BYD Dolphin extended range: review & road trip!

[@kiwiscananddo]

Gavin is cementing himself as one of the most interesting car reviewers, worldwide. Well done

[@EcotricityNZ]

YOU TAKE THAT BACK! 😅

[@metricstormtrooper]

More like Spakfilla.

[@albertkoey]

Yeah. His review of ATTO3 where he mentioned NOT to disconnect pedestrian warning must have received a lot of views! His reviews are easy to follow. Hi from Singapore.

I am owning a Dolphin Extended since about 1 month and after about 2,500 km, I can say, that it is a quite good car. It is not perfect, but it fulfils my needs for a daily driver. My realistic range is about 380-390 km for a full charge.

[@NyashaM]

that's a lot of range, my daily commute is 24km

@@NyashaM My daily distance is about 100 km (50% highway with 110 km/h).

[@litowsean9724]

Dude you save a lot of money on gas!!!@

[@Dawg-p8c]

That's a lot of range, even more than my Tesla model 3 basic version 😢

@@Dawg-p8c It is a 60 kWh battery and my consumptions is about 15 kWh per 100 km. The charging speed is not that great, but ok for me because I don't do long trips with the Dolphin.

[@Mel_Gerrard]

BYD is doing some great stuff at the moment

[@Chris.Davies]

All electric cars are amazing until they destroy everything you own and love.

[@Mel_Gerrard]

@@Chris.Davies OK buddy, enjoy your life

[@fatdoi003]

@@Chris.Davies try ignite a LFP blade battery mate.... you're way behind on your knowledge

[@JonySmith-bb4gx]

​@@fatdoi003source ? Proof ?

[@photent]

​@@JonySmith-bb4gxstart by watching the video 🤦

[@joebloggs6131]

BYD looks like the next car for me! Drove a Tesla but found it too autonomous for my "inner driving enthusiast" and don't want to pay thousands in premium just so it can do what I want to do... 😅 BYD is a nice "middle of the road" where driving is a pleasure rather than using a computer on wheels. I think a dolphin in extended range spec will be right up my alley!

[@Chris.Davies]

Yes, the low price of the BYD will be so comforting as you watch everything you own burn to the ground.

[@joebloggs6131]

@@Chris.Davies What if I told you that I'm homeless lol 🤣 Maybe it'll just burn with me sleeping inside it 🤣

[@rachelbailey966]

Loved it! Entertaining and informative. Thanks for being so fast off the mark too.

[@sydneybrereton2566]

Great review Gavin, that has nailed it for us, Dolphin here we come.

[@WarHater-X]

Love this chap. Balance review is what we need 👍

[@therealjeffg]

Another entertaining and informative review thanks Gavin. Looking forward to the Dolphin MG4 showdown.

[@TassieEV]

Another fab review Gav! Always love your reviews.

[@saintza]

Great review, thanks! Looking at picking up a premium over here in Australia soon

[@peterengland6153]

The New Zealand dealers for BYD have set the price to high. In Thailand the base Dolphin is $3,000 cheaper than the base MG4, in NZ the base Dolphin is $3,000 more than the base MG4. The base Dolphin in Thailand is $32,700 NZD here it is $50,000 NZD, even in Australia it is only $42,000 NZD less $7,015 rebate would make it value for money.

[@johnhornblow4347]

Doesn't our dolphin have more high tech rating on the front end?

[@peterengland6153]

What precisely is different that is worth $17K (Thai) or $8K (Aus). No just corporate greed as usual. @@johnhornblow4347

[@leiyue1411]

could due to the shipping cost.

[@peterengland6153]

About $500 difference between shipping from Shanghai Brisbane than Auckland. Note BYD, SAIC and others have purchased their own RORO ships, and of the 100+ new RORO ships on the order books the Chinese's have snagged them ALL.@@leiyue1411

[@mochen9282]

@@leiyue1411 Both MG and BYD cars were shipped from China

[@davidcao5423]

Love the ocean themed jokes and matching shoes Gavin!

