2025 BYD Dolphin review: The only EV you need?

[@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.

[@MARKINAU8]

How is your life in Manchester?

[@TechenZz]

@@MARKINAU8 ??

[@meowdi8447]

@@MARKINAU8😂

[@yslee1401]

@@AdrianoCasemiro you will be beyond sold when the car depreciates by 75% within the first 12 months

[@markuc]

@@yslee1401 sour grapes

[@peej542]

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.

[@kimcorell7786]

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

[@hermesliteratus882]

The Seal is a great car.

[@markward573]

Yes I want a Seal , out of my price range for now

[@yslee1401]

Let’s hope that it does not Bleed You Dry apart from Burning Your Dreams

@@hermesliteratus882Agree, but too big for me and I don’t like the trunk.

[@kimcorell7786]

Yes, the trunk is a bit small. Size is relative, herer in Australia the Seal is actually kind of small.

[@Dwil9057]

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

[@yslee1401]

@@Dwil9057 the bad thing about being Chinese is that has no resale value at all

[@PatrickPhelan-t9k]

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.

[@yslee1401]

@@PatrickPhelan-t9k they have no resale value

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@sandyhunter3948]

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.

[@peterarmstrong3853]

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.

[@CynthiaAllison-gd4ud]

You always know what makes a great video!

[@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.

[@aljoubert8749]

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.

[@CarExpertAus]

That sounds incredibly impractical.

[@IanRussell1969]

@@CarExpertAus Or you can say "Hey BYD, turn the temperature up 3 degrees". You didn't even cover the speech interface.

[@arkalon4986]

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

[@vnet1975]

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

[@WaqasAsghar]

The best part was the shark fin joke 😂

[@catherinegrimes2308]

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.

[@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.

[@CMurdoch-n3t]

NFC actually does work with a flat phone, it can use a function called 'Power Reserve' on iPhones that ensures NFC works for several hours after going flat. As for lost/stolen/broken, not only can that happen to other keys as well, the car also comes with NFC cards that can act as backup. Why have the phone when there are NFC cards? Because you're less likely to forget the phone, and more likely to have it out when unlocking.

[@leratomotsumi7090]

All the way from South Africa. GooddayIamPaul is a great reviewer.

[@billsomerville1426]

Wanted an MG4 for my SIL, but it failed miserably on entry for elderly or incapacitated people due to a low seat and extremely wide sill. Not mentioned in any review. Bought a base model dolphin despite power concerns. Fine in town, and will do 80kph on max freeway gradient. About Yaris powerful on freeway. ADAS intrusion acceptable now.

[@zzz-pe3mp]

I also have the base dolphin and I have no idea why people complain its slow - it's not a sports car and perfectly acceptable

[@Wacko2-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.

[@patricklin6177]

I agree with Paul that all Chinese cars need local ride and handling tunes to achieve a better experience. I kind of get that because China originally had much better road infrastructure than us, but they really need to learn from Kia.

[@yissibiiyte]

I for one like the Chinese car's focus on suspension comfort instead of being sporty. I will happily take a floaty ride over most modern cars that break your back.

[@gluttonousmaximus9048]

@@yissibiiyte Except their tuning makes users throw up on any bendy highway, even in China! And no, their road infrastructure is "better" in that they have more roads, not better built roads

[@yslee1401]

PRC cars need to be banned from Australian Roads. They are rigged with spy ware.

[@kyronrc]

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

[@05tep]

My partner was keen on one of these, but we cross shopped the Ora and the MG4. Dolphin felt a bit cramped inside, MG interior felt the cheapest and had the worst rear vision (small cluttered window). Bought the ORA and she loves it, would’ve been nice to have the app like overseas markets as that’s really the only short coming.

[@ryanstarling9391]

Great vids as always. The Xpeng G6 must be close for one of your great reviews and the difference between the 2 versions. The LFP and NMC options? Keep up the great content

[@CWETWong]

even sounds like a dolphin

[@onetwothreefour-s1n]

😂😆

[@nave.imperial]

Greetings from Colombia. I see mostly your videos about pickups and 4x4 vehicles for the off-road tests. I like your videos.

