From the second the brand-new BYD Dolphin turned up at our dealership, it is clear that it is more than just an Electric Vehicle (EV); it's a great sized, and very affordable compact small car.

However, are its compact design and modern features appealing particularly to city drivers and small families?

In our BYD Dolphin car review, we will delve deep into every aspect of the vehicle, from its design and technology to its performance and market impact, to find out if this is the best small electric car you can buy for your money.

So let's find out if this is one of the best cars you can buy, especially if you are looking for small city cars for your money and budget.

Table of Contents

• Top Reasons to Buy This Car?
• Who is BYD?
• Models
• Exterior
• Engine and Powertrain
• Pricing
• Comparable Cars
• BYD Dolphin vs. BYD Atto 3 and BYD Seal
• BYD Dolphin Final Thoughts
• Related Car News, New Car Reviews & Car Buying Guides
• Who is Hartwell?

Top Reasons to Buy This Car?

✅ The BYD Dolphin is very competitively priced and comes in at a great price point - making it one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market, especially for first-time EV buyers.

✅ With its lithium iron phosphate battery, the Dolphin offers you a real-world WLTP range of up to 265 miles - making it very suitable for both daily commuting and longer trips to afield as well.

✅ The Dolphin supports fast charging, allowing the battery to charge from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes using DC fast chargers - reducing your downtime and getting you back on the road quickly.

✅The Dolphin’s low running costs, including reduced maintenance and fuel expenses, make it a very economical choice for budget-conscious drivers as well.

✅ Equipped with safety technologies like Lane Departure Warning, Emergency Braking, and Lane-keep Assist, the Dolphin really does come packed full of tech.

✅ Despite being a compact car, the Dolphin offers you a surprisingly spacious interior with comfortable front and rear seats - making it a practical choice for families as well.

Who is BYD?

Founded in 1995, BYD (Build Your Dreams) has grown from a rechargeable battery company into a major player in the global electric vehicle scene.

With a strong focus on battery range and performance, BYD has positioned itself as a leader, especially for more affordable EVs - aiming to make electric mobility accessible to all, not the few.

Consequently, the company's vision is to create a more zero-emission future, and the Dolphin plays a crucial role in achieving this goal.

The BYD Dolphin comes in one of 4 main models, which consist of, for instance:

• BYD Dolphin Active with a 44.9 kWh battery and 70 kW motor, with a range of 211 miles
• BYD Dolphin Boost with a 44.9 kWh battery and 130 kW motor, with a range of 195 miles
• BYD Dolphin Comfort with a 60.5 kWh battery and 150 kW motor, with a range of 265 miles
• BYD Dolphin Design with a 60.5 kWh battery and 150 kW motor, with a panoramic roof, rear privacy glass, and dual-tone exterior paint

Exterior

One of the things we first thought about when we saw the Dolphin was that the design of the BYD dolphin is a great cross of modern looks and design elements, with very functional efficiency and range.

Front View

At the front, for instance, one of the first things you will notice is that the BYD Dolphin presents a very sleek and contemporary look, rivalling that of many of the more established car brands.

LED Headlights

For instance, the car features sharp LED headlights that not only enhance your visibility on the road really well but also add to the car’s very futuristic look.

Grille

The grille is minimalistic, in line with the EV design language, and contributes to the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency and, therefore, the range it can get on a full battery pack.

Front Bumper

The front bumper then fits in very subtly, with air intakes that improve your airflow while also adding a touch of sportiness to the overall design as well as feel.

Side Profile

Moving to the side, the Dolphin’s compact dimensions are more than evident, making it an ideal choice for city driving.

Bodywork

This is then supported by nice, smooth, flowing lines of the bodywork - which also help to add practical features that enhance the car’s aerodynamic profile - helping to reduce drag and improve your energy performance as well.

Alloy Wheels

The car also sits on some very stylish alloy wheels, which add a sense of dynamism to the side profile.

Door Handles

The door handles are sleek and flush with the body, contributing to the clean, uncluttered look - similar to what you get in the Tesla Model 3's design, for instance.

