed to offer compact proportions which will help to make it easy to live with and simple to park. In fact, it measures some 170mm shorter than the BYD Atto 2, which is currently the brand’s smallest model.

Despite this, it’s still a practical option. There’s a 425-litre boot with a 45-litre underfloor storage area for cables, while the whole area can be increased to 1,225 litres by folding down the rear seats. The boxy design of the whole car should mean that there’s plenty of headroom, too.

Loads of technology

BYD has kitted the Dolphin G out with all of its latest equipment, ensuring that it has all of the features that drivers could want. There’s an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel for one, joined by an infotainment screen of either 10.1 or 12.8 inches, depending on the specification you choose.

There’s a comprehensive range of safety features equipped as standard, too. Highlights include adaptive cruise control, emergency lane keep assistance and front and rear cross traffic alert. It’s included on all models, too, regardless of specification.

Plenty of standard equipment

BYD is well-known for its standard equipment levels and that’s no different for the Dolphin G. There are four trim levels - Active, Boost, Comfort and Sport - and even entry-level Active cars get the dual screen setup as mentioned earlier, as well as 16-inch alloy wheels and front and rear parking sensors.

Boost adds the larger battery with its headline electric-only range, alongside the larger 12.8-inch infotainment system. You also get heated front seats and high-power smartphone wireless charging. Comfort introduces a head-up display, panoramic roof and a 360-degree parking camera. Top-level Sport cars get a similar arrangement to Comfort, but add 18-inch alloy wheels and an eye-catching two-tone design for the interior.

Futuristic design

There are loads of great design touches on the outside to take in, too. Despite being compact, the Dolphin G has been designed to make an entrance with its ‘floating’ roof and full-width light bar at the rear, with a compact boot spoiler housing a third brake light.

All cars get LED tailights as standard, too, so you’ll make an impression even at night.

The BYD Dolphin G DM-i should be heading on sale soon and here at My Electric Lease, we’ll be sure to have the very best deals on it when it does.