The automotive industry is in the middle of a transformative phase, and BYD (Build Your Dreams) is one of the companies leading this charge toward electrification.
In 2024, BYD has launched the much-anticipated Dolphin, a compact C-segment electric hatchback aimed at making eco-friendly driving accessible to more consumers. As part of BYD’s popular Ocean Series, the Dolphin introduces a playful design and cutting-edge technology, positioning itself as an affordable, practical, and high-tech EV solution. With the Active and Boost trims now available in the UK, BYD is offering a variety of choices for electric vehicle buyers.
BYD has been leading the electric vehicle revolution globally, and the Dolphin is one of the latest models to reach the European market. The Dolphin Active and Boost trims are two of the four available in the UK, with Comfort and Design trims completing the lineup. These two trims represent BYD’s commitment to making electric driving more accessible while offering solid performance and tech features.
One of the most notable aspects of the Dolphin is its use of BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, an advanced electric vehicle architecture that optimizes power delivery, efficiency, and safety. Coupled with the Blade Battery, this platform enables the Dolphin to deliver impressive range, performance, and reliability at an affordable price point.
Exterior Design: Playful Yet Sophisticated
The design of the BYD Dolphin is unmistakably modern, with its Ocean Aesthetic theme reflected in its smooth lines and playful curves. Inspired by its namesake—the dolphin—this EV exudes a friendly, approachable design, while maintaining the sleekness you'd expect from a high-tech electric vehicle.
From the side profile, the Dolphin features a streamlined, fluid look that not only enhances its aerodynamics but also gives it a unique visual identity. The short front and rear overhangs, combined with a relatively long wheelbase of 2,700 mm, make the Dolphin look well-proportioned and spacious despite its compact dimensions.
At 4,290 mm in length and 1,770 mm in width, the BYD Dolphin is positioned perfectly for urban environments. It can manoeuvre through tight spaces easily, making it ideal for city dwellers. The vehicle’s height of 1,570 mm gives it enough ground clearance to handle less-than-perfect roads while maintaining stability.
Wheels and Lighting
The Active trim comes equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, which complement its simpler, more budget-friendly approach. On the other hand, the Boost trim takes things up a notch with 17-inch alloy wheels, giving it a sportier stance on the road. Both trims feature standard LED headlights, enhancing visibility while adding to the Dolphin’s modern appeal.
In addition, the Dolphin's sleek lighting design contributes to the overall aesthetic. The high beam assist and adaptive front headlights ensure that the car is equipped for both safety and style, offering excellent night-time visibility. The Dolphin’s lighting system is not just functional; it also adds to the vehicle’s striking presence.
Colour Options
The BYD Dolphin range is available in six color options for the Active, Boost, and Comfort trims, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicles. The two-tone design, available in the Design trim, adds a level of exclusivity to the lineup. The color palette is designed to reflect the dolphin’s natural surroundings, offering shades inspired by the ocean.
Interior: A Spacious and Modern Cabin
Once inside the BYD Dolphin, it’s clear that BYD has prioritized comfort and technology. Despite being a compact hatchback, the interior feels spacious, thanks to its clever layout and the extended wheelbase.
The Active and Boost trims share many interior features, but the Boost trim adds some upgraded materials and finishes. Both trims come with vegan leather upholstery, ensuring comfort for all passengers. The heated front seats are a welcome feature during colder months, while the six-way electric adjustment for the driver’s seat allows you to find your perfect driving position easily.
The Dolphin is designed to comfortably seat five passengers. Rear passengers are treated to generous legroom, made possible by the lack of a traditional internal combustion engine layout, allowing for better space utilization in the cabin. The rear seats offer a 60:40 split-folding option, which expands the car’s practicality. The boot provides a 345-litre capacity, but when the rear seats are folded flat, the total storage space expands to an impressive 1,310 litres.
Dashboard and Infotainment
The dashboard layout is minimalist but functional, with the Active and Boost trims featuring a centrally placed infotainment touchscreen. This screen controls most of the vehicle’s functions, reducing the need for physical buttons and freeing up space for a cleaner, more modern look.
The 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster provides clear information about speed, range, and battery usage. It’s easy to read, and the graphics are crisp and modern, adding to the futuristic feel of the Dolphin’s interior.
BYD has also included a smartphone integration system, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows drivers to seamlessly connect their devices for navigation, music, and hands-free communication.
Performance: Smooth and Responsive
The BYD Dolphin is powered by two different motor configurations, depending on the trim. Let’s break down the performance of both the Active and Boost trims.
BYD Dolphin Active Trim
The Active trim features a 44.9 kWh Blade Battery, which powers a 70 kW electric motor. This setup delivers 95 PS and a top speed of 93 mph. While this trim is clearly aimed at city driving and shorter commutes, its WLTP range of 211 miles makes it versatile enough for occasional longer trips as well.
