Dolphin
BYD
Dolphin Introduction
The BYD Dolphin is quickly becoming a go-to electric hatchback for Australians seeking a blend of value, cool styling, and city-friendly running costs. Positioned just below the Atto 3 in BYD’s local line-up, the Dolphin brings five-door versatility, surprising interior space, and a suite of advanced tech at an entry price that challenges petrol rivals. With Essential and Premium trims—and talk of a Mini variant on the horizon—there’s a Dolphin for a broad spread of budgets and tastes. Its “Blade” battery tech underpins efficiency and safety, making the Dolphin attractive to both first-time EV buyers and seasoned motorists looking to downsize.
Commuters love the easy one-pedal driving, silent progress, and impressively thrifty energy use, especially in city traffic. Fleet and lease customers are paying attention thanks to novated lease deals and aggressive finance offers. Inside, the Dolphin stands out with quirky colour choices, a rotating touchscreen, and materials that punch above the price point. The design has drawn split opinions from reviewers, ensuring it’ll never blend into the background. While compromises include a small boot and some over-keen driver assistance tech, the Dolphin’s warranty and real-world efficiency close the deal for many drivers. For tech-savvy Aussies, the Dolphin is more than a trend—it’s a practical, fun step into the world of electric cars.
Available models
Dolphin Performance & Power
The BYD Dolphin’s powertrain ranges from the Essential’s modest 70kW motor to the Premium’s more energetic 150kW unit. As Josh Nevett of CarExpert notes, "With outputs of 150kW and 310Nm, the Dolphin is well and truly in warm hatch territory on the spec sheet... BYD claims a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.0 seconds." Real-world performance can be lively, but traction is a challenge due to the front-wheel-drive setup and modest tyres. Zak Adkins from Chasing Cars found, "Under heavy throttle input, the Dolphin induces a chunk of torque steer... The Dolphin will try to steer its way depending on the camber of the road." For the Essential model's 70kW motor, 0–100km/h acceleration takes a much slower 12.3 seconds—fine for town but sluggish for highways.
Tung Nguyen at Drive adds, "Stamp the right foot and the instant torque is there to thrust you forward, but there just isn’t very much of it. Likewise, overtaking manoeuvres are tricky because there just isn’t very much on tap to push you forward." In the Premium, Sport mode livens up the throttle response—yet Sam Purcell from Drive warns, "The Linglong Comfort Master tyres... struggle to keep up with as much as the electric motor can dish out. Front wheels spin and chirp freely when too much accelerator is applied." In short, the Dolphin impresses for zippy city runs, but it’s not a sporty hatchback by European standards.
Dolphin Interior & Design
Step into the BYD Dolphin and you’re greeted by a vibrant, unconventional cabin that’s nothing like its petrol peers. Josh Nevett at CarExpert found, "The interior of the Dolphin is weird… and in my humble opinion, wonderful. There’s no escaping the fact that the colour scheme in our tester is likely to be divisive." The use of contrasting materials, suede and leatherette trim, and quirky shapes is a nod to both modern minimalism and fun-loving design. Zak Adkins at Chasing Cars observed, "The BYD Dolphin’s interior is a fine example of quality product and materials but still done to a sharp price... It doesn’t feel low rent."
Space efficiency is a highlight—rear seat room surprises for a small hatch, and the flat floor boosts comfort. Tung Nguyen from Drive wrote, "The BYD Dolphin offers an upmarket interior experience at an attractive price." Still, practical compromises exist: hard plastics appear in lower sections, and Sam Purcell at Drive comments, "The boot might be a bit titchy... [but] the Dolphin is impressive as a comfortable and easy-driving car." The 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen, flipper-type door handles, and two-tone paint in Premium trims add further individuality. For those who embrace the unconventional, the Dolphin’s design is a showpiece in the urban landscape.
Dolphin Technology & Safety
Tech is central to the BYD Dolphin’s appeal. The 12.8-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen is bright, with snappy responses and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Tung Nguyen at Drive calls it, "snappy and responsive... [but] the rotating screen is nothing more than a gimmick." On usability, Zak Adkins at Chasing Cars praises, "BYD’s artificial intelligence (AI) assistant is on hand if you can’t be bothered poking and prodding at the screen." But some menu quirks and hidden controls frustrate owners, especially for seat heating and drive assist settings.
Safety credentials are robust: a 2023 five-star ANCAP rating, adaptive cruise, 360-degree cameras, and lane-keeping systems come standard. Sam Purcell (Drive) is positive on parking assistance—"the 360-degree camera system and parking sensors work flawlessly, but the lane-keep assist is overly aggressive." Josh Nevett at CarExpert warns, "The speed limit warning system has no tolerance and a chiding beep that will quickly drive you insane... Settings revert to default every time you switch the car off." Most reviewers agree the Dolphin lands ahead of rivals on features, if not all aspects of usability.
