Overview
The BYD Dolphin is a C-segment hatchback designed to deliver affordable electric driving to the mass market. Straddling the boundary between traditional superminis and larger family hatchbacks, it competes directly with established models like the MG4 EV, Peugeot e-208, and Renault 4 E-Tech. Built upon BYD's dedicated e-Platform 3.0, the Dolphin benefits from the bespoke electric architecture. This layout positions the vehicle as a value-driven alternative in the market, combining an accessible entry price with a very generous level of standard equipment.
Design
The exterior design of the Dolphin is relatively conventional and follows a standard five-door hatchback silhouette. It's got a short bonnet and a high roofline. Up front, a neat, featureless grille area connects to slim LED headlights, while the sides feature a distinctive geometric crease on the doors. At the rear, a wraparound LED light bar spans the width of the car, with a complex geometric pattern at the ends. Higher trims get a two-tone paint finish with a contrasting roof, alongside unique 17-inch tri-colour alloy wheels.
Interior
The cabin features an extensive, ocean-inspired design characterized by swooping curves, textured surfaces, and distinctive air vents. The focus point of the dashboard is a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen that electronically rotates between portrait and landscape. This system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, complimented by a small digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. Beneath the main screen, a tactile barrel-shaped control bar houses physical switches climate control. While the synthetic leather sports seats are electrically adjustable as standard, material quality is a mixed bag, with soft-touch inserts on the dashboard contrasted by hard, hollow plastics on the upper surfaces and sharper edges on the door pulls.
Performance & Powertrains
The Dolphin is available with 60kWh of BYD's Blade Battery. This achieves a range of 265 miles and accelerating from 0-62mph in 7.0 seconds. For rapid charging, Dolphin supports 100kW, allowing for a 30 to 80% top-up in 29 minutes. The setup delivers light steering and a refined, quiet motorway experience, though the suspension can feel unsettled over potholes.
Practicality
Thanks to the dedicated EV platform and a long 2,700mm wheelbase, cabin space is highly competitive, easily supporting enough legroom and headroom for four 6ft adults to sit comfortably. Storage for smaller items is well thought out, including deep door bins, a split-level center console, twin cupholders, and dedicated phone slots on the front back. The boot offers a 345-litre capacity, which expands to 1,310 litres when the 60/40 split-folding rear seats are dropped flat. A height-adjustable boot floor can provide a completely flat loading lip while creating a hidden underfloor compartment to neatly stow away charging cables.
Buying
The BYD Dolphin line-up starts with Comfort at £30,230 and rising to £31,730 for the Design trim. Standard equipment is a major selling point, with every model receiving a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Comfort trim introduces front parking sensors and heated front seats, while the Design adds a panoramic glass roof, privacy glass, and wireless smartphone charging. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the Comfort trim, as it unlocks essential cold-weather features like heated seats, representing the best overall balance of usability, still without being too expensive.