BYD Dolphin Hatchback, starting at 29,700 £

4 (4 Reviews)
rate

The BYD Dolphin Hatchback impresses with 204 HP 427 km and an attractive starting price of 29,700 £ . Here are all the details at a glance.

from £29,700
Dolphin

BYD Dolphin

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 204 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 15.9 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 427 km

Design & Presence

The BYD Dolphin arrives as a compact, rounded hatch that favours friendly, contemporary styling over aggressive theatrics. Its proportions — 4,290 mm long, 1,770 mm wide and 1,570 mm tall — create a neat footprint that’s easy to live with in the city yet doesn’t disappear on faster roads. Smooth surfaces, a pronounced face and sculpted flanks give the Dolphin personality without screaming for attention, making it an approachable option for buyers looking for a modern small EV.

Interior & Usability

The cabin prioritises practicality with clean lines and materials that feel solid for the segment, while soft-touch surfaces are used where they count most. Seating is arranged for 5 occupants and the chairs provide supportive comfort for daily commutes and short motorway stints, with controls placed logically for ease of use. The overall layout is sensible rather than luxurious, aimed at durability and low fuss rather than premium flair.

Space & Everyday Practicality

Boot capacity is a usable 345 litres, expanding to 1,310 litres with the rear seats folded, so weekend trips and weekly shopping are handled without drama. Rear legroom accommodates adults for short to medium journeys but very tall passengers may feel a touch cramped on long trips, a trade-off for the compact exterior. Payload of 410 kg and a curb weight of 1,658 kg underline that the Dolphin is designed as a practical city hatch rather than a heavy-duty load carrier.

Driving & Handling

Powertrain figures read 204 hp (150 kW) and 310 Nm, delivering a lively 0–100 km/h time of around 7.0 seconds with a limited top speed of 160 km/h. The front-wheel-drive setup and compact wheelbase make the Dolphin agile in town, with light steering and predictable turn-in that simplify manoeuvring and lane changes. On faster roads the tuning favours comfort and composure over razor-sharp feedback, and the car’s weight becomes noticeable when driven briskly.

Efficiency, Consumption & Range

Official combined consumption is quoted at 15.9 kWh/100 km with a WLTP range of 427 km, figures that imply a battery pack in the high 60 kWh area and very competitive efficiency for a small family hatch. In everyday mixed driving this translates to a practical real-world range typically in the 300–380 km band depending on speed, weather and heating or cooling use. That makes the Dolphin well suited to multi-day urban and suburban use, while longer trips will require planned charging stops.

Assistance & Infotainment

Driver aids cover the essentials such as collision mitigation, lane assistance and adaptive cruise control, which are helpful in commuter traffic and on motorways without adding complexity. The infotainment system is straightforward, supports smartphone integration and presents clear graphics, while physical buttons for common functions reduce distraction. Connectivity and periodic software updates keep features current and help ensure the system remains useful over time.

Who is it for?

The Dolphin targets buyers who want a compact, practical EV with lively performance and efficient running costs — ideal for city dwellers, small families and commuters who value usable range without premium pricing. With 204 hp, a WLTP figure of 427 km and combined consumption of 15.9 kWh/100 km, the current lineup sticks to a single front-wheel-drive formula that balances punch with efficiency. It’s an attractive alternative to conventional small hatchbacks and entry-level EVs for anyone seeking modern tech and sensible space in a neat package.

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BYD Dolphin
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Reviews

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
Mark Kennedy
12 Apr 2026, 17:25:08

Absolute gem of a car, wonderfully smooth and powerful, along with being loaded with tech. By far the best car I've had. Would highly recommend

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
John Maskell
3 Jan 2026, 07:26:24

Loving the dolphin

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Electric Range
427 km
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Length
4,290 mm
Width
1,770 mm
Height
1,570 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,310 L
Payload
410 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Max Speed
160 km/h
Torque
310 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
150 kW
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,023
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BYD

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What drive types are available for the BYD Dolphin?

The BYD Dolphin is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.