Choosing a spec for a Dolphin supermini is as simple as ABC, says Chinese electric car maker BYD (Build your Dreams). Well, you should make that as simple as ABC and D with the launch of two new trim levels. The Active and Boost compact hatch models join the Comfort and Design specs (ABCD, geddit?), but come with a smaller battery. All are smart with excellent standard equipment, are spacious and offer decent range. All are well specified and there are also a couple of innovative features like the tablet-style info screen that can swivel to landscape or portrait, depending on your preference. A bit like you mobile phone. Prices start from £26,195 for the Active and £27,165 for the Boost which have a 44.9kWh battery as opposed to the 60.4 kWh output of the existing models Comfort and Dynamic models. The range for the Dolphin Active on a full charge is 211 miles with the Boost, which has a more powerful motor capable of up to 193 miles. It can also power normal AC equipment via its Vehicle to Load (VtoL) technology
In the Active version, the battery is paired with a 95PS motor and can be charged using AC power up to 7kW or by DC power up to 65kW. The Boost version features a 176PS motor and can be charged using an 11kW AC (3-phase) charger or by DC power up to 65kW. On both models a 100 kW DC charger can top up the battery from 30 to 80 per cent in 28 minutes. It’s a decent size, accommodating five and features heated and powered vegan leather sports seats. The rear seats provide ample legroom, and when split increase boot space from 345-litres to 1,310 litres. The vehicle also includes over 20 practical storage spaces. Another premium touch is the panoramic camera provides the driver with 360-degree visibility for safe vehicle manoeuvring. On the road, both are quick, as electric cars are, although the Boost offers a bit more grunt. The Active feeling hits 60mph in a shade over 12 seconds, the Boost a little quicker. All Dolphin models feature a comprehensive list of safety kit. They are good value for money and boast about being the fastest growing brand in the UK. Well that depends on your starting point. But they do have plenty to offer. The Chinese are serious players in the EV market with BYD, MG and now Ora. The traditional brands need to keep on top of their game to compete.
It’s hard to imagine this classy executive saloon which has been around for a while now, getting any bigger. But it is bigger, better, more technologically advanced and yes, diesel power is still available.
At a start price of just under £40k, it’s obviously not cheap. But it’s a Merc, a highly desirable hunk of metal that brings plenty of kudos. The latest E-Class available with four trim levels – Sport, AMG Line, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus, with two diesel and two petrol in the E 200, E 450 4MATIC, E 220 d and E 400 d 4MATIC.
Two EQ Power plug-in hybrid and two Mercedes-AMG models are also available as Mercedes says choosing to keep the electric Mercedes EQE and combustion-engined E-Class apart. balances tradition with modernity and ‘build a bridge’ between traditional exec saloons and the tech-filled EVs of the future.
Righto. That’s clear then.
Anyway, it looks good, as it always has, and this model features a hugely refined two-litre diesel power unit, delivering, as you would expect from a diesel, excellent economy of approaching 59mpg.
For the first time it uses mild hybrid technology via an integrated starter-generator (ISG) producing up to 15 kW of additional output and 200 Nm more torque. It delivers a meaty 197hp through the slick-shifting 9G-Tronic automatic transmission. So refined is the diesel, I had to do a double take to make sure the right car had been delivered as diesel clatter was just about absent. It looks good, the sleek, but powerful lines remain, enhanced by the new front end with increased chrome content on a grille that now features chrome plated dots with the so-familiar three-pointed Mercedes star.
This range-topper featured AMG bodystyling, powered sliding roof, privacy glass, LED intelligent headlights and a new bumper for a sportier look while at the rear there is also a new bumper, two-section tail lights with a new internal design and a new boot lid.
All feature all-LED technology and its rounded off with smart 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels The interior is the best yet. Exuding a premium feel, there is extra headspace, with the driver enjoying five millimetres more headroom than in the preceding model.
The rear passengers also benefit from the two centimetre longer wheelbase increasing head and leg room by 10 and 17 millimetres, respectively. It offers creature comforts through mostly high end materials, like the open-pore ash wood trim, multi-function steering wheel and brilliant hi-tech touches.
The climatised front leather seats are powered with simple buttons on the door to adjust to the optimum driving position. The cabin is dominated by the huge central touchscreen on this model known as the ‘superscreen’ which is a 14.4 inches central display, a 12.3 inch driver display and on this model another 12.3 inch screen for the front passenger, while the driver’s digital instruments are only slightly more compact, at 12.3 inches.
On Premium Plus models these two screens are augmented by a third display for the front-seat passenger, also measuring 12.3 inches. This allows for downloading games and apps, and also using the system without disturbing the central screen for the driver. The main screen controls major functions like navigation and the MBUX infotainment system, including a quality bass-heavy Burmester 4D Surround Sound system and 5G smartphone connectivity.
The MBUX system uses AI to learn and adapt and predict your personal habits, such as navigation for frequently-driven routes, or the radio station you like to listen to on your way home from work. As you would expect for a car of this price it is packed with clever electronic wizardry including the relaxing digital ambient mood light with brilliant graphics and a panoramic glass sunroof. It is pretty user friendly and combines various apps.
On the road, the car can be pretty much what you want it to be. A long-range refined and comfortable cruiser, but with enough pace and acceleration for a more sporty drive, or an around town exec saloon. Ramp up the pace and it hits the 60mph in a rapid 7.5 seconds.
It’s a big car but the handling is good, holding well on twisty narrow lanes. But above all it is comfortable with Merc’s Agility Control lowered suspension with selective damping system soaking up all but the worst our roads can offer. Mercedes has always been at the cutting edge of safety technology and the E-Class is packed with passive and active measures.
Parking package with reversing camera and Parking Assist, Active Distance Assist Traffic Sign Assist, Active Brake Assist, dashcam, blind spot monitor and, importantly, rear cross traffic alert.
In practical terms, the boot capacity is generous with up to 540 litres with various other cubby holes. Prices start from £39,680 OTR for E 220 d Sport Saloon and £41,680 for the E 220 d Sport Estate.
This range topper had an eye-watering price tag of more than £68k. But it’s some car.
Factfile
Mercedes Benz 220d AMG Line Premium Plus Saloon
Price: £68,485
Mechanical: 197hp, 1,993cc four cylinder mild hybrid petrol engine driving rear wheels via nine-speed auto box
On the road 