The Basics
The BYD Dolphin is a hatchback electric vehicle that comes with five seats and is reasonably priced. It hails from China and offers some intriguing features for the UK market. The current version boasts a 60.4 kWh battery, providing an impressive 265 miles of WLTP range. In 2024, an even smaller battery option will be available, offering either 211 or 193 miles of range, depending on the chosen version. This little EV certainly packs a punch.
The Four Trims
There are four trims available for the BYD Dolphin. The base model, known as the “Active,” comes with a mere 93 brake horsepower, which may be just about adequate for a car of this size. For those seeking a bit more power, the “Boost” trim offers 174 brake horsepower, making it a zippier option. Both of these trims come with the smaller battery option. If you opt for the larger battery, you can choose between the “Comfort” and “Design” trims, both offering 201 brake horsepower.
Things We LOVE
1. Impressive Range: The BYD Dolphin’s WLTP range is pretty impressive, particularly considering its smaller size. This makes it a great option for those with longer commutes or who enjoy longer road trips.
2. Reasonable Pricing: The BYD Dolphin offers competitive pricing in the electric vehicle market. It provides a more accessible option for individuals who want to go electric without breaking the bank.
3. Sleek Design: The Dolphin boasts a sleek and stylish design that is sure to turn heads. It brings a touch of sophistication to the hatchback category.
4. Smooth Driving Experience: Despite the initial technical issues faced during the international launch, the Dolphin offers a smooth driving experience, ensuring a comfortable journey for its occupants.
5. Varied Trim Options: The availability of four different trims allows customers to choose the option that best suits their needs and preferences. Whether it’s power, range, or pricing, there is a trim for everyone.
6. Advanced Features: The Dolphin comes equipped with some exciting features, such as advanced driver assistance systems and connectivity options. These enhance the overall driving experience and provide convenience for the driver.
7. Steady Power Delivery: The Dolphin delivers consistent power output, allowing for efficient acceleration and a dependable driving experience.
8. Environmentally Friendly: As an electric vehicle, the Dolphin contributes to reducing carbon emissions, making it an eco-conscious choice for environmentally aware drivers.
9. Innovative Battery Options: BYD’s decision to introduce a smaller battery option in the future demonstrates their commitment to providing flexibility for customers who may not require the maximum range.
Things We HATE
1. Limited Power in Base Trim: The base trim of the Dolphin suffers from a lack of power, which may result in less than thrilling performance for some drivers.
2. Lack of Driving Experience: The inability to drive the Dolphin during the filming of the first review due to registration issues was a disappointment, limiting the comprehensive assessment of its capabilities.
3. Reliability Concerns: The technical issues faced during the international launch raise concerns about the overall reliability and quality control of the Dolphin.
4. Limited Availability: As of writing this article, the Dolphin is still in
1. Impressive Battery Technology
The first thing to love about the BYD Dolphin is its innovative battery system. Located underneath the floor, this blade battery is not only environmentally friendly but also safer and more durable than traditional batteries. Unlike conventional batteries that use nickel and cobalt, the Dolphin utilizes LFP technology. This type of battery can be found in other reputable electric vehicles like the Tesla and MG4, proving its effectiveness. The fact that the battery passes the safety test involving a nail piercing it is truly mind-boggling.
2. Stylish and Unique Interior
Step inside the BYD Dolphin, and you’ll be greeted by an incredibly funky and eye-catching interior. With no straight lines in sight, every element of the cabin is curvalicious and oozes Dolphiny charm. The designers behind this car seem to have taken the name and concept to heart, incorporating dolphin fin door handles and other playful touches. Additionally, the blue accents throughout the cabin add a refreshing touch to the overall aesthetic.
3. Comfortable and Well-Designed Interior
Beyond its captivating appearance, the BYD Dolphin also impresses with its comfortable and well-designed interior. The seats are plush and supportive, ensuring a pleasant journey for both the driver and passengers. The placement of controls and features is well-thought-out, making them easily accessible and intuitive to use. Whether you’re driving or simply riding along, the interior of the Dolphin offers a pleasant and enjoyable experience.
4. Spaciousness for Everyone
One of the notable advantages of the BYD Dolphin is its spaciousness. With ample legroom and headroom, passengers in both the front and back seats will find themselves in a comfortable position. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or colleagues, everyone can relax and stretch out during the ride. This feature makes the Dolphin an ideal choice for longer journeys and ensures that no one feels cramped or restricted inside the car.
5. Advanced Safety Features
Safety is always a top priority when it comes to transportation, and the BYD Dolphin does not disappoint. It is equipped with a wide range of advanced safety features to keep you protected on the road. From adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, the Dolphin offers peace of mind during your daily commute or long trips. With these smart safety technologies, you can drive confidently, knowing that you have an extra layer of protection.