[@peterengland6153]

It will be interesting the sales data for the end of 2023, both MG4 & Dolphin arrived here in NZ in September 2023. Heads up from my local MG dealer, 2 ships in October and 1in November each of 562 MG4's have all been pre sold. Only December ship has some spare still. This is also because if National get in, they are scrapping EV rebate of $7,015. Just got my rebate for my new MG4.

[@kevindgillam]

A very worthwhile review, many thanks for posting. I have shared on the Australian Dolphin FB page. Thanks again😉👍👏👏👏

[@adamdukat3693]

Balanced review -- You haven't missed a word. Very informative. I am Your fan - and an Aussie................

[@sixone7478]

Another great video. I will give it 10/10 spuds. Cheers from Western Australia.

[@MrBenHaynes]

What's with the spuds? Is he Irish?

[@photent]

​@@MrBenHaynesjust go with it

[@honesty_-no9he]

BUILD YOUR DREAMS is a must for me!

[@lifewithjohnny9724]

Gavin this is one of the most entertaining car reviews ever! Keep up the great work! Loved the potato metrics and seated heats 😂

[@Laser-Star____]

Great review! Regards from Norway. Superb daily use-car, getting A to B? Perfect!

[@johnjkiwi7818]

Great and honest review as usual Gavin. I am also very interested in the BYD Seagull when it arrives in New Zealand. It is rumoured to have an estimated price of NZ $26000, which is almost unbelievable. I can't wait for your review on the BYD Seagull.

[@mirnivoznik8536]

Gav, you did it again! You're a big fish in a small pond. Cheers!

[@Pram4]

I looked for this brand because it is currently building a factory here, open youtube and search but almost videos are popping up from New Zealand lmao, great video by the way

[@mikeandersonwa]

I always notice, nobody seems to talk about the speaker quality... as I do a ton of driving that's always one of the more important features for me, and I'd love to know what people think about it.

[@photent]

Yes!

[@carlarrowsmith]

Great review. The only problem with BYD cars is the dreadful all in one seats. For those of us that are tall the headrest digs into the back.

[@gregb1599]

The Dolphin is actually slightly longer, so in my case, unlike the Atto 3, the Dolphin headrest does not dig into my shoulders. Go try it first. You also could be lucky.

[@graffitijungle2072]

The seat design of the Ocean series is similar. Other series should be launched soon, and the interior style will be different.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

This will probable be my reason for ruling it out, so will have to spend a lot more to get the seat that I can sit in. The New KONA's seats are great, imo.

[@photent]

Oh. Thanks for pointing that out

[@simes5000]

I feel like its important to watch ALL of gavs videos to make sure you keep up with his car review lingo such as seated heats and appleation carplay otherwise i feel you'd get left behind! I love all the Gav videos!!! Bring on a top 10 tier list for 2023 video!!!

I don't miss one-pedal-driving. I am used to use the brake pedal and I like coasting. So I use the standard low generation mode. The cars feels so more like a fossil car. The Dolphin regenerates before the friction brakes kick and so don't waste energy while braking. The transition between regeneration and friction is quite smooth and not noticeable (for me).

[@johnhornblow4347]

E-pedal is a must for me... I won't buy an ev without it matching Nissans excellent E-pedal

@@johnhornblow4347 I tried the stronger regeneration but I don't like it. As said, I let coast the car a lot and that is not easy to achieve with one-pedal-driving. But it should be an option, of course. I assume, that BYD has made the Dolphin for first-time EV drivers who don't wont to change their driving style. I also use the Eco mode because it gives me more pedal travel and therefor more control. The car feels like my former Diesel cars.

[@sydneybrereton2566]

Yep, we're looking to buy a Dolphin and took an Atto 3 for a test drive. We much preferred the standard regen and had no problems with brake feel.

[@shaonian]

I've been using the e-pedal in the Nissan Leaf and it is vastly superior to the atto 3 brakes (I haven't tried the dolphin). It's very smooth and offers much more precise control than ordinary brakes.