Wing Mirrors

The Dolphin’s wing mirrors are also aerodynamically designed to minimise wind resistance and road noise, while also further enhancing the vehicle’s overall efficiency, as a result.

Rear View

Moving to the rear of the BYD Dolphin, one of the things you will spot is how equally well-designed it is, with a clear focus on modern styling and practicality - that is more than evident.

Distinctive Rearlights

The rear features distinctive rear lights that wrap around the sides, creating a very cohesive and streamlined look on the whole.

Rear Bumper

The bumper also comes across very strong, providing you with a sense of stability and protection while on the road and when stationary.

Rear Window

The rear window is also framed by a spoiler that adds a sporty touch while improving your overall aerodynamics at the same time.

How Does the BYD Dolphin's Exteriors Differ By Model?

The main models differ in a number of ways when it comes to its exterior. For instance, for your exterior, these are:

Boot Space

Additionally, the Dolphin’s boot space is easily accessible, making it practical for everyday use.

For instance, the boot can comfortably hold four standard 20-inch suitcases, and the rear seats split 60:40 - allowing the 345-litre boot space to expand to 1,310 litres when both seats are folded flat, as well.

Dimensions

When it comes to the Dolphin's exterior dimensions, you have:

Exterior Paint Colours Options

The Dolphin's paint colour options also give you various colour options to choose from - allowing buyers to customise their Dolphin to match their personal style.

For instance, you have 1 of 8 to choose from, including:

• Amethyst Purple
• Atlantis Grey and Jet black Interior
• Cream White
• Coral Pink
• Coral Pink and Urban Grey Interior
• Skiing White and Urban Grey Interior
• Surfing Blue and Urban Grey Interior
• Urban Grey

Exterior Features

The inclusion of rear privacy glass and an optional panoramic roof also give you the ability to add a touch of style to the car, making the Dolphin both stylish and practical for city driving.

Overall, as a new car in the market, we thought the Dolphin's design really emphasises compactness and practicality as well along with it giving you a good driving position for a car of this class, we thought.

Interior Features

Inside, the BYD Dolphin has really been designed for comfort and your convenience - that is more than clear.

Pleanty of Space

For instance, the cabin offers you plenty of space for a compact car, with ergonomic front seats that really support and are comfortable to sit on, giving you a good overall driving experience - especially on longer drives.

Rear Seats

The rear seats have also been designed to accommodate passengers comfortably, though taller individuals might find the legroom a bit tight.

That said, the Dolphin is well-suited as a family car or even as an entry-level EV for young professionals as well.

Technology and Connectivity

The dashboard is also well equipped with the latest technology, including a digital instrument cluster and a large rotating touchscreen that can do so at the touch of a button that seems to float in front of you for the infotainment system.

Apple Carplay & Andriod Auto

Another feature you will be happy to hear is supported is that of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which allows you to stream you own music and Apps directly to the car allowing you to listen to exactly what you want, when you want it.

Other Features of Note

Other interior features of note include its wireless phone charger, which gives you phone charging ability with not needing to plug it directly into the car via a USB, and responsive air-con controls that really add to your overall driving experience by keeping you charged whilst on the go and cool on hot summer days.

How Does the BYD Dolphin's Infotainment Screen Differ By Model?

The main models differ in a number of ways when it comes to its Infotainment System. For instance, for your Infotainment System, these are:

Materials and Design

The interior trim levels also include Vegan leather and other upholstery options, which, to be honest, adds a premium feel even to the entry-level Active EV base model.

Other practical features like good-sized cupholders and door bins, as well as a well-designed centre console, make the Dolphin's cabin both stylish and functional simultaneously.

How Does the BYD Dolphin's Interiors Differ By Model?

The main models differ in a number of ways when it comes to its exterior. For instance, for your interior, these are:

rota

Engine and Powertrain

The BYD Dolphin is powered by a very efficient electric motor that delivers you a very smooth acceleration and responsive handling as well.