Dolphin Range & Charging
Efficiency is among the BYD Dolphin’s trump cards. WLTP range ratings extend up to 427km (Premium, 60.5kWh battery) or 340km (Essential, 44.9kWh battery). Tung Nguyen at Drive writes, "Fitted with a 44.9kWh battery for a WLTP-certified driving range of 340km... I averaged 12.7kWh/100km, making the Dolphin one of the most efficient EVs I’ve tested." Real-world drivers find city usage especially thrifty—Zak Adkins at Chasing Cars saw, "At 99 percent state of charge, we were seeing the Dolphin’s computer displaying 478km of range... Efficiency averaged 14.2kWh/100km."
Charging flexibility is good, with up to 7kW AC and 80kW DC fast charging (Premium), or 60kW DC (Dynamic/Essential). Sam Purcell (Drive) notes, "Charge time (80kW max rate) is 38min (claimed 10–80%), but the smaller 44.9kWh Dynamic model is limited to 60kW DC charging." There’s Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) for running household devices on the go. If you’re keen to set up home charging, find a local professional installer with us to make fast, safe home charging even easier.
Dolphin & Solar Power
The BYD Dolphin is a natural companion for a home solar power system. Its modest charging requirements mean even a compact solar set-up can provide most or all “fuel” during the day, shrinking running costs to almost zero. Owners frequently report that, when paired with solar and smart charging, the payback for both solar and car together is about 2–3 years—especially when you factor in electricity rebates and the rising fuel prices. For those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and take control of their energy bills, Dolphin ownership makes even more sense.
Homeowners keen to get the most from their solar investment can schedule charging to coincide with peak sun hours, maximising use of green energy. This approach also guards against rising electricity tariffs and helps future-proof the home. Thinking of making the leap to renewable-powered driving? Visit TopProperty.eco’s solar resource or connect with top solar installers here.
FAQ - BYD Dolphin
What is the price of the BYD Dolphin in Australia?
The BYD Dolphin price varies depending on trim and options, with the Essential starting from $29,990 and the Premium listed at around $36,990 before on-road costs. High-demand colours or up-spec variants like the Sport or Pink may attract an additional premium. Always check with local dealers or the BYD Australia site for the most accurate “byd dolphin price aud”. Promotional finance offers or government incentives may further lower your drive-away price.
Is the BYD Dolphin available for sale in Australia?
Yes, the BYD Dolphin is widely available for sale across BYD’s Australian dealership network and official online channels. Both Essential and Premium trims can be ordered, and availability may vary by colour or variant depending on demand. Those searching for the “byd dolphin for sale” can browse local car classified platforms or the main BYD site for up-to-date inventory.
What are the key differences between the BYD Dolphin Dynamic and Premium?
The BYD Dolphin Dynamic (or Essential) uses a 70kW motor and 44.9kWh battery for 340km WLTP range, while the Premium gets a stronger 150kW motor and 60.5kWh battery, reaching up to 427km range. The Premium adds features like a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, heated front seats, and unique two-tone paints. Performance, range, and features improve significantly for the Premium, but at a higher cost.
How does the BYD Dolphin “Mini” differ from the regular model?
The “byd dolphin mini” is an anticipated smaller variant, focused on city driving and expected to bring a lower starting price. While not currently for sale in Australia, search demand for “byd dolphin mini australia” and “byd dolphin mini australia price” suggests future interest. The Mini is likely to offer tighter dimensions and slightly less boot space, while still sporting BYD’s “Blade” battery technology.
What is the real-world range of the BYD Dolphin?
Most drivers see the Premium version deliver real-world city range of 350–400km per charge, with the Essential closer to 270–300km depending on driving style. Official WLTP estimates read 427km and 340km respectively. Reviewers praise the BYD Dolphin for exceptional efficiency, with some reporting as little as 12.7–14.2kWh/100km in mixed conditions.
How long does it take to charge the BYD Dolphin at home or at a public charger?
Using a 7kW EV at home, expect a full charge overnight—about 6-8 hours for the Essential or up to 9 hours for the Premium. At DC fast-charging stations, the Premium can reach 80% in around 38 minutes at up to 80kW, and the Essential about 45 minutes at 60kW. For convenient, expert setup, [find a local installer for BYD Dolphin charging here](https://topproperty.eco/professional).
What is included in the BYD Dolphin interior?