[@james_l4337]

I am sure due to BYD allowing one to "coast" or using momentum to drive "more" instead of quickly put into full max regen These BYD cars will get extra km, mainly because of allowing for "coasting" or using original kinetic energy, the momentum driving. Yet BYD still have the high regen if needed, like in braking using break pedal. Regen will hit max when foot pedal press, unless hard break then physical break will applied instead of max regen. That may add 10 to 20km to these heavy BEV more then the other EV manufacturers who may or may not be allowing one pedal driving

[@yantotv1997]

BYD Blade battrey is amazing

[@mv9143]

lol that 3rd low-speed noise is like a xmas song

[@1MrBryn]

I'm looking forward to driving this. The Ora is still at the top of my list because the MG4 just left me massively disappointing due it's generally cheap overall feel.

[@Tsenngu]

i have the MG4 and i can agree it does have alot of supercheap plastic..especially in the door panels etc. I can live with that for the great price it has here at 37.5k USD for the luxury (trophy) the MG drives great though and the noise lvls are much better then the Hyundai Kona i had and it has fantastic seats also compared to the Kona. The Ora does look real cool though and seems to have much better interior quality.

[@gregb1599]

Boot is the poor point on the Ora and those terrible indicators! Software is a little buggy, slow DC charging. But it's tech on especially the Ultra and GT, is unbeatable!

[@robsengahay5614]

I am wavering between the Ora and the Dolphin. Test drove the Ora and was impressed. Haven’t managed to see the Dolphin here yet. The lack of full one pedal driving for an EV is potentially a deal breaker for me. The Ora was better though I noticed it didn’t come to a complete stop on a slight downhill slope when I tested it out. However my nagging doubt about the Ora was the lack of OTA software update capability. These cars are computers on wheels and software updates - even if it is only bug fixes - can be frequent. Don’t want to keep returning to a car dealer for these updates. Dolphin aren’t using dealers which is a major plus in my book having experienced a Tesla for the last 4 years. My wife hated the MG4 at first sight so that was a total nonstarter. Didn’t even get a test drive in it.

[@gregb1599]

@robsengahay5614 Just remember the BYD has a lot more updates and OTA, so it's possible in time one pedal driving could be added as was the case with Tesla.

[@robsengahay5614]

@@gregb1599 My Tesla had full one pedal driving from the start in 2019. I don’t understand why they wouldn’t have it now even as an option in 2023. It’s hardly revolutionary in EVs generally.

[@ericliume]

"That is bloody delicious." 😅 By the way, regen works together with the brake paddle. It is NOT one pedal driving.

[@Rafaelinux]

Really interesting how byd promotes the dolphin in completely different ways in different markets

[@nics9840]

57 seconds in and I can’t get over how early 2000s the interior looks

[@TheGiuliano2010]

Enjoyed watching this. Great work.

[@EnnTomi1]

came for the car, stayed for the review, subbed for the jokes lmao.

[@standupmoto]

Nice review Gav, hope to catch up in Melbourne this w/end at the EV show 👍

[@normancharles2523]

what a great informative and entertaining review :)

[@Buzzinga248]

Gavin I really enjoy your reviews and sense of humour, I would love to see a review on the Kia Niro EV 2023, if possible please.

[@craybro]

I look forward to the MG4 comparison review. However, I think it would be fairer to compare it against the Essence spec as it is similarly priced to the Dolphin model in this review. Does Ecotricity offer price advantage when using Charge Net public chargers?

[@southernights]

Seated heats? 🤭 love your reviews by the way!

[@rob1733]

An iconic Gav turn of phrase! 😂

[@mrdarthmoke]

great review ! and the spud capacity is hilarious ! thanks

[@stephengneri2136]

just found the channel. I love Kiwis as my Nanna was a kiwi. Great thorough review. I will be back.

[@leedaq7767]

love your review, very informative bang on the important points

[@b.a7859]

Ha! I love the US senator joke！Very good review my friend!

[@briansalay-smith8604]

Another great review Gavin... But why does the reggo spell queefs (phonetically)?

