Last Year we got behind the wheel of the new BYD Dolphin city car for the very first time. During that launch event, they showcased their two higher trims, so it was a delight for both Ben and I to drive the other trims, the Active and the Boost.
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the EV scene, you’ll know that BYD has been steadily gaining momentum as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs). With the Dolphin, they’ve created a stylish and eco-friendly C-segment hatchback that combines cutting-edge technology with affordability. The Dolphin boasts an impressive Blade Battery and comes packed with features designed for modern drivers, all while keeping the price between £26,195 and £31,695.
The Dolphin’s design is inspired by its namesake, with smooth, flowing lines that give it a sense of agility and friendliness. It's the perfect vehicle for city driving, with its compact dimensions making it easy to manoeuvre while still offering plenty of space for passengers and luggage.
Trim Breakdown: So, what’s the difference between the Active and Boost trims? Well, let’s break it down…
• BYD Dolphin Active: The entry-level Active trim comes equipped with a 44.9 kWh Blade Battery and a 70 kW motor that delivers 95 PS. It has a WLTP range of 211 miles, making it more than capable for daily commutes and city trips. The Active trim also comes with 16-inch wheels and a torsion beam rear suspension, providing a balance of efficiency and practicality. Priced at £26,195, it’s an affordable entry point into electric driving, with enough range and performance to suit most drivers’ needs.
• BYD Dolphin Boost: For those looking for a bit more power, the Boost trim ups the ante with a 130 kW motor, producing 176 PS and offering a sportier feel. The range on this model comes in slightly lower, at 193 miles WLTP, but what you lose in range, you gain in driving dynamics. The 17-inch wheels and multi-link rear suspension make for a more responsive and engaging driving experience. At £27,195, the Boost trim offers a step up in performance without breaking the bank.
Both trims benefit from BYD’s Blade Battery technology, which has been widely praised for its safety, durability, and energy efficiency. The Blade Battery’s Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) composition means it’s more thermally stable than traditional lithium-ion batteries, making it a safer choice for drivers concerned about battery longevity.
One of the standout features of the BYD Dolphin is its nimble handling. Both the Active and Boost trims feel agile on the road, with quick acceleration and responsive steering. The Active trim, with its 70 kW motor, may not be the most powerful EV out there, but it provides a smooth and steady drive that’s perfect for city traffic. The Boost, on the other hand, offers a little more punch, making it a fun option for those who enjoy a more dynamic driving experience.
The multi-link suspension on the Boost trim adds to the driving pleasure, soaking up bumps and providing a more stable ride compared to the torsion beam suspension found in the Active. Whether you’re zipping through narrow streets or cruising on the motorway, the Dolphin handles itself confidently.
Acceleration-wise, the Dolphin isn't the fastest EV on the market, but it’s no slouch either. The Boost trim accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in a respectable time, and it feels more than capable of handling overtakes and merging into fast traffic. The 93 mph top speed on the Active and 99 mph on the Boost give you plenty of headroom for those longer stretches of road, but let's be honest—this car is designed for urban living.
Despite its compact footprint, the BYD Dolphin makes the most of its interior space. Measuring 4,290 mm long and 1,770 mm wide, with a 2,700 mm wheelbase, the Dolphin feels roomy inside, offering plenty of legroom for both front and rear passengers. The clever use of space continues in the boot, where the 345-litre capacity can expand to a generous 1,310 litres when the 60:40 split rear seats are folded flat. Whether you're doing the weekly shop, packing for a weekend getaway, or carting around sports gear, the Dolphin’s storage space is more than adequate for most needs.
The Active trim offers a comfortable, straightforward interior with vegan leather upholstery, while the Boost trim adds a bit more flair with upgraded materials and more tech. The sports seats are well-designed, providing excellent support, and the heated front seats in both trims make cold mornings a little more bearable.
When it comes to tech, the Dolphin is far from basic. BYD has packed the Active and Boost trims with a range of standard features that make driving more convenient and enjoyable. The intelligent driver assistance systems include Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Departure Prevention—all standard across the range.
In terms of charging, both trims feature AC and DC fast charging options. The Active trim can charge at up to 7 kW AC and 60 kW DC, while the Boost steps it up with 11 kW AC and 65 kW DC charging capabilities. Both models can charge from 30% to 80% in just under 30 minutes, making them practical for both home charging and longer journeys where quick top-ups are needed.
At the heart of the BYD Dolphin is the innovative Blade Battery. This Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery is designed for safety, efficiency, and durability. It’s one of the safest batteries on the market, having passed the notorious Nail Penetration Test, which simulates extreme conditions to test battery resilience. The Blade Battery’s structure allows for better thermal management, reducing the risk of overheating and extending the battery’s lifespan.
For eco-conscious drivers, the Blade Battery also offers a low environmental impact, with ultra-low energy consumption that doesn’t compromise performance. Whether you’re opting for the 44.9 kWh or the larger 60.4 kWh version, you’re getting one of the most advanced battery technologies available in an electric vehicle today.
For drivers who want an electric car but are concerned about range, the BYD Dolphin offers reassuring WLTP figures. The Active trim delivers a range of 211 miles, which is more than enough for daily commutes and city driving. The Boost trim, with its more powerful motor, offers a slightly lower range of 193 miles, but for most drivers, this will still cover the majority of journeys without needing to charge every day.
For those who need to travel longer distances, BYD also offers Comfort and Design trims, which come with the larger 60.4 kWh Blade Battery and offer a range of 265 miles WLTP. But for the city-centric driver, both the Active and Boost provide the perfect balance of range, performance, and practicality.
So, after putting the BYD Dolphin through its paces, what’s the verdict? The Active and Boost trims are both impressive in their own right, offering a mix of affordability, practicality, and advanced technology. The Dolphin brings a fresh and playful approach to electric driving, with its compact size making it ideal for urban environments.
At £26,195 for the Active trim and £27,195 for the Boost, the BYD Dolphin is competitively priced and offers excellent value for money. The range of features, from safety systems to the efficient Blade Battery, makes it a standout option in the growing EV market.
Whether you’re looking for a stylish, eco-friendly hatchback for daily commutes or a fun, agile electric vehicle for city living, the BYD Dolphin is well worth a test drive
Thank you all, and enjoy!
Annabelle 😊