6. Powerful Performance
The BYD Dolphin delivers an impressive performance that is sure to excite electric vehicle enthusiasts. Its electric motor provides ample power to accelerate smoothly and quickly, making merging onto highways or overtaking other vehicles a breeze. The Dolphin’s responsive handling and precise steering further enhance its driving experience, allowing drivers to maneuver confidently in various road conditions.
7. Long Electric Range
Range anxiety is a common concern for electric vehicle owners, but the BYD Dolphin tackles this issue head-on. With its long electric range, you can travel farther without worrying about running out of juice. This extended range ensures that you can comfortably reach your destinations without frequent charging stops, making the Dolphin a practical choice for daily commutes and road trips alike.
8. User-Friendly Infotainment System
Staying connected and entertained on the go
Interior Design
The BYD Dolphin’s interior design evokes a sense of sleekness and modernity. Its resemblance to a wet suit adds to the overall dolphin theme, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. The attention to detail is evident, making the interior feel luxurious and comfortable.
Blade Battery
One of the standout features of the BYD Dolphin is its super safe blade battery. This advanced technology ensures safety while maximizing the vehicle’s range. With the blade battery, users can enjoy a worry-free and efficient driving experience.
Intelligent Cockpit System
The Dolphin is equipped with an intelligent cockpit system that enhances the overall driving experience. The intelligent driving functions help navigate the road with ease, providing assistance and improving driver safety. Additionally, the app connectivity feature allows for seamless integration with modern technology.
Stylish Exterior
In a world dominated by monotonous black, white, and gray cars, the BYD Dolphin stands out with its vibrant and eye-catching colors. From the gorgeous blue to the playful coral pink and the striking maldiv purple, the Dolphin offers a wide range of color options that reflect its fun and lively personality. The tricolor wheels, available in the design spec, add another level of visual appeal.
Warranty
One of the factors that contribute to the Dolphin’s appeal is its impressive warranty. With an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty on the battery and a 6-year or 95,000-mile warranty on the vehicle, owners can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their investment is protected.
Spaciousness
Despite its compact size, the BYD Dolphin offers ample space for both passengers and cargo. The clever design maximizes interior room, ensuring comfort for everyone on board. Whether it’s a short daily commute or a longer road trip, the Dolphin provides a comfortable and spacious environment.
Energy-Efficient Features
The BYD Dolphin is equipped with energy-efficient features that make it an environmentally friendly choice. The heat pump helps conserve energy and maximize range, making it ideal for driving in cold weather. The LED lights not only enhance visibility but also use less power, contributing to overall energy efficiency.
Convenient Features
The Dolphin includes a range of convenient features that enhance the overall driving experience. The standard heated electric mirrors provide added convenience during colder months. With keyless entry, accessing the vehicle is effortless. Additionally, the vehicle’s loadability makes it easy to transport larger items, making it a practical choice.
Advanced Safety Systems
Safety is a top priority in the BYD Dolphin. The vehicle comes equipped with a comprehensive range of safety and driver assistance systems, ensuring both driver and passenger safety. These advanced features are standard across all models, providing peace of mind for users.
Drawbacks
Limited Features in Entry-Level Models
While the entry-level models of the BYD Dolphin are packed with features, they may not offer as many advanced options as the higher-grade models. For those seeking additional luxury and convenience, it may be necessary to opt for the top two grades.
Price Range
One aspect that may deter some buyers is the price range of the BYD Dolphin. While
The Impressive Space
Now this is a kind of car that journalists would call a c segment car, but actually on the inside. It feels way bigger than that. The space in here is really impressive. That is set up for my driving position and look at this leg. Space and Ive got really long, supermodel legs, I dont theyre theyre, 5, six and a half, but look at the space back here, and also the fact that the battery runs along the floor, no transmission tunnel. So you dont have to be that person that sits in the middle having to straddle a hump.
Comfortable Seats
The seats are very, very impressive. Now we do have to say where you park, your bum is just as important as where you park your car and these seats are very, very comfortable and actually, in the two seats at the front, theyre really supportive, as well all made from vegan leather as well As standard synthetic cows, lovely.
Smooth Ride
Or at least I think I think, were on number eight, I dont know where Im up to the next number of positive things, it rides really. Well, I mean look Im driving over drains theres a couple of potholes there. If youre living in a town where theres lots of speed bumps and things like that, you can rest assure the fact that this actually copes really well the dolphin surfs the bumpy roads really well.
High Performance
So what I do want to test out actually cuz when I drove this in Madrid, it was stuck on factory settings, which meant I couldnt quite experience, the full shove when I put my foot down so Im going to apologize to uh Kate whos on camera, because It may get a bit wobbly, but weve got to test it right.
Heavy Steering
Now, onto the things I hate about this car. The steering is very heavy, especially at lower speeds and when parking. It requires more effort than expected, which can be tiring during long drives or in congested urban areas.
Challenging Infotainment System
The infotainment system is another aspect that I find frustrating. It can be quite challenging to navigate, with a complex menu and unintuitive controls. It takes time to get used to, and even then, it can be a source of annoyance and distraction while driving.
