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 hatch will be available to order later this year.
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 Autocar‘s Illya Verpraet concludes that the Dolphin “lacks polish”, as alternatives offer better driving dynamics, more user-friendly infotainment, and higher quality cabin materials.
As of November 2023, the BYD Dolphin holds an Expert Rating of 57%, based on 15 reviews published by the UK motoring media. Please note that the car has only recently arrived in the UK, and many of these reviews were conducted on an international launch model that may not fully reflect the final UK product.
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
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“BYD’s smallest, cheapest offering still manages to score big on space and value. It’s far from the last word in involvement but then, none of its rivals can claim to be much fun either. And away from epic B-roads, customers should find plenty of appeal in the Dolphin’s packaging, bigger battery range, in-car tech and solid build quality. It’s a really impressive compact EV, at an attractive price.”
Author: John McIlroy
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“With competitive prices, reasonable range and a comfortable ride, it’s definitely a viable option for many, but it falls short in too many areas to be considered a class leader.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“BYD says it wants people to buy its cars because they love the style and individuality, rather than because they’re cheap. As it stands, however, the Dolphin lacks the polish – in its multimedia, its chassis, and some of its interior materials – to really impress.”
Author: Illya Verpraet
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Business Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Dolphin’s biggest incentive will be its price point. It has a sticker price similar to a basic MG4, while offering considerably more range and equipment as well as being considerably cheaper than the likes of a Vauxhall Corsa Electric or Volkswagen ID.3.”
Author: Pete Tullin
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Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Dolphin confirms that BYD is a manufacturer worth taking seriously. It’s comfortable, handles tidily enough, has an attractive interior and comes packed full of equipment.”
Author: Alan Taylor-Jones
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“Don’t be dissuaded by its low list price or the unknown name – BYD is a big brand in its home country and the Dolphin is a talented all-rounder. There’s space for four, a good range, plenty of equipment and an agreeable driving experience.”
Author: Richard Ingram
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Dolphin is a well-priced, well-equipped and practical electric hatchback, although you don’t get auto wipers and some of the interior materials aren’t quite as soft-touch as they look.”
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Driving Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BYD Dolphin may be one of the cheapest electric cars on sale, but it delivers in many areas – making it something of an EV bargain.”
Author: Richard Ingram
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Electrifying.com
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The ride quality appears to be well resolved while its low centre of gravity allows it to switch directions keenly and cleanly. On the downside, the steering offers little in the way of feedback and feels rather artificial.”
Author: Mike Askew
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BYD Dolphin is cheap by electric car standards, but doesn’t feel it. It’s thoroughly well resolved, combining laudable interior comfort, space and build quality with impressive performance and a respectable range. There’s very little not to like.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.2 / 10
“The Dolphin’s spacious interior is a huge highlight, providing more space for passengers than many cars from the class above. We also like the interesting design and appealing materials inside, while the ride is more comfortable than many rivals. Given the bargain pricing, it’s well worth considering.”
Author: Tom Wiltshire
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 5 / 10
“There are things that some owners will absolutely adore, though, from the cutesy naming to the flamboyant colour schemes and dolphin-fin door handles.”
Author: Will Dron
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 4 / 10
“The Chinese firm launches its new, small EV, complete with a weird marine-themed name. The price might be right, but there’s lots that isn’t.”
Author: Andrew English
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 4 / 10
“The BYD Dolphin simply feels unfinished. The dampers and springs need to actually work together to do more than just jellify potholes, and the steering needs a slug of optimism that it might actually turn the car when you want it to.”
Author: Tom Ford
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“On the face of it, the Dolphin looks like a decent alternative to the MG4 – it costs slightly less, has comparable range, is spacious and has a better interior. That said, it’s not quite as capable on a twisty road as the MG, with softer suspension that doesn’t have the same control as the firmer rival.”
Author: Dan Jones
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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%
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of November 2023, the BYD Dolphin has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Enyaq is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing whenever it ever takes place. Check back again soon.
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of November 2023, 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 extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Dolphin, we’ll publish the score here.
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
No data yet
As of November 2023, we don’t have independently verified data available for the BYD Dolphin. Check back again soon.
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
No data yet
As of November 2023, we don’t have independently verified data available for the BYD Dolphin. Check back again soon.
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 4 | Mini Electric | Ora Funky Cat | Peugeot e-208 | Renault Zoe | Smart #1 | Vauxhall Corsa Electric | Volkswagen ID.3
More information
More news, reviews and information about BYD at The Car Expert
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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