Tricked by the BYD Dolphin?: An Honest Analysis of the Compact Electric Car
Compact-sized BYD Dolphin undergoing evaluation
By Patrick Broich | More Info | Facebook | Twitter | WhatsApp | Email | Print | Copy Link |
BYD's confusing nomenclature is a headache for potential customers. A brand new model, the Dolphin Surf, has recently entered the market, but the older, less sporty Dolphin is still available. ntv.de takes a spin in the latter.
If you're intrigued by a BYD, the brand offers affordable and satisfactory products – it's a decent fit. However, BYD is a young manufacturer with a large learning curve, and purchasing an early model may leave you with a touch of Chinese charm. The newer models, on the other hand, are more appealing to European consumers.
Confusion reigns as BYD introduced the Dolphin Surf in Europe. Though technically a new model, it's been around since 2023, whereas the Dolphin discussed here has been available since 2021. With only two years of development, expect the older Dolphin to appear more modest in design and less standout than the Surf. Though it's not an SUV, its 1.57-meter height offers some headroom.
Jumping into the driver's seat, the designers' attempts at a cool aesthetic fall short for European standards. The central console with buttons for everyday functions and the gearshift lever may look novel on paper but could use better execution. The same criticism applies to the seats – decent for a compact car, but the BYD website lacks complexity, and the starting price of 32,990 euros may give you a shock.
The base model offers 204 PS, which is slightly more powerful than some competitors. But beware, the test car is equipped with a 60 kWh battery pack, and the standard battery is smaller with less power. In the digital configurator, only the higher-end variants appear, but there are indeed lower-powered and economy versions with more relaxed range.
The BYD Dolphin offers a decent range, but it's not a charging monster. Rated at over 300 kilometers of range, the vehicle struggles to surpass 250 kilometers in cold weather. On the upside, BYD doesn't exaggerate charging times, with a promising 40 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%.
Is the BYD Dolphin a Speed Demon?
With its 204 horsepower, the Dolphin is no slouch. However, the front tires can struggle with the sudden torque, producing slightly jerky acceleration. The suspension may need improvements for better ride quality, but the 1.7-ton car manages to race from 0–100 km/h in 7 seconds.
The BYD Dolphin offers adequate interior space, with a wheelbase of 2.70 meters and 2.47m tall headroom. However, the 345 liters of trunk space may not satisfy everyone in a car that's already near the segment's length (4.29 meters). On the plus side, the Dolphin's adaptive cruise control functions well, keeping it cruising at speed and providing long-distance capability.
With the base price at 32,990 euros, the Dolphin seems pricey compared to mature European competitors. However, the Dolphin Surf aims to undercut the competition with an entry-level price under £19,000. As the older Dolphin improves, it may grow more attractive compared to the more performance-focused Surf.
In conclusion, the BYD Dolphin is a decent electric car with potential for improvement. European competitors may outshine the Dolphin, but as BYD continues along its learning curve, exciting developments are on the horizon for the Dolphin and other BYD models.
The following are the main categories of workers: technological specialists, lifestyle enthusiasts, and automotive aficionados. These groups might show interest in the BYD Dolphin, as its technology, design, and automotive features cater to their gadget-focused and vehicle-centric preferences. With the increasing popularity of electric-vehicles and the growing demand for sustainable transportation options, workers in these categories could find the BYD Dolphin an appealing choice for their daily commutes and lifestyle needs.
