First test of the BYD Dolphin, a Chinese electric compact available from 29,900 euros

Build Your Dreams (BYD) just presented the Dolphina model 100% electric which is probably his best-selling car in Spain, thanks to its affordable price, being available from €29,000 without any type of help, which means that with official incentives and without having any type of campaign, it can be purchased from 22,900 euros. A more than tempting figure, for how much and good it offers the baby of the BYD family.

The Dolphin sits just below the Atto 3with a length 4.29 meters, a width of 1.77 meters and a height of 1.57 meters. Also, it doesn’t have an SUV look like the Atto3, so it looks quite a bit smaller than its sibling. That is why it is even more surprising that he can offer a so spacious and versatile interior. thanks to one battle of no less than 2.70 meters, extra knee clearance is offered in the second row of seats. This, together with a completely flat floor and without a central tunnel, makes the car more comfortable than other larger models. In addition, it has a generous 345 liter trunk with a double bottom 20 cm deep. And if the rear seatbacks are folded down, the cargo capacity rises to 1,310 liters.

The secret of its versatility lies in the e-Platform 3.0being the second model that mounts this revolutionary structure after the Atto3, with which we already analyzed it in depth during its presentation. The most interesting thing about this technology is that it forms part of the structure of the vehicle itself, and that the battery cells in the form of ‘leaves’ (blade in English) are installed directly on it, dispensing with the classic battery modules. They have lithium and iron phosphate, but do not use cobalt.

He Dolphin offers a wide range of models by combining different autonomies, powers and equipment.

The access version is the so-called activewith 44.9 kWh battery and 95 hp power (70 kW). offers a autonomy of 340 kilometers and can be charged with alternating current up to 7 kW and with direct current up to 60 kW. In addition, it has V2L bidirectional charging. Its price is €29,990, and in its standard equipment it is already offered: 12.8-inch central rotating screen; Level 2 driving assistance; front electric seats with electronic adjustment; 16-inch bichloride wheels; and 360 degree vision camera.

The boost version keeps the 44.9 kWh batterybut raises the power up to the 177 hp (130 kW), which reduces autonomy by 310 kilometers. Add 17 inch wheels and multi-link rear suspension for greater comfort and dynamism, with a final price of €30,690.

He BYD Dolphin Comfort extends your battery up to 60.4 kWh and power up 204 hpwith a greater autonomy of 427 kilometers (WLTP1). It can be recharged with alternating current up to 11 kW and with direct current up to 88 kW, being able to go from 30 to 80% of the battery in 29 minutes. As for the equipment, it adds: two parking radars in the front, an audio system with 6 speakers, and heating in the front seats. All this for a price of €35,690.

He top of the range is he Dolphin Designwhich has the same technical specifications as the Comfort, but adds to the standard equipment: panoramic ceilingtinted windows in the rear seats and wireless charging for smartphones, for €37,690. Both this and the rest of the prices are without discounts or campaigns.

Models with a large 60.4 kWh battery will be available in Spain from the month of Septemberwhile the models with the 44.9 kWh battery will arrive in 2024.

After being able to see it and play it live at the Automobile Barcelona, ​​this era the first time we could fully analyze and test the BYD Dolphin. And the first impression is that of being in front of an attractive car, well made and of a more than remarkable quality.

The design is very subjective and there will be those who like the Atto3 more because of being an SUV and because of its lines. But overall the Dolphin is a car that attracts attention, thanks to an innovative but European aesthetic; without the typical fanfare of Asian cars. In addition, it has a fun color paletteaccording to your personality, among which the pink and purple colors stand out, with the possibility of creating a two-tone color with a black roof in the top-of-the-range versions.

Inside, the same modernist line is followed, but in a somewhat more conservative way than in the Atto3. Of the cockpitas in the SUV, we would highlight the large central screen with rotation system, supported by the small screen that acts as instrumentation in front of the driver. The aerators at the ends or the button panel from which the vehicle systems are controlled under the screen also attract attention. The handles are shaped like the dolphin’s finwinking at the name of the car.

if we talk about qualities from the inside, we feel thatl Dolphin is a little lower than the Atto3both for the adjustments (especially in the buttons), and for the presence of hard plastics, in addition to not having so many ornamental elements. This does not mean that the compact is of poor quality, far from it. The youngest of the BYD family can compete in this regard with any European model without complexes, but something must be noted that it is the access model to the Chinese firm, in addition to size.

What is indisputable in this model is the comfort and the space. The seats are very ergonomic. Even the third seat in the center of the rear bench is large and soft enough to ride without discomfort. Besides, the materials have a good touch and a pleasant softness.

During the presentation we were able to test the top-of-the-range model, with the 204 CV motor and the large battery, since they are the first to be marketed in Spain. In general It is a comfortable and easy car to drive.which is what is most sought after in an electric model of these characteristics and with this size. It has a smooth, quiet and pleasant rolling.

On short stretches or urban routes moves with agilityand in open areas or fast roads it offers a very good sense of stability and security. In this regard, it should be added that, of course, the Dolphin has all the latest generation systems to be able to win the 5 EuroNCAP stars.

We especially liked the driving touches. braking is very natural, which is somewhat difficult to achieve in an electric car with a regenerative system. Of course, there is not much variation between the normal retention mode and the most powerful. We also appreciate the good job done directingwhich may be too geared up for a person who likes sports cars, but perfect for its smoothness and ease of handling for those looking for a good ally for day to day.

What we liked least of all was the intrusiveness of the driving assistance systems, and especially lane maintenance. Not only did it constantly whistle at you when you got even close to the outside lines, but it also he swerved sharply and quickly to supposedly bring you back to the center of the lane. It does not seem like a serious problem to us, since it can probably be smoothed from the control panel, but with the time we had in the presentation we could not verify it.

In general, we liked both the behavior and the handling of the Dolphin, and more considering that it is a car that has just been launched on the market and that the units that we tested were almost pre-series. The effort that BYD has made to adapt the tastes and preferences of European drivers in this car is highly appreciated, as it already did with the Atto3.