[@joeblow5740]

I don’t like the two tone paint especially the two tone wheel covers. I agree with you about the interior being over styled and the price is still a bit high if they’re going to attract and convert ICE buyers.

[@000T00b]

It seems quite an inoffensive choice, quite quirky. Not a fan of the design (or of EV’s in general) but am an admirer of its more expensive stablemates. All in all, it definitely has a place in our markets. There are many who would prefer something else, but just as many who are looking for something like this that is affordable and capable. More choice, more competition- bring it on !

[@wings3577]

thanks from Turkiye 🧿

[@christianabraham217]

They need to make an ev that is modular and repairable for them to catch on in the mainstream i think.

[@kennethprocak5176]

I think byd may be bringing their hybrid EV models . Don’t have to plug it in if you don’t want. 65% of byd sales are hybrid.

[@johnemerson5383]

Yes, they've already brought the Sealion 6 to Australia and the Shark dual cab is definitely coming. I'm hoping that they'll also import the Leopard 5. I'd buy one of them in a heartbeat.

[@atomalbert]

it’s not a looker on the outside, but boy, does it tick off all the boxes on the inside!

[@Dan4096]

If and when you get a Model 3 Performance, will you test it against a Seal Performance?

[@MichaelCoates]

What are the output figures for Vehicle to Load? I hear the capability mentioned a lot, but never hear what it can actually power.

[@justinseau]

Minimum should be 2300 Watts. BYD max out at 3300 Watts.

[@kidfreejones]

Number plate = daaaaaaaaamn!

[@simonnaughton2272]

Why wouldn’t the self drive work in the third lane? What’s the reason?

[@skyguo1987]

not sure why everytime when reviewing a byd car on the aircon, the reviewer always missed the function that with 3 fingers on the screen, you can swipe up and down to change temp and left ro right to adjust the speed of the fan.

[@martiniwanderi719]

Hyundai Sonata has 440nm to the front wheels,,any aspects of a review coming up in the future for that car??

[@griffinsgarage2023]

haha " the suspension really needs to be tuned locally" nek minute " oh thats the advantage of having nice soft suspension it really soaks up thos bumps quite nicely"....

[@oxaile4021]

The suspension isn't tuned for sportiness and there's quite a bit of body roll in corners but in terms of comfort it is absolutely incredible, it feels like you're floating on a cloud.

[@griffinsgarage2023]

@oxaile4021 yeh well I mean it's not exactly designed as a sports car, so it seems the softer suspension suits what it's designed for.

[@TAB10688]

Why don’t you show the speed on the hot lap anymore?

[@CruzeUK]

To think we now have an EV in the UK for £14K (25K ish Australian dollars).

[@benmadden9413]

Its $13000 US , its the Stralia tax :(

[@rebelaqua823]

Shark fin joke was good. Rest of the car is goofy. Also you need a key when this car gets towed after a mechanical failure... :)

[@vhol93]

Interesting color

[@HarmanMotorWorks]

14:55 - pogo stick! 😅

[@Atenza5]

"Everyone has a phone, NFC is the future" it just isn't though is it, can't wait to need to go to work and, "it's ok I'll just charge my phone in the car on the way there, oh wait I can't because the only way I can unlock my car is through my phone which is dead." Before anyone comes in and "oh well a key has a battery which can die too". There is a reason car keys come with a physical key with a key hole in the door for that scenario. I'm fine with the thought of unlocking you car with your phone for convenience, however I don't think it should be the only way.

[@ninelineman6950]

NFC works without battery. A dead phone will open it just fine.

[@Atenza5]

@@ninelineman6950 is it purely proximity? I thought you still had to USE the phone for security

[@davidwild66]

After using it for nearly 20 years, the key for my poor old Falcon got so worn that it wouldn't turn the ignition. No system is perfect.

[@CMurdoch-n3t]

@@Atenza5 Well, proximity is how every other key has worked in past, so yes. No doubt could choose to require phone biometrics with the trade off of requiring charge.

[@Y2Kvids]

nfc card ?