Overall this gives us (at least we thought in our test car) a good overall driving experience, which is really tailored for city driving very well.

Front Wheel Drive

For instance, the Dolphin’s front-wheel drive configuration also gives you good traction, especially in city settings.

Handling and Comfort

When we get to our thoughts on its handling, the Dolphin features a torsion beam and rear suspension, which provides you with a very comfortable ride on the whole - over most road conditions.

Steering

The steering wheel is also very light yet precise, making parking and manoeuvring really easy.

Despite its compact size, the Dolphin offers you a very stable and enjoyable driving experience with minimal torque steer, we noted.

Top Speed and Efficiency

While the Dolphin is not built as a high-performance sports car, it does offer you a decent top speed, which is more than suitable for both city and motorway driving.

With more emphasis on its efficiency, it really does make it an ideal choice for those who want to prioritise keeping your running costs down over speed.

WLTP Real World Consumption

Battery Technology and Range

Now comes the most important part of any EV: the battery pack. Consequently, with the BYD Dolphin, you are getting a car that has different battery sizes and can cater to various driving needs.

For instance, buyers can choose between a smaller battery of 44.9 kWh for city driving and a bigger battery size of 60.4 kWh for those requiring more miles of range.

The Lithium Iron Phosphate battery also provides you with a reliable real-world WLTP range of around 196 miles for the 44 kWh battery to 265 miles on its long-range model.

Electric Motor

For its electric motor, you are looking at:

Charging Speed and Technology

Charging the Dolphin is also really straightforward, with a fast charging speed that can take the battery from 20 per cent to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes using a DC charger or around 7 -8 hours using a standard home wall box charger - which is ideal for overnight charging on your driveway or in your garage.

BYD e-Platform 3.0

The BYD Dolphin comes with the new BYD e-Platform 3.0, which is specifically designed for their electric vehicles.

This platform for instance enhances the car's intelligence, efficiency, safety, and design all in one.

While it aims to improve safety, extend your driving range in cold weather, and offer you overall a smarter driving experience - making electric vehicles more efficient and safer overall.

Allows for more Space

Thanks to the e-Platform 3.0 for instance, the short front and rear overhangs, along with the long wheelbase, give the car a more spacious look and interior. </p/>

The rear passenger area for instance features a flat floor, which in turn provides you wiht more comfort and space for your passengers in the middle seat as an example.

Charging

For charging times, you are looking at the following:

Heat Pump

The inclusion of a heat pump in higher trims also helps you to manage the climate control in the car more efficiently, all while maintaining the battery's performance during colder months as well.

Battery Pack

When it comes to the battery pack, you have the following:

Safety Features and Ratings

Safety is also a top priority for BYD, and the Dolphin is equipped with a range of active safety technologies, including Lane Departure Warning, Lane-keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Emergency braking, to name only a few.

These features then can all work together to enhance your driver awareness and reduce the likelihood of accidents occurring.

How Does the BYD Dolphin's Driving Assistance Features Differ By Model?

The main models differ in a number of ways when it comes to its Charging Systems. For instance, for your Charging Systems, these are:

Crash Test Ratings and Features

The Dolphin also features a very strong passive safety system, such as multiple airbags and a reinforced body structure, which have earned it high ratings in crash tests.

For those considering the Dolphin as a company car especially and will need to do a lot of driving, these safety features will give you a lot of additional peace of mind as a result.

Safety Features Available by Model

The following safety features are available in each of the Dolphin's models:

Pricing

The BYD Dolphin is competitively priced, making it one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market.

Despite its low price point, as you can see above, the Dolphin still offers you a good range of features and technologies that provide excellent value for money.

The starting price is also very attractive - especially for first-time EV buyers or those looking for a budget-friendly family car.

Consequently, as pricing can change over time, please see the BYD Dolphin's most current prices here.

Dolphin Deals Finance Offers

If you are looking to get Dolphin deals, and for that matter good overall car deals, from other vehicles from this Chinese brand, talk to our team as we are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a Credit Broker, and can get you some great finance deals, from PCP, Contract Hire, and car leasing offers.