[@marcweakley6020]

Hi there. Great video, and reaffirmed my decision to buy. I picked my dolphin up today and learned that there is an annoying beep as soon as you go +1km over any speed limit, and the 'lane assist' is very agressive. I can shuffle through the menu system and turn both off, that is...until I power off the car and then it resets for my next drive. Has anyone else found this incredibly annoying - esp the speed warning? And any fixes? Cheers

[@ADudesRotary]

Speeding fine

[@graffitijungle2072]

All cars produced in China have very strict safety system requirements, which are mandatory by law. The official cannot release it unless a third party modifies the system. If the official discovers it, it will affect the warranty of the car.

[@marcweakley6020]

@@graffitijungle2072 Thanks, but I don't live in China, and you're actually quite wrong, the international market has stricter regulations than China, which resulted in a design change of this model. Now about my questions...

[@flashgameking]

Unless you have higher-level autonomous driving (automatically recognizes speed limit warnings), you can only set the maximum speed warning in accordance with local regulations.

[@shaonian]

I wonder how many sales they have lost due to the speed limit warning. What a stupid idea. The MG4 doesn't do that. In other countries you can turn it off.

[@josephkarl2061]

"Some of them as depressing as Britain in the 70s" As a guy who grew up watching Coro St with my nana in the late 70s, this is a low blow 😉😂

[@SWR112]

Just give us the Knight Rider sound and everyone will crawl about towns a cities loving it.

[@LaowaiDaveJCP]

Has seal arrived in NZ?

[@jackcc429]

negative.

[@jonnosjimny]

Great video. Gotta get myself some seated heats 😉

[@PS-383]

Love your presentation. For the annoying low speed noise, I understand it is a safety feature to warn pedestrians of an oncoming EV. Is there a way to turn it off? I am assuming this is not a requirement for EV operation under NZ traffic law?

[@oldchev2850]

Is 85cents per kw/h on a supercharger pretty standard over there? I wonder if that’s going to keep sneaking up over the years? I was holidaying there recently and I was shocked at the price of fuel. $3.25 per litre for 95. Any wonder I saw so many Teslas there.

[@richardlphillips]

Great review 👍

[@MrCoCo-ct6sr]

I love those seated heats

[@Leon-ml4tv]

Great video! Is the review of the BYD seal coming?😄

[@Noscrapsinmyscrapbook]

Hi Gavin - how do you find the cruise control?

[@waynehobbs5175]

Great review Gavin. You mentioned maximum seat height was 66cm, do you remember what Atto3 is in comparison please? Looking forward to the base model test against the MG4. Spoiler alert the MG4 wins because its faster by 5.5 seconds to 100kph and handles better because of RWD. But, the Dolphin tested here I reckon beats the MG4 of this pricepoint because of kit and LFP battery. Am I right or are you wrong?

[@gregb1599]

I hate the seat in the Atto 3 as the lower headrest digs into my shoulders. However, the Dolphin must be slightly longer as it does not affect me at all

[@MrBenHaynes]

If buying base models, the MG4 wins over the Dolphin due to handling, performance and same LFP battery chemistry. If buying longer range mid spec models, the Dolphin wins comprehensively on battery chemistry and features. I believe the 70kW base Dolphin is not relevant in Western markets.

[@LadAussie]

so why would you get this over the atto 3? similar price, smaller package but only 100kg less mass.

[@paulobezerra6581]

Hi, Dolphin extended has electric side mirror ( retract)??

[@roadkingtouringnz9220]

Nice job there mate , was that lemon fish or gurnard.

[@honestjohn6222]

Great review , is there a big difference between atto 3 and dolphin , cheers

[@MrBenHaynes]

WLTP = Way Less Than Predicted! 🤣 NEDC = Not Even Damn Close 😂 Great review. If I had to buy a new vehicle, this would be it. I will benchmark the forthcoming Tesla compact car against the Dolphin.