The BYD Dolphin’s interior boasts synthetic leather trim, a large rotating 12.8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and unique design flourishes like multicoloured accents. Josh Nevett at CarExpert describes it as "weird… and... wonderful," with space for five adults and thoughtful storage. Premium variants gain a sunroof, heated seats, and two-tone seat colours.
What are the official dimensions and boot space of the BYD Dolphin?
The BYD Dolphin measures 4,290mm long, 1,770mm wide, and 1,570mm high, giving it a city-ready footprint with impressive rear seat room. Boot space is 345L—adequate for small luggage or shopping but less than some rivals. For wider gear, the seats fold flat to expand storage. The “byd dolphin boot space” query is especially relevant for urban families.
What colours and finishes are available for the BYD Dolphin?
The Dolphin offers a bold palette: Atlantis Grey, Sand White, Urban Grey, Maldive Purple, and Pink stand out, while two-tone paint jobs are exclusive to Premium models. The search “byd dolphin pink” has spiked due to the model’s popularity with those seeking something unique. Overseas, more hues may be added in future model years.
Is the BYD Dolphin eligible for novated lease or finance in Australia?
Yes, the BYD Dolphin can be leased via novated lease arrangements or financed through approved lenders. The search “byd dolphin novated lease” is highly popular among salary packaging users, with tax benefits for EVs under current Australian rules. Always compare offers and total repayments across trims for best value.
How does BYD Dolphin compare to MG4 and other rivals?
The BYD Dolphin stands out for value, quirky design, and efficiency, while the MG4 (rear-drive) is praised for sporty handling and a slightly larger boot. The Dolphin outpaces some rivals on warranty and standard equipment, but ADAS (auto driver assist) tech can be more intrusive. For a detailed match-up, search “byd dolphin vs mg4”.
What warranty comes with the BYD Dolphin?
Each BYD Dolphin includes a six-year/150,000km vehicle warranty, plus eight years or 160,000km on the battery. This lengthy promise delivers peace of mind for buyers intent on keeping their car for years. Coverage compares well with MG and other affordable EV options.
Are there common problems with the BYD Dolphin?
Early reviews identify a few recurring themes: modest tyre grip on Premium models, over-zealous driver assist beeps, and small boot size. Some users dislike the touchscreen-centric controls and hidden features. Reliability feedback is generally positive, with BYD’s global warranty supporting confidence in long-term ownership.
Does the BYD Dolphin support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, all current BYD Dolphins offer wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. This includes both Essential and Premium trims. Older stock or overseas models sometimes require a software update—always confirm features before purchase if this is key for you.
Is the BYD Dolphin EV suitable for families?
With generous rear-seat space, a flat floor, robust safety scores, and practical storage touches, the Dolphin works well for small families or city commuters. The relatively compact boot and occasional road noise are found in reviews, but overall package ticks many family-friendly boxes.
Can you pair the BYD Dolphin with home solar or V2L charging?
Absolutely. Thanks to modest charging needs, an average home solar array can provide most or all daily charging for the Dolphin, cutting bills and emissions. The Dolphin Premium offers V2L (vehicle-to-load) to run small household appliances while camping or tailgating—search “byd dolphin v2l” for details. Learn more at [our solar guide](https://topproperty.eco/solar-power).
Does the BYD Dolphin have enough ground clearance for Australian roads?
At 130mm, the Dolphin’s ground clearance is enough for city streets and most suburban driveways. It’s best to stay cautious on steep gutters, unsealed roads, or rough tracks. For purely urban use, clearance shouldn’t pose problems.
What are the latest updates for the BYD Dolphin in Australia?
Recent updates include new paint colours, improved infotainment responsiveness, and refinements to driver assistance systems aimed at reducing false alarms. Always refer to the official BYD Australia website or a local dealer for change logs or to confirm spec for your vehicle.
Who makes the BYD Dolphin and where is it built?
The Dolphin is manufactured by BYD, one of the world’s top producers of new-energy vehicles and batteries. Australian-bound Dolphins are assembled at BYD facilities in China using the company’s proprietary “Blade” battery system, a feature known for safety and efficiency.
Can the BYD Dolphin tow a trailer or fit a roof rack?
The Dolphin’s official towing figure is not rated for heavy loads, making it best for light-duty use or bike carriers. OEM and third-party roof racks are available, search “byd dolphin roof rack” or “byd dolphin accessories” to explore options for your needs.
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*Disclaimer: This page includes information, descriptions, and images that may have been created or enhanced with the assistance artificial intelligence, powered by our proprietary Ray-i (AI) technology system. While we do our best to ensure accuracy, specifications and details can vary between models, regions, and over time as manufacturers make updates. Images are for illustrative purposes, and the content is provided for general reference. For the most up-to-date specifications or features, we recommend checking directly with the manufacturer or your local dealer.