In terms of acceleration, the Active trim is more than capable of handling urban traffic. It offers a smooth and steady drive, with the electric motor delivering instant torque. The car feels agile in city streets, and its compact size means parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces is a breeze.
BYD Dolphin Boost Trim
The Boost trim brings a bit more excitement to the table. It shares the 44.9 kWh battery but gets a more powerful 130 kW motor, which translates to 176 PS and a top speed of 99 mph. The increased power gives the Boost trim a sportier feel, and it’s noticeable in the quicker acceleration. While it has a slightly lower WLTP range of 193 miles, the added power makes the Boost trim more engaging for those who want a bit more punch from their EV.
Both trims offer multiple driving modes—Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow—allowing drivers to tailor the car’s performance to different conditions. In Eco mode, the car prioritizes efficiency, helping you squeeze every last mile out of the battery. Sport mode sharpens throttle response, making the Dolphin more dynamic and engaging to drive.
Blade Battery Technology: A New Era of EV Safety and Efficiency
One of the standout features of the BYD Dolphin is the inclusion of Blade Battery technology. This Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery is a game-changer in terms of safety, efficiency, and longevity. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, the Blade Battery uses LFP as its cathode material, offering superior thermal stability. This makes it safer in extreme conditions, reducing the risk of overheating or combustion.
The Blade Battery has also passed the Nail Penetration Test, widely regarded as the most difficult battery safety test. In this test, the battery is subjected to extreme forces to simulate a real-world scenario where it might be damaged or punctured. The Blade Battery’s ability to withstand this test makes it one of the safest EV batteries available today.
From a performance standpoint, the Blade Battery is highly efficient, providing ultra-low energy consumption without compromising on power. Its compact size allows for more space in the cabin while still delivering competitive range figures.
Charging and Range: Convenience and Efficiency
Both the Active and Boost trims come with AC and DC fast-charging capabilities. The Active trim can charge up to 7 kW AC and 60 kW DC, while the Boost trim supports faster 11 kW AC and 65 kW DC charging. Using a 100 kW DC fast charger, both models can charge from 30% to 80% in 28 minutes, making them practical for long journeys with quick pit stops.
For most drivers, the 211-mile range of the Active trim will be more than sufficient for daily driving. The Boost trim’s range of 193 miles is slightly lower but still ample for city commutes and weekend trips. Both models benefit from regenerative braking, which helps extend the range by recapturing energy during deceleration and braking.
Heat Pump: Efficient All-Weather Performance
Both the Active and Boost trims come equipped with an integrated heat pump, which increases efficiency during cold weather. Traditional heating systems in electric vehicles can drain the battery, reducing range in colder climates. BYD’s heat pump is designed to be more efficient, using residual heat from the surroundings and the vehicle’s powertrain to keep the cabin warm without putting extra strain on the battery.
Safety and Driver Assistance: High-Tech Protection
Safety is a top priority for BYD, and the Dolphin comes packed with advanced safety features. Both the Active and Boost trims include Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Prevention, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert as standard. These systems help prevent accidents by monitoring the road ahead and assisting the driver with braking or steering corrections when necessary.
Additional driver assistance features include Adaptive Cruise Control, which maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, and Blind Spot Detection, which warns drivers of vehicles approaching from the side. The 360-degree panoramic camera makes parking and low-speed manoeuvres easier, providing a clear view of the area around the vehicle.
Pricing and Value: Affordable Electric Mobility
One of the most compelling aspects of the BYD Dolphin is its affordability. The Active trim starts at £26,195, making it one of the most competitively priced electric vehicles in its segment. The Boost trim comes in at £27,195, offering additional performance and features without a significant price hike.
Given the level of technology, range, and safety features included, the BYD Dolphin offers excellent value for money. For drivers looking to make the switch to electric driving, the Dolphin provides a balance of affordability and high-tech innovation that is hard to beat.
Conclusion: The BYD Dolphin Active and Boost – A Game-Changing Electric Hatchback
After spending time with both the BYD Dolphin Active and Boost trims, it’s clear that BYD is setting a new standard for affordable electric vehicles. The Dolphin offers a combination of innovative technology, practicality, and performance, wrapped up in a playful and modern design. The inclusion of Blade Battery technology ensures that the Dolphin is not only efficient but also one of the safest EVs on the market.
Whether you opt for the more budget-friendly Active trim or the sportier Boost trim, the BYD Dolphin delivers a smooth, responsive drive that’s perfect for urban environments. With its compact size, impressive range, and affordable pricing, the Dolphin is poised to be a popular choice for those looking to enter the world of electric driving.
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