[@james_l4337]

You will have to wait at least for another 1.5 years for Tesla That factory & factory line have to be build 1st. 1 year wait minimum. Then wait for smoothing out production supplies another 0.5 years minimum Then there's quality need to be careful and smooth out... Tesla price for small car model 2 or whatever will likely be in $50,000++ likely premium range, pricy Nonetheless car performance likely be sporty

[@rob1733]

Man, that Special Effects department is really coming along! 😂

[@zferlyn]

Because of tariffs and anti-dumping rules. The price of the Dolphin in China ranges from US$16,000 to US$19,200.

[@just4therecord]

I love the low speed noise #3…..reminds me of an ice cream van

[@MUFCSINCE90]

Getting me a black metallic MG4 in two weeks baby ❤❤❤❤

[@robbristow]

Does the 'sun' roof have a blind as I would not wish to have the hot sun on my bald head when driving? Really interested in a comparison with the Cupra

[@dannymartins388]

Yes it does

[@ndt7692]

Gavin, Thanks for another great review. Any chance of getting a Volvo EX30 and the Mini Countryman? Thanks!

[@JayG0o]

Love the patato idea😂

[@CursorNZ]

Can't wait to try out dem "seated heats"😂 (1.53 for reference)

[@ArendelleLeah]

As a Chinese guy, I can't believe this car is so expensive in the United Kingdom, The BYD Dolphin is just 13K Pound sterling in China, and the Tesla Model 3 is 29K Pounds. model 3 equals dolphine*2.2 ..... Honestly, I see no reason not to buy Model 3. And I know this car is really nice, but it is not worth so much money.

[@flamingstag2381]

what are the service/warranty fees in nz ?

[@TobeyGuthrie]

Another great video! Tesla not offering V2L capabilities on all of their vehicles goes against their mission. It's insane they have millions of 4 wheel battery banks around the world and don't allow you to access all that energy.

[@kdegraa]

Tesla also sells powerwalls. They’d be stupid for one business division to eat into the business of another.

[@gadgetgasspoll]

​@@kdegraaBYD is also sell power walls

[@LadAussie]

Telsa are going to offer V2L.... through the powerwall... so you need both the car and the wall.

[@QALibrary]

Gav, how easy is it to get a CDL/HGV license in New Zealand?

[@مرواریدمشرقزمین]

Pretty BYD

[@frankbjrnsten7189]

Love you reviews. Have ordered A Dolphin but have second thoughts, have seen footage Of really bad front led lights, what's you're take on that. Are they that bad.???

[@QALibrary]

what is BYD called in other places in the world? and has it still got the English meaning on the back or is it translated?

[@MrBenHaynes]

BYD EA1 I believe.

[@fatdoi003]

BYD

[@miskomarkovic3446]

Thank you

[@accesser]

Nice, very nice, send one over the ditch to Australia please mate

[@sheryltrainor3784]

Great review. I don't understand why car makers are not putting rear air vents in their cars! What about the poor back seat passengers they need to keep cool in summer too! Would never purchase any car without rare vents now as I feel it is a must for every car especially in Auckland summers. A big miss in this vehicle!

[@王全斌-n3p]

atto3有你需要的，海豚是一辆小型车，相对较短的时间后座就会很凉爽。 最重要的是所有BYD汽车都是联网的，我会上车前提前十分钟开启空调~不论外面热还是冷，车厢内总是令人舒适的~~

[@sheryltrainor3784]

sorry can't read chinese!@@王全斌-n3p

[@jinniwind]

There are quite some ev cars do that,especially bigger cars.for smaller cars, it’s relatively easy to cool down the whole car from the front.

[@supreme_xenon]

10:16 Bruh, If I have this car I would use the 3rd sound option for shit and giggle

[@jackcc429]

waiting for Seal to arrived in NZ!

[@Stepheny15]

Lower Hutt 去Taupo , 我以前在紐西蘭留學經常一班同學去玩，Thirfty 租車服務很好。❤！現在有BYD 成本會更加便宜。👍😉❤️

[@TheJAMF]

🤔1:50 What are those "heats" you speak of? 😂

[@roybrown4944]

I love that car

[@sangeylopchan3501]

Bdw how much is the real range???🤔

[@dointheokecoke5548]

every kiwi sounds like Ian Smuth😍

[@Night_Voyager_]

This car is available for sale in China at a price below 12,000 USD.