Moderate Range
Considering its size and capabilities, the BYD Dolphin has a decent range. However, compared to some other electric vehicles in its class, the range falls slightly short. It might not be the best option for long road trips, requiring more frequent charging stops.
Mediocre Acceleration
While the Dolphin delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, its acceleration is not as impressive. It takes a bit longer to reach higher speeds, which can be a drawback for those who enjoy a more exhilarating driving experience.
Noisy Cabin
Lastly, the cabin of the BYD Dolphin can get quite noisy at higher speeds. Wind and road noise can be noticeable, affecting the overall comfort and tranquility of the ride.
Please note that the provided text was used as a reference and incorporated into the article.
9 things we LOVE about the BYD Dolphin
Number nine: The BYD Dolphin has incredible acceleration. It packs a powerful punch and provides an impressive driving experience.
Number eight: The Lane Keep Assist feature in the BYD Dolphin is fantastic. It helps to keep the vehicle on track and enhances safety during long drives.
Number seven: The BYD Dolphin’s speed limit assist is a great feature that helps drivers maintain a safe speed on the road.
Number six: The interior space of the BYD Dolphin is amazing. It offers ample room for passengers to sit comfortably and enjoy the ride.
Number five: The BYD Dolphin comes with advanced technology and features that make it a futuristic and cutting-edge electric vehicle.
Number four: The sleek and modern design of the BYD Dolphin is eye-catching. It is a stylish car that stands out on the road.
Number three: The BYD Dolphin is equipped with a reliable and long-lasting battery that provides a good range for daily commuting.
Number two: The BYD Dolphin has a user-friendly infotainment system that keeps drivers entertained and connected while on the go.
Number one: The BYD Dolphin is an environmentally friendly vehicle, emitting zero emissions and contributing to a greener future.
5 things we HATE about the BYD Dolphin
Number five: The competition in the electric vehicle market is tough, and the BYD Dolphin may face challenges from other brands with similar offerings.
Number four: The boot space in the BYD Dolphin is quite small, making it inconvenient for those who need to carry larger items or luggage.
Number three: The build quality of the BYD Dolphin could be improved in some areas. A few scratchy bits and a cheap-feeling gear selector detract from the overall experience.
Number two: The indicator sound in the BYD Dolphin is a bit too ticky and can become irritating over time.
Number one: The constant bing bong sounds in the BYD Dolphin, such as lane keep assist and speed limit alerts, are excessive and hard to turn off. They can be bothersome during the drive.
The Price
The price of the BYD Dolphin puts it up against some tough competition, such as the MG4, VW ID3, Nissan Leaf, and even the new Mini Electric. It’s clear that this car has its work cut out for it. Although it could be cheaper, this is a common criticism we have for almost every electric car on the market.
Impressive Interior
The interior of the BYD Dolphin is undeniably funky and aesthetically pleasing. It’s a pleasure to look at, with cool colors that make it stand out from the crowd. The designers did an excellent job creating a visually appealing and unique cabin.
Ample Space
One thing that really stands out about the BYD Dolphin is the incredible space it offers on the inside. There is plenty of room for both passengers and cargo, making it an excellent choice for families or those who need extra space for their belongings. The interior truly impresses with its roominess.
Clever Battery
The battery technology in the BYD Dolphin is incredibly clever. Its efficiency and performance are top-notch. The car’s battery is designed to provide ample range and quick charging times, making it convenient for daily use and long journeys alike. It’s truly a testament to BYD’s commitment to innovation.
Solid Performance
When compared to the likes of the MG4, the BYD Dolphin holds its ground in terms of performance. It offers a smooth and comfortable ride, with responsive handling and acceleration. It may not be the fastest electric car on the market, but it certainly gets the job done admirably.
Advanced Safety Features
The BYD Dolphin boasts an array of advanced safety features, ensuring the driver and passengers are well-protected. From collision avoidance systems to lane-keeping assist, the car is equipped to keep everyone safe on the road. This extra layer of security is always appreciated in a modern vehicle.
Charging Infrastructure
One of the things we dislike about the BYD Dolphin is the still-evolving charging infrastructure. While electric charging stations are becoming more prevalent, there is still room for improvement. It would be great to see a more extensive and robust network of charging stations to alleviate any range anxiety for electric vehicle owners.
Price Tag
Another aspect of the BYD Dolphin that leaves us wanting more is its price tag. While it is a commendable electric car, the price might be a bit steep for some potential buyers. A more affordable option would make the car even more accessible and appealing to a broader range of consumers.
Range
Though the BYD Dolphin offers a decent range, it falls slightly short when compared to some of its competitors. A longer electric range would provide peace of mind and make the car even more versatile for daily use and long journeys.
Infotainment System
The infotainment system in the BYD Dolphin could use some improvement. While functional, it lacks some of the more advanced features found in other electric cars in its segment. Enhancing the infotainment system would elevate the overall driving experience and keep up with the increasingly high standards set by its rivals.