With its competitive starting price, low running costs, and solid feature set, the BYD Dolphin offers excellent value, especially for those new to electric vehicles, especially when you break the payments down to even more affordable monthly payments.

Cost-Effective Ownership

As you can see the Dolphin’s low running costs - due to reduced maintenance and fuel expenses - really do further enhance its overall appeal, as a result.

For buyers interested in long-term savings, the Dolphin’s combination of affordability and low cost of ownership also makes it a standout option in the EV market overall, we thought.

Comparable Cars

The BYD Dolphin is comparable to a number of other cars, such as for instance:

• Citroën ë-C4
• Citroën ë-C3
• Cupra Born
• Fiat 500e
• GWM Ora Funky Cat
• Honda e
• Hyundai Ioniq 5
• Hyundai Kona Electric
• Kia Soul EV
• Kia e-Niro
• MG4 EV
• MG ZS EV
• Mini Electric
• Nissan Leaf
• Peugeot e-208
• Renault Zoe
• Skoda Enyaq iV
• Smart EQ Forfour
• Tesla Model 3
• Toyota Corolla
• Vauxhall Corsa Electric
• Volkswagen ID.3

BYD Dolphin vs. BYD Atto 3 and BYD Seal

When compared to other models in BYD's lineup, such as the BYD Atto 3 and the BYD Seal, the Dolphin really does offer you a unique combination of affordability and practicality.

For instance, the Dolphin's strength is that it is more compact and budget-friendly than the BYD Seal, making it a better choice for city drivers for instance.

BYD Dolphin Final Thoughts

As you can see, the BYD Dolphin really represents a significant achievement in the electric vehicle market, especially in terms of affordable and reliable electric cars.

For instance, as you can see, it combines modern design, advanced technology, and affordability in a package that appeals to a wide range of consumers.

So, whether you are looking for an eco-friendly city car or a cost-effective EV, the BYD Dolphin is a choice worth considering.

With its blend of style, technology, and affordability, it’s a compelling option in the ever-growing field of electric vehicles.

So why not book a test drive today, and find out for yourself why the BYD Dolphin is your next EV car.

Related Car News, New Car Reviews & Car Buying Guides

If you liked our Vauxhall Mokka review, then you may like some of our other car reviews and buyer's guides, such as for instance:

• BYD Seal Buyer's Guide, Everything You Need to Know From Range, Charging, Reliability, Design Warranty, to Cost & More
• Ford S-MAX Buyers Guide, Everything From Features, Reliability, Models & More
• Ford Transit Courier Buyers Guide - Features, Price, Models Explore, Cargo Capacity, Fuel Efficiency, Engines & Lots More
• Small Ford Cars - Compact But Packed with Features. Which is the Smallest Ford Car for You
• Ford Puma Ultimate Guide - Combination of Style, Performance, and Technology
• Ford Mustang Guide | Design, Cost, Size, Boot Size and Lots More
• Ford Ranger Guide | Cost, Towing, Load Bed Size, Technology & Lots More
• Ford Fiesta - Compare the models, price, safety features and more

Who is Hartwell?

Here at Hartwell, we are a well-established car dealership group in the UK with over a century of experience in the automotive industry.

Founded in 1919, we have grown to become one of the leading car dealerships across the UK, offering you a wide range of new and used vehicles from popular brands such as Ford, BYD, Omoda, and GWM Ora cars.

With multiple locations across the country, here at Hartwell, we can provide you with comprehensive services, including vehicle sales, servicing" target="_blank">https://www.hartwell.co.uk/pages/servicing/">servicing, MOTs, and repairs.

Our local car dealerships are also known for our customer-focused approach, ensuring a seamless buying experience through personalised service, competitive pricing, and flexible financing options.

As a result, we also pride ourselves on our aftersales support, helping all our customers keep their vehicles in top condition.

So, whether you are looking for a new car, a quality used vehicle, or professional maintenance services, we have built a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness in the UK car market, and are here to help you.