[@garycusack9247]

why why do they put glass roofs in cars nowadays and no sun shades to protect u from the heat i hate sunroofs on any car

[@GaryHowlett-c4w]

All the BYD Dolphins have a built in sunshade????

[@zzz-pe3mp]

it has a power sunshade and the glass roof doesn't get that hot even in the sun

[@riccardodalanno7965]

Paul, car expert is a big company, 60+ employees, if a laminator for the sign on your suitcase isn't in the budget send me your address and I'll post one to you. 😉

[@CarExpertAus]

😂😂

[@madopado]

Lololol the dad jokes are back…”arch nemesis of the dolphin is the aerial shark fin”

[@MrYarabandi]

3:03 No, it is the dolphin fin!

[@RyanMoran1992]

Taste really is subjective. To me, this thing is UGLY, inside and out. It’s crazy to me you keep describing these as having a ‘premium’ feel. To me they just look and feel cheap 🤢

I own a Dolphin since 1 year (30,000 km) and the quality is really good and doesn’t feel cheap for the most parts. The car is not a beauty but not ugly. It also depends on the colours. I have the light grey exterior with the black interior.

[@DeniSaputta]

So why not buy zeekr 009 if you have money

[@yslee1401]

@@RyanMoran1992 Chinese and Premium does not belong on the same sentence

[@Matt0ize]

But they are cheap, what do you expect ?? 😂

@@Matt0ize They are not expensive, but also not «cheaply» built.

[@gregandkaruna6674]

I just have to walk up to our kia and it unlocks automatically, no phone needed just a key fob in my pocket. That seems the most simple?

[@oxaile4021]

This car can do that too. It detects the key nearby and double pressing the button on the door handle unlocks the doors.

[@camneilsen8234]

So real range 350kms ?

[@amandagrant4331]

I like this car

[@mesp673]

….I wish the front resembles the Atto 3 or seal..it’s so fugly. The two tone look makes it looks Frankenstein-ish.

I think it looks better (unique) than the Atto 3 which has a generic Chinese design. The front resembles a little bit the first generation Renault 5. The new cars made in Thailand are no more two-tone and there is now a real white colour.

[@GSSurry]

Are you sure you live in Australia? 5 inch screen is not a metric measurement.

[@vhol93]

3:06 lol lol lol

[@bradcollins7452]

Seal, Dolphin? So im guessing Whale is the next model

[@notagain2856]

The Shark is coming. Oh, dont forget the just launched Sealion

[@Mububban23]

Good name for a people moved 😀

[@yslee1401]

@@bradcollins7452 they all have no resale value

[@mduduzimaphumulo2228]

Good day Paul..... In South Africa, we only know and respect one "dolphin" on our roads.... The BMW E36.

[@JeremyGeduldt-m2h]

BYD name is in South Africa not Tesla but Jetour should be the next model to come .

[@sagardube6708]

How much is a Tesla Model 3/Y priced in Australia? If it’s 15% more than this, anyone would go for that over this one anyday

[@w.h.h.w.7759]

Tesla Model Y from AU$55,900. A Tesla Model 3 from AU$54,900.

[@SS-yw7vo]

Why didn't you charge your phone overnight?

[@KookyBone]

For this Australian prices, BYD cars would be a sales hit in Europe, BUT BYD decided to milk us here in the EU: The Dolphin starts here at 32000€ which is about 52000AUD and this why no one is bying them... They are just as expensive as our own car brands (and Tarifs even haven't kicked in yet). If BYD continues with pricing strategy in Europe they will flop hard and never be any real competition.

[@linglin1558]

It is because of the EU tariff.

[@KookyBone]

@@linglin1558 no, this are the prices since a long time before tariffs even were planed... So no they are not, BYD is just making insane profit on each car sold in Europe... But luckily not many people falling for their scam

[@mindadou2784]

@@KookyBone Unlike GWM, who sell cars by themselves, BYD sell cars to local distributor , and the local distributor set the selling price. You can get BYD's export price from its monthly report.

