Apparently, we’re approaching the goal of a greener future. In June 2017, the EV30@30 campaign was launched to accelerate the deployment of electric vehicles.
The campaign’s goal was to reach a target of 30% new electric vehicle sales by 2030. This campaign is organized by CEM’s Electric Vehicles Initiative (EVI), which the International Energy Agency coordinates.
China, one of the member countries, has taken part in nearly 80% of the world’s critical technologies. China-based car manufacturers like BYD Auto have taken the lead in producing modern cars like the Dolphin with the most advanced systems.
Beginning
BYD Auto presented the BYD Dolphin at Auto Shanghai in April 2021. The battery electric hatchback is built on the e-Platform 3.0, a platform dedicated to electric cars. This platform offers better weight distribution for efficient performance and range.
Overview
Since its launch, BYD Dolphin has sold well in markets like China (its home country) and overseas markets like Europe, Australia, Thailand, New Zealand, Brazil, Malaysia, and Japan.
In fact, BYD is now the largest electric vehicle manufacturer in the world. This clearly shows that Chinese brands are taking over, especially in emerging markets. But what does the 2024 BYD Dolphin offer?
What is It?
BYD Dolphin is a battery-electric hatchback manufactured by Chinese automaker BYD Auto. In China, the car is classified as a subcompact (B-segment) hatchback and is part of BYD’s ‘Ocean Series.’
The car is available in three trim levels in China: BYD Dolphin Dynamic, BYD Dolphin Premium, and BYD Dolphin Sport.
BYD? Say What?
Yes, you heard it right. Since 2021, BYD Auto has been manufacturing this awesome car model, BYD Dolphin. The 2024 Dolphin has standout features like innovative battery technology.
That’s just a fraction; the Dolphin is one of the cheapest and most versatile electric cars on the market. It has an aesthetically appealing body design, a smooth driving experience, and advanced safety features.
What About the Looks?
The front and rear lights’ designs are inspired by the dynamic motion of a dolphin rising from the ocean. It has a continuous LED headlight that runs across the center grille. The headlamps and the taillights reveal the car’s great technology and style—salute to the engineers.
The Dynamic and Premium models come in color schemes: Sand white, Urban grey, Maldive purple, and Moral pink.
On the other hand, the Sport model, which is the top trim, comes with the following: Ski white, Coral pink, surf blue, mantle grey, and Atlantis grey. Some of the grey versions may have a black roof and a bonnet.
The 2024 Dolphin has 17-inch wheels and floating door handles designed like the fin. A charging port flap is on the right front part, after the driver’s door.
And to Drive?
The 2024 BYD Dolphin offers a calm, comfortable, and smooth ride. You can imagine getting used to the internal combustion engine noise, especially the diesel one, and later riding in an electric car. The top trim acceleration is lively, and the car handles the corners nicely.
Controlling the car is effortless with the regenerative braking system. Although it might take a little longer to familiarize yourself with this electric car, if you have never driven one before, you’ll have the most amazing experience.
Moreover, the steering is well-weighted for better handling.
Do You Think You Will Take It to Heart?
Whether you love driving to work, taking a road trip with family, driving on long journeys, or performing other activities, the 2024 BYD Dolphin will get the job done. The car brings good equipment and decent practicality.
What’s in a Name?
The Dolphin is one of the car models in BYD’s ocean series. But what’s the ocean series? As a leading electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD needed to inject new momentum into its customers.
BYD Auto decided to manufacture models named after sea creatures and ships. The first models that debuted were the BYD Dolphin, BYD Seal, and the Chaser 05. These electric models have the most advanced features.
You Mention High-Tech?
Yes. The car has the most advanced features, from comfort to safety. Some comfort features are Heated front seats and 3 individual rear seats with head restraints. The driver’s seat has a 6-way electric adjustment, and the front passenger seat has a 4-way.
On the other hand, it has 12V power sockets for charging purposes and air freshness; the manufacturer equipped it with a PM2.5 air filter.
It has a rear trunk parcel shelf and a center armrest with dual cup holders. The car has a 2x front USB port and 2x Rear USB port. Additionally, it comes with a multifunctional steering wheel.
Regarding safety, the 2024 Dolphin carries the most advanced features. They include the driver and passenger airbags, front side airbags, seatbelt warnings, electronic parking brakes, and child’s lock on the rear doors.
The car also has an electronic stability program, 3×3 point rear seat belts, an automatic emergency braking system, a direct tire pressure monitoring system, and electronic brake distribution.
What’s the Verdict?
The 2024 BYD Dolphin remains unbeatable regarding quality, driving experience, and price. This sedan will offer great value for your hard-earned money due to its charging speed and range.
Moreover, a few reviewers have praised the model for a combined wealth of interior digital interactivity and space.
Price and Specs
How Much Does BYD Dolphin Cost?
The 2024 Dolphin is ready to face its rivals in the market in three models. Each model has a different price depending on the specs. The lower model is the BYD Dolphin Dynamic, which costs around $38,890.
The second model is the BYD Dolphin Premium, which costs around $44,890, while the top model is the BYD Dolphin Sport, which costs $49,990.
Specs:
| Price: $44,890 | Engine: Permanent magnet synchronous motor |
| 0-100 km/h: 7.0 seconds | Power: 150kW |
| Torque: 310Nm | Range: 427 km |
| Top Speed: 160 km/h | Release Year: 2023 |
Driving
What is It Like to Drive?
The ride is quiet and comfortable as the car interior is very accommodating. You’ll get the best experience if you drive the sports model because it offers more advanced features. The acceleration isn’t brutal, but the power is delivered nicely in various terrains.
