Taking a Swim with the BYD Dolphin: Compact Power in the Test
Compact BYD Dolphin vehicle undergoing evaluation
Written by Rowan O'Reilly
If you're looking for an electric vehicle with a punch, BYD might just have what you need. But let's not dive headfirst – first, let's discuss the intricacies and nuances of their compact car, the BYD Dolphin.
BYD isn't exactly known for its subtlety when it comes to model names. Take the latest addition to their roster, the Dolphin Surf, or the previous model, our focus here – two very different fish, swimming in the same sea. To set the record straight, the Dolphin we're about to explore has been tearing up the global roads since 2021.
Now, let's talk about how this little guy measures up. With a modest overall design and a 1.57-meter height, it might not grab attention like its sportier Surf counterpart, but don't be deceived – this fish is more than capable of out-swimming the competition in its segment.
Glancing at the interior, it's clear the design team aimed for sleekness, but perhaps fell a touch short of European standards. The center console is an experiment in form and function, featuring a large milled metal block with everyday buttons and a gear shift lever – an interesting concept, though the quality might leave something to be desired.
Now, let's talk numbers. With a starting price of 32,990 euros, the Dolphin is not cheap by compact car standards, especially considering a Volkswagen ID.3 can be had for just a thousand euros more. However, the BYD boasts 204 PS, a 60 kWh battery, and a range of over 250 kilometers in cold weather, all of which add up to a powerful, yet fuel-efficient fish.
But the BYD Dolphin is no fish out of water when it comes to charging times. The company is aiming to bring e-cars to the level of conventional vehicles by 2030, and the BYD might be paving the way – capable of charging from 10 to 80% in just 40 minutes[1].
In the end, the BYD Dolphin offers a solid, albeit not perfect, ride for those who appreciate a touch more headroom in the back and exhilarating acceleration. With 204 horsepower, this compact car is certainly no fish to be trifled with, able to reach 100 km/h in a swift seven seconds.
So, is the BYD Dolphin worth sixty grand? That ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you're seeking an electric vehicle with a bit of extra zest, this little fish just might be the catch of the day. But if budget is a concern, you might want to look elsewhere, as more affordable options exist.
Fun Fact: While the Dolphin Surf is priced aggressively at 20,000 euros in Europe, the Chinese-market BYD Seagull, a relative of the Dolphin, starts at just around 10,000 euros. It's fascinating to imagine where BYD might take things from here, as they continue to carve out their niche in the electric vehicle market.
[1] Data source: ntv.de
The following are the main categories of workers: industry, finance, transportation, automotive, and technology. Rowan O'Reilly's article discusses the BYD Dolphin, an electric vehicle that falls in the automotive industry. BYD is aiming to bring electric cars up to the level of conventional vehicles by 2030, which is a significant effort from a company within the technology sector.