[@yslee1401]

@@KookyBone just a matter of time before Australia imposes a 100% anti dumping duties on PRC vehicle imports

[@Negev-Israel]

Why in the hell would anyone make. Front-wheel-drive EV?🤦🏼‍♀️. An electric motor is already small, that you can fit it in the rear. It's not a full sized engine

[@peterarmstrong3853]

Ask mini, Kia, Hyundai, Renault and so many more 😂😂😂

[@hughsavage2136]

It's a budget EV. All wheel drive is expensive, uses more power, reduces range, increases weight. BYD are doing their best to offer a reasonable solution at, for an EV, modest price point. If you want AWD buy a Tesla. 😊

[@GDM22]

@@hughsavage2136 He means RWD.

[@Negev-Israel]

@@hughsavage2136 did I talk about AWD? I was just saying that since this is a single motor EV, they might as well put it in the rear, just like Tesla. It would improve traction and performance

[@OTPulse]

​@@Negev-Israel pretty sure it's just trying to mimic what ICE cars do in its segment so drive and handling is more predictable. Or maybe just so all the electrics are at the front for more boot space.

[@alanharrison694]

I love the car, but one negative I have been hearing is the NO vents in the back seats. The problem people mention is the lack of air conditioning reaching the rear compartment. Surprised that they didn’t fix that issue with the newer model.

[@henrytheturnip]

I can't get past the aesthetics of the headlights. It's like the designer grew up building cars with lego. I've test-driven the car and the review is right, it's an enjoyable car to drive, but the headlight placement looks butt-ugly. If they styled it like a smaller Atto 3 I would buy one tomorrow.

[@hughsavage2136]

Paul? It's a toaster. You don't start an EV. Start refers to bring an ICE engine to life. Starting its combustion process. Nothing starts when you turn on am EV, you just activate its electrical systems. I like the looks. Still too expensive in my view considering a charge the battery now costs more than the same amount of diesel in range. Still too expensive in my view. Specially considering the inconvenience of an EV. Cheers. Love your reviews. 😊

[@tc88888888]

I charge my ev at home 580km range. Cost 15 dollar for a full charge and I don't have solar.

[@hughsavage2136]

@@tc88888888 I have Solar. My house runs on green energy. And I think one day EVs will have safe batteries that can't melt down like small Chernobyls. When that time comes and I no longer need 2000km range, I'll get one as you have.

[@clipzed]

how on earth is buying electricity the same as diesel? i think you need to check your math. Even without solar it's not even close....

[@JJ-3721]

Too bad we don't have these options in the US ... thanks to our government.

[@yslee1401]

@@JJ-3721 thank God US blocked PRC vehicles and Huawei

[@oxaile4021]

I feel you. I'm glad EU isn't as crazy as the US (still pretty crazy) and these are actually available here. I've had mine for 9 months now and absolutely love it.

[@Liam-sx9dv]

How is this thing an SUV? That fraise has really lost it's meaning.

[@garycusack9247]

and why not cloth seats instead of leather and pretend leather they are hot as hell when u get in and sit on them after being left out in the sun give me cloth

[@D30N64]

How long does the battery last? Can you replace it? When thinking of an EV, I always think of my cellphone battery. When new it lasts long and after a year of use, you ony get 50% out of it. Im not sure if an EV is the way to go. They are just too expensive, and not that green unless if you charge it with solar energy.

[@yslee1401]

@@D30N64 it will lose 75% of its sticker price within the first 12 months. Don’t bother thinking about battery replacement

[@IanRussell1969]

Mobile phone batteries are designed to fit into a tiny space and don't have any built in cooling - that's why phones get hot when in heavy use/charging. Car batteries have a complete management system so it's always at the optimum temp for long life. The warranty in my Dolphin is for 7 years, but real worlds examples from many EV's is that the battery will last as long as the rest of the car. And if they do start to degrade, are still perfectly usable as home batteries.

[@taffyftwpocoyoftl7937]

I'm watching while my haval gt is in for warranty repairs for loss of power, and refused loan car, I would like a refund for major failure.

[@IseiNabuka]

You can't compare BYD with the trusty old Jimny. If BYD dolphins can take you to the rugged Regional roads then you can. Jimny is just too good for what's its build for just like the dolphin

[@rodrigobatistaguerra7991]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@iwx2672]

3:16

[@yslee1401]

Bleed You Dry apart from Burning Your Dreams

[@hughsavage2136]

Love it ! ❤😊

[@sdngy]

I will call mine Eco or Flipper...

