By Sagar Parikh & Shrawan Raja
On first look, the BYD Dolphin might not be all that appealing with its quirky exterior, but overall, it fits the bill for many urban commuters and buyers looking for a second car.
Intrigued by its spacious and feature-loaded cabin, we spent some time with the electric small car to see if it is still a sensible option, about 4.5 years after its global reveal. Here are some interesting observations we made:
Design
The BYD Dolphin’s exterior embodies the brand’s Ocean Aesthetics design language, and in a market where many buyers prefer more understated, conservative designs, its funky look may not appeal to everyone.
BYD says the front and rear lights depict the dynamic motion of dolphins breaching out of the ocean, and while we didn’t really get the same impression, the car’s assertive and techy appearance will make some heads turn.
The sharp crease lines lend the BYD Dolphin’s side profile a bit of sophistication. By contrast, the 16-inch wheels look disappointingly derivative, bearing a striking resemblance to the VW ID.3’s Sanya alloys and reviving memories of BYD’s pre-EV era, when its designs were widely accused of imitating established rivals.
Interior
Moving to the cabin, a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system controls most vehicle functions, and while it has a landscape orientation, we noticed that it can be rotated 90 degrees into a portrait format.
Key functions sit on tactile slider switchgear in the centre console. Storage solutions include large door pockets, a central covered cubby, a hollowed tray beneath the driver display, and multiple smaller compartments around the cabin.
BYD says there are more than 20 storage spaces in total. The car we saw wasn’t equipped with a full-sized panoramic glass roof, but the company does offer that feature on the top trim, along with additional features like a 50-watt wireless smartphone charger and heated and ventilated front seats.
Our observations in the BYD Dolphin
Even as a six-footer, getting into the BYD Dolphin is easy because the electrically adjustable seats help me find a position quickly. Once I’m inside, the benefits of a dedicated EV platform become clear. Space feels generous for a compact hatchback, and I see multiple storage areas under and ahead of the centre console.
I can place a bag under the console, keep a phone or wallet in the upper box, use the charging mat, and access the cupholders and an additional phone tray. Headroom is just adequate for my height.
The seats have integrated headrests and give solid back support with reasonable under-thigh support. The ocean-themed interior looks distinctive without feeling excessive.
The centre console has physical knobs and buttons for drive modes, traction settings, and HVAC controls, along with digital options on the screen. The small digital instrument cluster shows all the information I need without stretching across the dashboard. The door release is designed as a clip-style extension on the door card, which I find unique.
Moving to the rear, the flat floor shows that this is not a conversion EV. Three average-sized adults could fit with some compromise. Knee room is good with the front set for a six-footer, and headroom is acceptable.
I also notice two USB ports and three adjustable headrests. Material quality and colour execution feel well done, though I wouldn’t characterise the cabin as premium.
Specifications
The BYD Dolphin measures 4,290 mm in length, 1,770 mm in width, and 1,570 mm in height and has a 2,700 mm wheelbase. The compact car offers 345 litres of boot space, expandable to 1,310 litres by folding the rear seat.
BYD offers the Dolphin in the UK with a 60.4 kWh LFP battery pack and a front-mounted motor that produces 150 kW (201 bhp) and 290 Nm (214 lb.-ft.) of torque. The car reaches 62 mph in seven seconds flat and can keep speeding up till 99 mph. It delivers a WLTP range of 265 miles.
Price
The BYD Dolphin is available in the UK in Comfort and Design trims, priced at GBP 31,705 and GBP 30,205, respectively.
Since 2014, I’ve worked as an international automotive editor, attending global motor shows, industry events, media drives, and tracking the latest developments across the sector, with a particular focus on electrified vehicles.
