2025 BYD Dolphin review: The only EV you need?

Is this the only electric vehicle you need? It’s the Chinese-built BYD Dolphin and it’s one of the most affordable electric cars on the market. Paul Maric takes one for a spin to see if it’s any good!

Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior: 00:48
Interior: 03:16
Infotainment: 05:11
Safety Tech: 06:42
Practicality: 07:23
Charging: 09:50
On the Road: 11:07
Self-driving test: 18:00
Accel. & braking: 19:20
Verdict: 22:07

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CarExpert:

Paul Maric:

#byd #dolphin #review

[AdrianoCasemiro]

Yeah, I'm sold on this one. My first ev and it really works for me in Brazil. It's solidly built, good enough range, very efficient drivetrain and well priced. Boot is small, but I'll just fold the rear seats, as I'm usually travelling on my own or with my wife. No small kids to haul around.

[PatrickPhelan-tk]

Thanks for the review Paul, as an owner of a Dolphin Premium it seemed a pretty accurate summary of the car. We bought ours as a city/suburban car, a role in which it excels. We can charge it mostly from excess solar, and that soft suspension tune works fine trundling around town. Honestly, I thought BYD were never gunna loan you one for a review for fear of how it would look when subjected to the 130km/h Sine wave test 😅 Clearly not a car intended for that kind of driving, but it would be great if BYD got some local suspension tuning to tighten up the body control. Had ours just under 12 months, no problems so far - certainly worth a look as a city-focused EV, especially if you can charge at home.

[kimcorell]

I considered it over the MG4, but ended up getting the Seal instead. You can't go wrong with any BYD, they're great!

[peej]

You can double swipe on the screen to adjust temps and fan speeds without entering the menu. Also the voice assistant is excellent at making adjustments.

[Digwind]

I didn't like it at first when it was released, but after seeing them many times on the road and I think they are quite cute looking. I especially like it in this blue colour.

[Dwil]

Yep, I have one. The good thing about it being Chinese is there are plenty of accessories available online. Things like dash mats to cut the glare. I also got a matte cover for the air vents. Pretty accurate review. Am happy with car. Was the best available when I got it. If I was looking next year, would go for Seal 06 GT

[Adamlllllllllllljjjljljjjjj]

I love seeing how cars do on the side waves and bumpy road section. No other reviewer has this type of suspension testing facility, it’s always interesting to see how luxury cars compare to normal cars on there too. Great video as alway!

[aljoubert]

Hi Paul
Just keep this in mind.
You can change the climate temperature from any screen/app with a 3 finger swipe ANYWHERE on the screen.

It is even easier than having physical controls.

[sandyhunter]

Try the 3 finger swipe to operate the temp and fan speed. The camera can be used while you are driving at speed, better than a rearview mirror.

[WaqasAsghar]

The best part was the shark fin joke 😂

[kevindgillam]

Thanks for this review Paul. I think it was quite good as I like the objective measuring techniques you bring to the review. We have had our Dolphin premium for 12 months now and 20, 000Klms in are very happy with our purchase. A couple of things I believe should have been mentioned:
1. The voice control system is excellent and is a real safety feature as there is no need to take your hands off the wheel to access screens and buttons.
2. Our car does have a 'launch' function that you can access via the right hand scroll wheel menu.
3. The forward sensing system which clusters around the rear view mirror is a significant obstruction to forward visibility.

Apart from that, all good. Thanks again.

[peterarmstrong]

I love my dolphin in urban grey with the decent looking wheels! Oh it makes a huge difference with decent tyres, I changed the ling longs to continental. I much prefer this over other EVs which ive had- cupra born-mg4 and niro ev.

[vnet]

3:00 No animals were harmed during this production ...especially blue dolphins ...😊 Great review two thumbs up.

[arkalon]

At 7.32 you can hear the electricity coursing out of the centre USB A port into Paul's Overall, a good review and one that makes me take notice of this vehicle. Well done Paul!

[mickjoebills]

Changing the soft tyre walled tyres on the 2023 atto transformed its handling and performance. Byd now ship the atto with firmer and wider tyres. Wonder what effect changing tyres will have on the Dolphin? Looking ahead byd will have to lift it's game when Xpeng Mona 03 comes to Oz, 615 litre boot in hatchback firm, 625km range 11kwh per 100kms, state of the art ADAS for $A27k in China.

[WilliamOwyong]

I think a key is always a good option. NFC doesn't work if your phone is flat/lost/stolen/broken. Basically makes the car an expensive phone accessory.

[CynthiaAllison-gdud]

You always know what makes a great video!

[Wacko-wrx]

Finally we’re starting to see cheaper EV’s that most people can afford. All we need now are conventional door handles, conventional heater/volume controls, speedo’s behind the steering wheel (with head up display if possible) and a spare tyre. Dolphin interior style doesn’t suit nor the split A pillar but it seems the Chinese styling improvements are on the way. When they tick all the boxes I’ll buy one, charge it at home and use it for 90% of our trips which are around town within 150km radius of home.

[catherinegrimes]

Very good review.
I have a 10 year-old Nissan Note and am looking for a replacement. Out of all the cars that I investigated, the top spec BYD Dolphin seems to be the best one for me. However, I have heard that there will be a upgraded version coming out with a 15.6" screen and will wait for that one to arrive.

[kyronrc]

This thing is selling well here in Brasil because theres simply no competition. Wish we had more options.