[@lucassitanggang5154]

Chinese car domination

[@yslee1401]

@@lucassitanggang5154 Chinese cars representing demotion

[@Mikosyko]

Thirty seven thousand?!?!

[@Maddo_75]

Review about 12 months tooolate

[@anthonybrown4874]

At the right price used it will make a case for itself and time will tell if its a durable quality product, there sre a lot of shitboxes out there. Having no remaining indiginous car manufacturing Australians can select from the worlds available best imported cars and if you are up for the EV experience the car is innofensive to look at comfortable etc though your standing start was a bit squeally probably low quality manufacturer supplied garbage put some quality boots on and it will be transformed.

[@PazLeBon]

Its just mad how they are still building such naff ugly cars with 1990 styling when they have an entire new platform and no engine bay even needed

[@harveybirdman74]

They need to get rid of the badge cringe and make it 35k driveaway

[@christopheiarussi6419]

Looks good from every angle except the front. It’s hideous! And it looks worse in person.

[@markhansford5930]

Paul if thats all your build quality test involves its pointless.

[@MegaBandit1250]

Great review. Won't buy one of these.

[@shannonrussell7151]

Ah, the BYD Dolphin. The only motor vehicle defeated by its own aerial.

[@kiaalexander4161]

Do the children in Congo mine the cobalt/lithium for the battery by hand in unsafe conditions?

[@yissibiiyte]

You say that as if the Japanese brands have a humane workforce

[@daweigo6851]

Ridiculous unitilgent comment

[@agnai191]

No. You're thinking of cobalt, and BYD's batteries don't contain it.

[@buncha5651]

Yes, and they are built by the Wegas in prison camps.

[@RicknMorty85]

You sound so uneducated lol. BYD uses LFP batteries. LFP battery uses lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material, which inherently possesses a higher thermal stability compared to cobalt-based chemistries. This makes LFP batteries a preferred choice for applications that prioritize safety and longevity.

[@micktokar]

Durometer test tells me nothing. Zero.

[@CarExpertAus]

You’re not reading it right. It reads from 0-100.

[@rc70ys]

This looks like their first generation BYD 2020 E6 that was a very ugly looking car. These look like left overs from their first attempts and simply sent off to us. The new ones have only BYD not the whole sentence 😂 something tells me these are old new stock !

[@philplowman2251]

I don't need a EV thank you

[@granthenderson687]

Its ugly Paul , but a good car for my grandma i guess

[@karkybibek]

And grandpa 😂😂😂

It looks better in person (but not in the model shown).

[@HabitualFixation]

It is ugly but get a single tone paint and the other rims and it suprisingly becomes just 'not good looking'.😂

[@sanjaygupta666]

From dust you came & dust you go & no one will give a shit about you 5 minutes after you’re dead

[@rc70ys]

I have to agree with you It’s 2024 and this is the best they could design when BYD have some really good looking cars in their fleet !

[@John-p7i5g]

Base model BYD Dolphin is too slow! 70kW is way under spec, and charging also too slow on the base model. MG4 base model for almost the same price is a way better option for range, power and charging, even if the gizmos are less than the Dolpin.

[@zzz-pe3mp]

I own one, it doesn't feel slow on the road. It's a town car, not a sports car. The MG4 interior is tragic.

[@Rajonas007]

I don't want to look at it, censor it please

[@asifulzead]

a bit over stylized

[@SLVBULL]

Disposable cars that have absolutely no resale value. No thanks. I'll stick to my ICE car.

[@IanRussell1969]

Some of us have never once cared about the resale value when purchasing a car. I bought it to use as a car, not an investment. Plus it's heaps cheaper to run than an ICE, so that will cover the resale losses anyway.

[@mahcooharper9577]

$40k for a Chinese dodgem car... No thanks.

[@markcalleja8463]

Shame it's not rwd

[@tld8102]

Sorry what? wheel spin on an EV!

[@douglasunmack961]

A goofy brand and a goofy looking car. Mr Bean would love one of these!