Detailed BYD Dolphin Review (2025–2026)

Introduction: A New Era of Urban Mobility

The BYD Dolphin, confidently entering the 2025–2026 model range, represents one of the most successful and discussed electric vehicles on the global market. Built on the e-Platform 3.0 and part of BYD’s “Ocean” series, the Dolphin is not just a compact hatchback—it embodies the philosophy of maneuverability, ecology, and advanced technology accessible to a wide audience. It is specifically designed for metropolises, where the combination of quick acceleration, compact dimensions, and the ability to use preferential traffic lanes (in many regions) becomes a key deciding factor.

The car demonstrates an impressive combination of price and quality, challenging traditional segment leaders. However, like any budget-class EV, the Dolphin requires the owner to be prepared for certain compromises, primarily concerning trim materials and acoustic comfort.

1. Design and Exterior Look: “Ocean Aesthetics”

The BYD Dolphin did not receive its name by chance. Its exterior look is based on the “Ocean Aesthetics” concept, developed by Wolfgang Egger. The design is vibrant, bold, and non-conformist, which is one of the model’s main advantages.

Key Design Elements

• **Distinctive Individuality:** The car instantly stands out in traffic due to its fluid lines, styled like waves and marine creatures. The two-tone body paint, available in certain trim levels, emphasizes its youthful and dynamic character.
• **Lighting:** Top-tier versions are equipped with adaptive LED headlights. The design of the daytime running lights is reminiscent of a dolphin’s eye, adding a playful air to the image. The LED strip connecting the taillights makes the rear end easily recognizable.
• **Dimensions:** The Dolphin’s compact dimensions (length of approximately 4.3 meters) are ideal for maneuvering in crowded urban conditions and finding a parking spot.
• **Panoramic Roof:** In expensive trims, a large panoramic roof is available, which significantly improves the perception of space in the cabin, although it adds weight.

2. Dynamics, Motor, and Range

The electric vehicle demonstrates excellent characteristics for its class, especially in terms of dynamics. This is due to the instantaneous torque, specific to all electric vehicles, as well as the variety of powertrain options.

Technical Parameters

The Blade Battery and Charging

The BYD Dolphin is equipped with BYD’s proprietary lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery called the Blade Battery. Its key advantages are **high safety, durability, and structural strength**. The declared range of 420 km according to the NEDC cycle for the base version is a good indicator, although in real-world conditions (according to the WLTP cycle) this figure will be lower, closer to 300–350 km. Unfortunately, a higher capacity battery, which significantly increases the range, is only available in the more expensive trims.

The charging system is quite fast: at a powerful station, **80% charge can be recovered in 25–40 minutes**. A full charge from a home electrical network (Wallbox) comfortably takes 6.5–7 hours, allowing the car to be fully charged overnight.

3. Interior, Technology, and Comfort

The Dolphin’s cabin continues the “oceanic” theme, distinguishing itself with an original design and an abundance of unusual solutions, but provoking mixed opinions regarding materials.

The Technological Center of the Cabin

• **Rotating Screen:** BYD’s main technological feature is the 12.8-inch multimedia touchscreen, which can rotate from a horizontal to a vertical position. This is not only a spectacular element but also a functional one, allowing the optimization of navigation or video content display.
• **Wireless Charging:** Top trims include a zone for wireless smartphone charging.
• **Space:** Despite its exterior compactness, the Dolphin’s cabin and trunk are sufficiently spacious, ensuring comfort for four adult passengers.

Compromises in Materials and Soundproofing

Unfortunately, one of the main disadvantages reported by almost all owners is the **mediocre quality of the interior finishes**. The use of rigid and less expensive plastic in some areas is a direct consequence of BYD’s desire to offer the car at the most competitive price. Furthermore, the **soundproofing is lacking**. At high speeds (especially over 100 km/h), wind, tire, and electric motor noise can be heard in the cabin, which reduces the level of acoustic comfort on long journeys.

4. Operational Analysis, Safety, and Urban Practicality

The Dolphin is positioned as an ideal urban inhabitant, and its features fully correspond to this role, but not without observations regarding visibility.

Urban Advantages

• **Maneuverability:** Due to the small turning radius and compact dimensions, the Dolphin is extremely maneuverable, an undeniable advantage when parking and in traffic.
• **Access to Dedicated Lanes:** In many countries and large cities, electric vehicles like the Dolphin have the legal right to use dedicated public transport lanes, which significantly speeds up travel.
• **In-City Dynamics:** Instantaneous acceleration allows for quick integration into traffic and overtaking, making urban driving easy and pleasant.

Safety and ADAS Systems

BYD does not skimp on safety. The Dolphin is equipped with modern driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and other features that ensure a high level of passive and active safety. The Blade Battery, due to its chemical structure and construction, also contributes to safety by minimizing the risk of fire.

Reduced Visibility

One of the operational drawbacks is **limited visibility**. The massive front body pillars can create “blind spots,” especially when turning. Added to this are the side mirrors, which seem small and are not always informative, requiring extra attention from the driver.

5. Pros, Cons, and Market Position

✅ Detailed Analysis of Advantages (Pros)

• **Advantageous Price and Equipment:** One of the most attractive prices in the segment, while even the base version offers a decent set of options.
• **Instantaneous Dynamics:** Quick acceleration, especially in the top version (7.5s to 100 km/h), makes it very agile.
• **Innovative Blade Battery:** Increased safety and durability of LFP batteries.
• **Unique Design:** Vibrant, bold, “oceanic” style that won’t go out of fashion in the coming years.
• **Technological Equipment:** Rotating screen, adaptive headlights, modern driver assistance systems.

❌ Main Disadvantages and Compromises (Cons)

• **Interior Material Quality:** Rigid plastic and cheap materials reduce the overall impression of the cabin.
• **Poor Soundproofing:** Insufficient acoustic comfort at highway speeds.
• **Reduced Visibility:** Massive front pillars and compact mirrors require getting used to.
• **Base Battery:** The relatively small capacity in the base version (45 kWh) limits the range.

Conclusion: The Verdict for the Urban Electric Car

The BYD Dolphin (2025–2026) is one of the most compelling offers in the compact electric vehicle segment. It is ideal for those seeking a stylish, maneuverable, and dynamic car for daily urban use, without wanting to pay extra for the brand.

The car successfully combines BYD’s proprietary technologies (Blade Battery, e-Platform 3.0), a unique design, and an impressive set of safety features. Despite the compromises in finish quality and soundproofing, which are typical for the price segment, the Dolphin offers high economy and significant advantages in the form of long range (in top versions) and excellent dynamics. **It is a reasonable, modern, and attractive choice for the transition to electric mobility.**