BYD Dolphin

The BYD Dolphin is a small electric car that aims to make zero-emission motoring more accessible than ever. It’s the entry point into BYD’s growing European range, but despite its budget-friendly price tag, the Dolphin doesn’t skimp on features.

With four trim levels, two battery sizes and surprising standard equipment even in the base model, the Dolphin is shaping up to be a compelling rival to the MG4 EV, Dacia Spring, Cupra Born and Peugeot e-208.

Design: slick and simple

The BYD Dolphin might be the brand’s smallest EV in Europe, but its design makes a smart first impression. You get sleek lines, a floating roof, and a modern light bar at the rear. Higher trims come with two-tone paint and sporty alloy wheels, while even the entry-level version doesn’t look barebones.

Interior: techy and well-equipped

Climb inside and you’ll find a minimalist but well-built cabin. All versions of the Dolphin come with a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen, vegan leather upholstery, and even electrically adjustable front seats. There’s also a 360-degree camera included as standard – not bad for a budget EV.

The infotainment system looks sharp, responds well to touch, and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although they work only in landscape mode. There’s a voice command system too, and even a karaoke feature with lyrics on the screen and a microphone in some markets.

Storage is thoughtful, with wireless charging on top trims, USB ports front and back, and plenty of cupholders. Material quality won’t wow you, but it feels solid and fit for purpose.

Space and practicality

For a car this size, space is impressive. There’s plenty of legroom and headroom in the back, helped by the flat floor. Adults over 1.8 metres tall will fit comfortably in the back, although three adults abreast will be a squeeze – typical of cars in this class.

You get three ISOFIX mounting points – two in the back and one on the front passenger seat. Rear passengers also get a pair of USB ports and decent storage. Boot space stands at 345 litres, or 1,310 litres with the rear seats folded down. There’s a useful split-level floor, but no frunk up front.

Performance and driving

There are four versions: Active, Boost, Comfort, and Design. Entry-level Active cars get a 44.9 kWh battery and a modest 95 hp motor, which is enough for a 0–100 km/h time of around 12.3 seconds. Boost keeps the same battery but upgrades to 176 hp, which drops the 0–100 time to under 7 seconds.

Comfort and Design get the larger 60.4 kWh battery and a more powerful 204 hp motor, offering the best performance and range. Comfort adds heated front seats and better audio, while Design throws in a panoramic glass roof, wireless phone charging, and rear privacy glass.

The Dolphin drives well in town, with light steering and good visibility. It’s quiet, smooth, and composed, although the suspension can feel a bit firm over sharper bumps.

Charging and range

Active and Boost models come with a 44.9 kWh battery, offering up to 340 km (Active) and 310 km (Boost) WLTP range. Comfort and Design feature a 60.4 kWh battery with up to 427 km of range.

Active and Boost models support DC fast charging up to 65 kW, allowing a 30–80% top-up in under 30 minutes, and 10-80% in under 40 minutes. Comfort And Design support fast charging up to 88 kW with similar top-up time as Active and Boost. AC charging is either 7 kW (Active) or 11 kW (other trims).

Worth noting: The BYD Dolphin comes with a 6-year or 150,000 km general warranty, and an 8-year or 200,000 km battery warranty – a strong offering in this price bracket.

The BYD Dolphin: Should you buy it?

If you’re after an affordable electric hatchback with loads of equipment, solid range and smart packaging, the BYD Dolphin makes a compelling case. It might not be the most dynamic to drive, but with up to 427 km of range, a well-equipped cabin and keen pricing, it punches above its weight.

Pricing of the BYD Dolphin in Europe