Test Drive: BYD Dolphin – A Compact EV Full of Surprises

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to test drive the BYD Dolphin, one of the smaller EV models offered by BYD. While it might look like a typical subcompact vehicle, its fully electric design allows for exceptional interior space utilization. My time was limited to about an hour, so I couldn’t dive too deep into every feature. However, the minimalistic design ensures that everything you need is easy to find, making the driving experience straightforward and enjoyable.

First Impressions

From the outside, the Dolphin’s design isn’t flashy but fits perfectly into the urban environment. This car is made for daily use: commuting to work, school runs, or grocery shopping. Its compact size makes it ideal for tight parking spaces and effortless maneuvering in city streets.

Specifications of the Tested Model

Model: BYD Dolphin Design
•Power: 150 kW
•0-100 km/h: 7 seconds
•Battery: 60.48 kWh
•Consumption (WLTP): 15.9 kWh/100 km
•Range (WLTP): 427 km
•Color: Urban Grey/Skiing White
•Notable Features: Intelligent voice control, 12.8” rotating touchscreen, full 360° camera, FWD, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function.
•Price: 35,758€ tax included

Warranty Details:
•Battery: 8 years/200,000 km or 70% SOH
•Electric Transmission (ECU): 8 years/150,000 km
•General: 6 years/150,000 km
•Corrosion: 12 years/unlimited mileage

Interior and Features

The Dolphin’s interior is surprisingly spacious and well-designed for a car of this size.
•Seats: Comfortable, covered with vegan leather, and fully electric.
•Displays: A large 12.8” touchscreen serves as the central control hub, while a smaller digital instrument cluster provides essential driving information. The screen’s responsiveness is good, although some menu options may take a bit of time to learn.
•Panoramic Glass Roof: The Design version includes a panoramic glass roof with an automatic sunshade, adding to the sense of spaciousness.
•Rear Seats & Trunk: The rear seats offer good legroom, and the trunk space ranges from 345 liters to 1,310 liters with the 60:40 split rear seats folded flat. However, there is no frunk.

Driving Experience

To start the Dolphin, press the Start/Stop button and use the center console knob to select Drive or Reverse. The car offers three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Eco.
•Acceleration: The Dolphin delivers a swift 0-100 km/h in just 7 seconds, making it dynamic on city streets and capable on highways. Joining motorway traffic was effortless thanks to its quick acceleration.
•Handling & Suspension: The suspension strikes a good balance—neither too soft nor too hard—and absorbs road bumps effectively. Steering is precise, making it easy to navigate tight corners.
•Noise Levels: While quiet in the city, wind noise becomes noticeable on the motorway.

Energy Consumption

I covered around 40 km in mixed conditions and achieved an average consumption of 19.6 kWh/100 km. Cold weather likely contributed to slightly higher energy use due to battery and cabin heating.

Additional Highlights
•Heat Pump System: Standard across the lineup, it efficiently utilizes residual heat for cabin temperature control, improving range in colder climates.
•360° Camera: Useful for both parking and on-road visuals.
•Navigation System: While route calculation takes some time, its accuracy is commendable.

Overall Impressions

The BYD Dolphin offers exceptional value for its price, with a blend of practicality, performance, and advanced features rarely seen in this price range. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable, city-friendly electric vehicle.

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