China's leading new energy giant, BYD, has unveiled its second product in Australia, bringing affordable pricing, extended range, and impressive practicality to the realm of small electric cars. The BYD Dolphin represents the second phase of BYD's foray into the Australian market, following the crossover vehicle, BYD Atto 3.
Design and Technology
As the latest addition to BYD's lineup, the Dolphin is an electric hatchback positioned between the Vauxhall Corsa Electric and the Volkswagen ID 3 in size. Beneath its exterior, featuring a "marine aesthetic" design philosophy, lies BYD's e-Platform 3.0, equipped with the company's proprietary Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) blade. This cobalt-free battery arrangement, displayed in a strip along the car's length, diverges from the traditional cylindrical or cuboid battery shapes. The Dolphin comes with available capacities of 44.9 kWh or 60.4 kWh.
The exterior design, led by BYD's Global Design Director Aige, exudes a youthful and dynamic appeal, departing from the majestic design language of the Dynasty series. The closed-loop front grille, integrated LED headlights inspired by the eye of a dolphin, and a continuous LED light strip at the rear all contribute to its overall rounded aesthetics.
Performance and Range
Power and range options for the Dolphin vary by version. The entry-level Dynamic, generating 94 horsepower, achieves a range of 340 kilometers solely on the smaller battery. Premium and Sport versions, utilizing the same battery, deliver 174 horsepower and cover a range of 473 kilometers. Combining comfort and design with the same powertrain system as the Atto 3 (60.4 kWh and 201 bhp), the Dolphin achieves a range of 426 kilometers. The smaller battery supports a fast charging power of up to 60 kW, while the larger one can reach 88 kW.
Driving Experience
Not surprisingly, given its nearly identical hardware to the Atto 3, the Dolphin's driving experience is comparable, characterized by light responsiveness and a floating sensation. While its shorter sidewalls may impact city absorption, it sacrifices some body control for a comfortable ride. Despite a lack of high-energy performance, the Dolphin's resilient traction, particularly with the Linglong Comfort Master tires, proves unexpected. The steering, however, tends to be light and somewhat numb, making it feel like a maritime experience through bumps in the middle of bends.
Interior and Technology
The Dolphin's interior, while slightly less eccentric than the Atto 3, maintains a smart and appealing overall feel, albeit with a noticeable chemical odor. The driving position is comfortable, with the electrically adjustable seats offering good mobility, though lacking in lumbar support and tilt adjustment. Practicality is evident with numerous trays and compartments in the front, including a handy space beneath the central touchscreen. Rear legroom is ample for tall adults, and the 345-liter trunk impresses for a compact hatchback. The standard variable-height trunk floor adds to its practicality. However, technical issues similar to those in the Atto 3 persist, with the rotating 12.6-inch touchscreen having too many sub-menus, not fully utilizing its spacious area.
Pricing and Market Impact
Is the Dolphin poised to shake up the small electric car market? Well, a glance at the pricing indicates that it just might. The Dynamic model is priced at AUD 38,890, while the larger-battery Premium model is priced at AUD 44,890. The fully loaded Sport design is offered at AUD 49,990. Apart from the slightly somber interior of the MG 4 EV, any other model in this price range offers better value, unless competing models sacrifice significantly in range. Speaking of range, the Dolphin's claimed efficiency of 4.1 mpkWh (equivalent to a range of 427 kilometers) from our road tests is cautiously optimistic. However, achieving 350 kilometers should be easily attainable.
BYD expresses its hope that people will purchase their cars for their style and personality rather than merely for their affordability. Nevertheless, in the current landscape, the Dolphin, while lacking some polish in multimedia, chassis, and certain internal materials, presents a pricing structure that appears sufficiently attractive to forgive many of its shortcomings. As BYD continues to make strides in the global electric vehicle market, the Dolphin stands as a promising addition, offering a compelling blend of affordability, impressive range, and practical design to Australian consumers.