The 2024 BYD Dolphin gives you the option of drive modes. You can select Normal, Eco, and Sport for higher performance. The car’s brakes are also strong enough to make a sudden stop.
What About the Steering?
The 2024 BYD Dolphin has a multifunctional steering wheel that allows you to control several systems. Additionally, the steering is quick and reasonably sharp. It feels very nice and well-balanced. You’ll have to be keen on the maintenance to keep the system efficient.
Talk to Me About the Ride
All the 2024 BYD Dolphin models are excellent. However, the most tested model is the premium, which can pull from 0 to 100 km per hour in just 7 seconds.
But the car’s top speed might annoy you, especially if you’re a real gearhead who loves speed. 160 km per hour is pretty good for normal driving, and you can achieve it in less than 15 seconds.
The car steers well, so you don’t have to worry about how you’ll navigate the sharp corners. It even feels nicely balanced in the corners, which is a great achievement since Chinese cars haven’t achieved this in the past.
However, the car isn’t very heavy for the advanced stability when cruising at maximum speed.
The model’s brakes are grabby enough to give you a sudden stop, although the pedal lacks the bite at the top to grip your shoe. When behind the wheel, the driver’s assistant feature is essential.
But the lane-keeping assist can sometimes be annoying, especially when you need emergency steering assistance.
On the other hand, you’ll be getting cool entertainment on a 12.3-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system. The car maintains a good balance between efficiency and performance. It handles well in urban and suburban driving, but if you want to go upcountry, it can also take you.
Browse More:
And the EV Efficiency?
The lowest trim, the Dynamic, uses a 44.9kWh battery with a consumption of 4.7 miles per kWh. The model has a 70kW battery. The second option is the Premium model, which uses the same battery with a 150kW motor.
The model’s powerful motor doesn’t consume more power than the Dynamic since the official consumption details are 4.3 miles per kWh. Finally, the sport uses a 60.4kWh battery and consumption of 4.4 miles per Kwh.
On average, the car consumes 8kWh per 100km around town using the Normal drive mode. However, it can increase to 14kWh per 100km if you engage in the city sports mode.
What About Steering the BYD Dolphin Yourself?
The 2024 Dolphin has the most advanced driver-assist and safety features. Some of the features that will make your driving experience superb are adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, emergency lane-keep assist, front cross-traffic assist, rear cross-traffic assist, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed limit assist, driver fatigue detection, front, front-side and curtain airbags, surround-view camera, and parking sensors.
Is the Range Good?
The base Dolphin Dynamic has a 44.9kWh battery and can travel 340km on a single charge. On the other hand, the Premium can travel 427km with a 60.5kWh battery, according to the WLTP standard.
Interior
What is It Like on the Inside?
The futuristic suspended center console design helps the car to offer a modern and dynamic driving environment. The console has a metal trim across the dashboard, forming a beautifully curved surface.
Additionally, there is a display screen that serves as the center for all interactive and entertainment systems. You can use the intelligent voice assist and other car functions without distractions.
The boot is also spacious enough to store your family’s luggage when traveling. You can also drop the seat for more space.
The sporty seats in the car offer long-distance comfort and strong support for adults and kids. They are made of vegan leather, which adds to the interior style.
The driver and the front passenger seats are adjustable to offer more comfort. The car has numerous storage areas in the cabin, like the large door pockets, hollowed storage tray beneath the infotainment screen, and the central storage cubby.
Finally, you’ll enjoy the sun and fresh air with the full-sized panoramic sunroof.
Is the BYD Dolphin Easy to Use?
With the most advanced driver assist and safety systems, the 2024 BYD Dolphin is one of the easiest cars to use. BYD Dolphin has the all-new BYD e-Platform 3.0, which gives you the advantages of intelligence, efficiency, and safety.
The intelligent systems give the best driving experience. Additionally, you can use the voice assist feature to control most functions. You can also use the controls on the steering wheel to control several features.
But Where’s the Instrument Panel?
The 2024 BYD Dolphin has a 5.0-inch digital instrument panel behind the steering wheel. The screen is extended upwards to avoid obstruction by the wheel.
Is It Spacious?
The BYD Dolphin is a spacious family car measuring 4290 mm long, 1770 mm wide, and 1570 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2700 mm. The boot can carry the whole 345L and can also increase to 1310L when you fold the rear seats.
The car’s curb weight is 1506kg for the Dynamic model and 1658kg for the Premium model. Moreover, there are numerous storage spaces in the cabin for storing some documents or smaller items.
How’s the Build Quality?
BYD’s body is built with several strong materials like high-strength steel and aluminum. This gives the car stability and protects the passengers in a crash. Additionally, the stronger body structure gives the car a longer lifespan if well maintained.
On the other hand, the car has the safest battery and is equipped with the most advanced systems for better driving experience.
Buying
What Should I Be Paying?
The 2024 BYD Dolphin comes in three trim options for the Chinese market. Suppose you choose BYD Dynamic, you’ll pay $38,890. The BYD Premium model is more powerful and can cost around $44,890.
Finally, if you want the sports model, expect to pay $49,990. Note that charges may increase if you’re an overseas customer because of the shipping and customs clearances to get the car into your country.
What Does Charging Cost?
The cost of charging an EV in China ranges between 0.70 to 1.00 CNY per kWh.
How Long Will Charging Take?
When using an 80kW DC charger, Dolphin’s battery can top up from 30-80% in 29 minutes. The V2L (Vehicle To Load) function can power small electric appliances at home or during camping.
What About Rivals?
The 2024 BYD Dolphin rivals are the MG 4 and the GWM Ora. The MG 4 offers features similar to the Dolphin, and its pricing starts from $38,990 to $59,990. The GWM Ora prices start from $39,990 to $51,990.
