The BYD Dolphin is a fully electric C-segment hatchback and the first model in the BYD Ocean series to feature “Ocean Aesthetics”. This BYD DOLPHIN review UK covers the specifications, trim levels and equipment for the model. The rounded profile resembles a leaping dolphin, complete with short overhangs and a long wheelbase. Michael Shu, GM of BYD Europe, stated that high-tech electric mobility should be available and accessible for everyone.
Guides for the BYD Dolphin
trims, prices and how to buyLease & Finance
lease, PCP, finance and salary sacrifice explainedRange & Charging
battery, range and charging factsWarranty & Servicing
warranty, insurance group and servicingReliability
what is documented and what to checkWhere Is It?
fuse box, 12V battery, charging port and moreRepair Guides
troubleshooting by system
Pricing and trims
The BYD DOLPHIN UK range launched with four distinct trims: Active, Boost, Comfort, and Design. Sales of the 60.4 kWh models began in the UK summer 2023, with initial deliveries following in Q4 2023. The 44.9 kWh models arrived in Q3 2024.
Pricing starts from £30,230 on the road for the Comfort trim and £31,730 for the Design trim. Prices are indicative — confirm current price, offers and delivery times with your local BYD dealer.
| Trim | Battery | Motor | WLTP range | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 44.9 kWh | 70 kW / 95 PS | 211 mi | 93 mph |
| Boost | 44.9 kWh | 130 kW / 176 PS | 193 mi | 99 mph |
| Comfort | 60.4 kWh | 150 kW / 204 PS | 265 mi | 99 mph |
| Design | 60.4 kWh | 150 kW / 204 PS | 265 mi | 99 mph |
Performance and specifications
The Active trim features a 70 kW / 95 PS motor, providing a top speed of 93 mph. The Boost trim has a 130 kW / 176 PS motor with a top speed of 99 mph. Both use a torsion beam rear suspension for the Active trim and a multi-link rear suspension for the Boost trim. The Active trim uses 16″ wheels, while Boost, Comfort and Design use 17″ wheels.
The Comfort and Design trims feature a 150 kW / 204 PS permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) sending power to the front wheels. This produces 310 Nm (228 lb ft) of torque, providing a 0–62 mph acceleration time of 7.0 s and a top speed of 99 mph. The WLTP range is 265 mi combined, rising to 347 mi for the city cycle. The energy consumption is 3.90 mi/kWh combined and 5.13 mi/kWh in the city, with 0 CO2 emissions. Both trims feature MacPherson front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, plus ventilated front brake discs and solid rear discs.
The Comfort and Design models have a kerb weight of 1,658 kg and a gross vehicle weight of 2,068 kg. The axle loads are 1,039 kg and 1,090 kg, and the turning radius is 5.25 m.
BYD DOLPHIN dimensions UK and boot space
The BYD DOLPHIN dimensions UK are 4,290 mm long, 1,770 mm wide, and 1,570 mm tall. With the mirrors included, the width is 2,012 mm. The wheelbase is 2,700 mm and the front and rear track widths are 1,530 mm.
The BYD DOLPHIN boot space is 364 L, expanding to 1,329 L with the 40:60 split rear seats folded down, according to the 2025 official technical data. The 2024 launch media pack listed the capacity as 345 L and 1,310 L. The boot fits four 20-inch suitcases. Inside, the cabin seats 5 and features 20+ storage spaces.
Equipment and technology
Standard equipment on the Comfort and Design models includes LED headlights, daytime running lights and tail lights, Intelligent High Beam Control, mirror footlights, 17″ bi-colour alloys, heated electric folding mirrors, and rain-sensing wipers. The interior is wrapped in waves and includes a heated vegan-leather multifunction steering wheel, vegan-leather seats, a 6-way electric driver seat, a 4-way electric passenger seat, and a 40:60 split rear seat.
Technology features consist of a 12.8″ electrically rotatable touchscreen, a 5″ TFT instrument panel, 6-speaker audio with DAB+, navigation with a 3-year free trial, “Hi BYD” voice control, onboard 4G, and the BYD app. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, alongside a front USB 1×60 W and 1×18 W Type C, a rear USB, and a PM2.5 filter. Other standard items include a 360° camera, front and rear parking radars, a heat pump, 3.3 kW V2L, an 11 kW on-board charger, 2 smart keys, an NFC key card, and a BYD digital key. The heat pump offers direct battery cooling and heating, delivering +15% winter thermal efficiency.
The Design trim adds a panoramic roof with a 97% sunshade and a glass area comparable to a D-class luxury car. It also includes rear and rear-side privacy glass, a wireless phone charger with cooling, and ventilated driver and passenger seats. The Comfort trim has a driver seat that is heated only. The Design trim also gets a V2L power strip.
Interior colours are black & grey or black & brown. The 2025 sheet lists Cream white as standard paint, with Skiing white, Obsidian black, and Time grey as options. The 2024 pack noted six colour combinations for Active, Boost, and Comfort trims, and four two-tone options for the Design trim.
Safety features
The Dolphin includes the following airbags: driver, front passenger with deactivation, front centre, front side, and side curtain. Other safety equipment includes Child Presence Detection, ISOFIX/i-Size points for the front passenger and outer rear seats, TPMS, and an emergency call system. The Blade Battery passed the Nail Penetration Test.
The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) feature Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Front & Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Brake, Blind Spot Detection, ELKA, Lane Departure Assist (LDA), Adaptive Cruise Control / Intelligent Cruise Control (ACC/ICC), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) + Intelligent Speed Limit Control, Door Opening Warning, Auto Hold, Driver Fatigue Management, and Intelligent Power Brake. The car also features CRBS coordinated regenerative braking.
FAQ
Is BYD DOLPHIN a good car?
The Dolphin provides high-tech electric mobility with up to 265 mi of range, seating for 5, and a comprehensive suite of safety and comfort features. Check with an authorised BYD dealer to arrange a test drive.
What is the BYD DOLPHIN boot space?
The 2025 official data states 364 L of boot space, expanding up to 1,329 L with the seats folded. The 2024 figures were 345 L and 1,310 L.
What are the BYD DOLPHIN dimensions UK?
The car measures 4,290 mm in length, 1,770 mm in width, and 1,570 mm in height.
Are there different battery sizes?
Yes, the Active and Boost trims have a 44.9 kWh battery, while the Comfort and Design trims use a 60.4 kWh battery.
Does the car have Apple CarPlay?
Yes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on the Comfort and Design trims.
Confirm all details and book a test drive with your local BYD dealer.