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Expert Rating

BYD Dolphin

(2023 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

76
%
A

This model is still new so we don't have a Used Car Expert Rating score yet. Check back soon.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

58
%
D

Safety Rating:

93
%
A

Eco Rating:

100
%
A

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

76
%
A

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

76
%
A

This model is still new so we don't have a Used Car Expert Rating score yet. Check back soon.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

58
%
D

Safety Rating:

93
%
A

Eco Rating:

100
%
A

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

76
%
A

Summary


The BYD Dolphin is a compact family-sized hatchback and the second model from Chinese all-electric brand BYD set to arrive in UK showrooms.

The Dolphin is around the same length as the mid-sized Volkswagen ID.3, though its width is more comparable to supermini-size hatchbacks like the Peugeot e-208. This added length makes the BYD’s cabin more spacious than many of its similarly-priced rivals.

“The spacious interior is a huge highlight”, argues Parker‘s Tom Wiltshire, who also praises the Dolphin for its “interesting” cabin design and its ride quality, which is reportedly “more comfortable than many rivals.” Car adds that the BYD “comes packed full of equipment”, while Pete Tullin of Business Car asserts that the hatchback’s biggest draw will be its low price point.

That said, the Top Gear team found the car “intensely frustrating” to drive, citing slow acceleration and understeer, while other reviewers pointed out that alternatives offer better driving dynamics, more user-friendly infotainment, and higher-quality cabin materials.

As of January 2025, the BYD Dolphin holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 76%. It scores top marks for its excellent safety rating, low running costs and zero tailpipe emissions. However, its media reviews have been poor.

Dolphin highlights

  • Comfortable and tech-laden interior
  • Spacious cabin
  • Affordable price tag

Dolphin lowlights

  • Alternatives offer more boot space
  • Not very fun to drive
  • Brakes sensitivity takes some getting used to

Key specifications


Body style: Small hatchback
Engines:
electric, battery-powered
Price:
From £25,490 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2023
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA


Media reviews


Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Business Car

+

Car

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Driving Electric

+

Electrifying.com

+

Honest John

+

Parkers

+

Regit

+

The Sunday Times

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2023
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 89%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 85%
Safety assist: 79%

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: Design FWD Automatic

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: February 2024
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 10 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 9.6 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 9.9 / 10

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of January 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the BYD Dolphin to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops. 

As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Dolphin, we’ll publish the results here.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models233 milesB192 – 265 milesB – B
Electrical efficiencyAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models4.4 m/KWhB4.3 – 4.6 m/KWhA – B

The BYD Dolphin should be a fairly cheap car to own and run, according to the limited data we currently have available.

Electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of fuel economy on a petrol or diesel car) is good, which helps the Dolphin to achieve a decent driving range despite a relatively small battery.

Awards


Trophies, prizes and awards that the BYD Dolphin has received.

2023

  • Carbuyer Awards Car of the Year + Best Small Electric Car

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the BYD Dolphin, you might also be interested in these alternatives.

Cupra Born | DS 3 E-Tense | Honda e | Kia Soul EV | MG 4Mini Electric | Ora Funky Cat | Peugeot e-208 | Renault Zoe | Smart #1 | Vauxhall Corsa ElectricVolkswagen ID.3


More news, reviews and information about BYD at The Car Expert

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Buy a BYD Dolphin


If you’re looking to buy a new or used BYD Dolphin, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.

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Lease a BYD Dolphin


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Subscribe to a BYD Dolphin


Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)

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Car subscriptions from Wagonex.
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Used car finance from Creditplus.
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The electric BYD Dolphin has the interior comfort and low pricing to turn heads, but its driving dynamics have not fostered much praise.BYD Dolphin