The BYD Dolphin is making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market as one of the most affordable, feature-packed, and stylish hatchbacks available today. With prices starting at $29,990 in Australia (before on-road costs) and offering up to 427 km of range, the Dolphin is a compelling alternative to pricier EVs like the Tesla Model 3 and MG4 8.
As an EV expert and car blogger, I’ve spent time with the Dolphin to break down its design, performance, tech, and real-world usability—here’s everything you need to know.
1. BYD Dolphin 2025: Key Specs & Pricing
Powertrain & Battery Options
- Dolphin Essential (Base Model)
- 44.9 kWh LFP Blade Battery
- 70 kW motor (94 hp), 180 Nm torque
- 0-100 km/h: 12.3 sec
- WLTP Range: 340 km 8
- Dolphin Premium (Top Spec)
- 60.5 kWh LFP Blade Battery
- 150 kW motor (201 hp), 310 Nm torque
- 0-100 km/h: 7.0 sec
- WLTP Range: 427 km 8
Pricing (2025)
| Model | Price (AUD, before on-road costs) |
|---|---|
| Dolphin Essential | $29,990 |
| Dolphin Premium | $36,990 |
Why It Matters?
The Dolphin undercuts rivals like the MG4 (~$34,990) while offering more luxury features and comparable range 8.
2. Design: Quirky & Youthful
Exterior Highlights
- Compact hatchback (4.29m long, 1.77m wide) with sharp LED lighting and two-tone paint options (including a divisive pink/grey combo) 5.
- 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels (depending on trim).
- “Build Your Dreams” branding (some love it, others hate it) 9.
Interior: Funky & Functional
- Rotating 12.8-inch touchscreen (landscape/portrait mode) with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto 1.
- Vegan leather seats (heated in Premium trim), ambient lighting, and dolphin-themed accents (e.g., flipper-shaped door handles) 5.
- Surprisingly spacious (2,700mm wheelbase)—more rear legroom than a VW Golf 9.
Downsides?
- Hard plastics on lower dash/door cards (expected at this price).
- No spare tyre (just a repair kit) 1.
3. Driving Experience: City Champ, Highway Compromise
Performance
- Premium model (7.0s 0-100 km/h) feels zippy—comparable to a hot hatch in urban driving 1.
- Essential model (12.3s 0-100 km/h) is sluggish—best suited for city commutes 8.
Ride & Handling
- Soft suspension = comfortable over bumps but excessive body roll in corners 5.
- Light steering (great for parking, lacks feedback at speed) 4.
Real-World Range
- Expect ~300 km (Essential) / ~380 km (Premium) in mixed driving 8.
- Efficiency: ~13.0–15.9 kWh/100 km (better than MG4) 18.
4. BYD Dolphin vs. Rivals
| Feature | BYD Dolphin Premium | MG4 Long Range | GWM Ora |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (AUD) | $36,990 | $38,990 | $39,990 |
| Range (WLTP) | 427 km | 450 km | 420 km |
| 0-100 km/h | 7.0s | 7.7s | 8.8s |
| Infotainment | Rotating screen | Fixed screen | 10.25″ |
Verdict: The Dolphin wins on price and tech, but the MG4 handles better 18.
5. Should You Buy the BYD Dolphin?
Pros ✅
- Affordable (cheapest EV in Australia).
- Long list of standard features (360° camera, heated seats, panoramic roof in Premium).
- Spacious interior for a small hatchback 18.
Cons ❌
- ADAS systems are overly sensitive (can’t be permanently disabled) 1.
- Slower DC charging (80 kW max) vs. MG4 (150 kW) 8.
- Wind noise at highway speeds 1.
Final Verdict: 8/10 ★★★★☆
The BYD Dolphin is a fun, affordable EV with standout design and tech. While it’s not perfect dynamically, it’s a fantastic urban runabout—especially for first-time EV buyers.
🚗 Would you pick the Dolphin over an MG4? Let me know in the comments!