BYD Dolphin 2024 review
Photo: Mateusmatsuda (CC BY 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The BYD Dolphin is proof that a family-sized electric hatchback does not need to cost £35,000. Launched in the UK in 2023, it takes BYD's Blade battery tech and wraps it in a practical five-door body that was stretched specifically for Europe — at 4.29 metres long it meets European crash standards while staying easy to park.
Four trims make the range simple to navigate. The £26,195 Active uses a 44.9 kWh battery with a modest 94 bhp motor for 211 miles of range, while the £27,195 Boost keeps the same battery but adds a punchier 176 bhp motor. The sweet spot for most buyers is the £30,195 Comfort: a bigger 60.4 kWh battery, 204 bhp, 0–62 mph in 7.0 seconds and 265 miles of official range. The £31,695 Design adds a panoramic roof, privacy glass and vehicle-to-load tech.
Even the base car comes with kit many rivals charge extra for: a heat pump, a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control and a 12.3-inch rotating touchscreen. The 60.4 kWh versions rapid-charge at up to 88 kW (10–80% in under 30 minutes), while the smaller-battery cars manage 60 kW. A 345-litre boot and flat rear floor make it genuinely usable for a small family.
It is not the sharpest drive — the steering is light and short on feedback — but as honest, affordable electric transport with a six-year warranty, the Dolphin embarrasses plenty of pricier opposition.
Related reviews: BYD Atto 3 2024 review · BYD Seal 2024 review · BYD Seal U DM I 2025 review
UK price from: £26,195
Specifications
| Battery | 60.4 kWh (44.9 kWh on Active/Boost) |
| Power | 150 kW (204 bhp) |
| 0-62 mph | 7.0 seconds |
| Top speed | 99 mph |
| Range (WLTP) | Up to 265 miles |
| Charging (DC max) | Up to 88 kW (10–80% in ~29 min) |
| Transmission | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Boot space | 345 litres |
| Length | 4,290 mm |
Features
- Heat pump fitted as standard across the range
- 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control included
- 12.3-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment
- Up to 265 miles of WLTP range (Comfort and Design)
- 88 kW DC rapid charging on 60.4 kWh versions
- Vehicle-to-load (V2L) output on Design trim
- 345-litre boot with underfloor cable storage
- Six-year, 93,750-mile vehicle warranty
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin pollen filter | £19.99 | Replace every 2 years |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £24.99 | Flat blades; check size before ordering |
| 12V auxiliary battery | £119.99 | Powers locks, lights and infotainment |
| Front brake pads (set) | £54.99 | Rarely wear thanks to regen |
| Front brake discs (pair) | £99.99 | Inspect for corrosion at each service |
| Replacement tyre (205/60 R16) | £95 | Budget to mid-range; EV-rated tyres last longer |
Pros
- Undercuts nearly every electric rival on price
- Heat pump and 360 camera as standard
- Comfortable, easy-going ride
- V2L lets you power devices from the battery
Cons
- Base Active model is slow at 12.3 seconds to 62 mph
- Only 60 kW DC charging on the small battery
- Vague, feel-free steering
- Infotainment menus can be fiddly