[@dquzmanovic]

Seated heats? 😊

[@simonpaine2347]

Seated heats as standard! Excellent 😂

[@RedBatRacing]

Much better than the standing ones

[@SuspectAccount]

MUCH prefer the look of the cheaper one without the two-tone bonnet (yuck) and the sand & black interior. This would be better with the same front styling as the smaller Seagull - which looks really cool.

[@lowtech_1]

Talk about Britain in the 1970s, was that a Austin Allegro in your Garage 🤯 🙈

[@jaredoelderink-wale350]

This BYD Dolphin looks great. I reckon it would beat a BYD Seal (or club, depending on your preference)

[@fatdoi003]

2 totally different cars targeting different audience

[@福田路雄]

中国製の電気自動車は安くて良いので日本でもすごく売れると思います

[@Noscrapsinmyscrapbook]

Which is better? Dolphin or MG4?

[@fatdoi003]

for fun driving MG4 for build quality and comfort Dolphin

[@Tsenngu]

Hahaha! I would 100% use the ice cream truck slow drive sound....and then probably shoot the speaker with a shotgun :P. Car itself unfortunatly on the outside looks very boring. Inside it is pretty sweet in the color combo for your test car but it does look quite oldish and grumpy outside. Plenty of power and tech in the car though as is expected today in most EV's in this price range. Personally i ended up with the MG4 wich i think looks really good but that car does have issues with a few of the driving assists and other small weird issues. Everyone complains about the MG4's lane keep assist but mine barely works at all for some reason. I have it on but if i swerve to the center line and even cross it it does nothing at all...but sometimes it decides to give the wheel a little pull.

[@onefiniteplanet]

With one pedal driving, it is not regen braking that brings the car to an actual stop. Otherwise, great review.

[@fabmanly1070]

BYD are actually building their own RORO’s now that they are exporting so many cars, crazy!

[@james_l4337]

Could that be the giant vehicle ship? May be it was lend? from other shipping? But after thinking it may make sense to lower international transportation cost if BYD thinks it need to use it so often

[@fatdoi003]

@@james_l4337 they ordered their own ships

[@TheSkskitey]

I like the Dolphin but for the full BYD name on the rear and the sun roof , who wants to be seen in the sun light while driving along . I would get a real dark tint put on the sun roof and some kind of special strip of vinyl tape covering the name on the rear , silly i know . All else is good :-)

[@james_l4337]

Atto 3 and dolphin have build in sun shades Meaning the glass roof can be closed. You can see in some atto 3 Video. if one wish Not to have hot sun or glare if that's happens. That will keep cabin perhaps as cool as a car with a hard roof (no glass)

[@james_l4337]

Tesla unfortunately do Not have one, but one can buy add on to plug up the glass when necessary obviously that is tedious over time. Atto 3 do Not need that because as said that inside cover is inbuild! Press a button it closes Best of both world! I am sure dolphin also has same. Go see dolphin Byd and check it out Also see more of video on line. I am certain it is there. I remembered the videos earlier China dolphin review by Wrst channels in China have said this, press button vola don't like the sun if its hot? Closed That Dolphin is shorter nose... Cuter nonetheless international version dolphin hopefully will get 5 star NCAP due to ~10cm longer nose and more metal frame padding at front

[@james_l4337]

So the advantage here is one gets a really good spec and high premium end top glass with a roof too! Never in past with such price Consumer get this because BYD had yo compete with Tesla so may be that's why BYD had to have glass roof to attract customers But having glasz roof increases cabin heat in normal environment Using air con decreases car km efficiency etc. Thus BYDZ then had to include the option of permanent closable shade... One on top of another It will be hard on BYD profit margin, only if they can sell volume to make enough back. Tesla has extremely high royal fans, brand, USA & West image plus a huge margin use to be 30+% Thus Tesla vs BYD price war Tesla have clear overall advantage However Tesla is in premium price range BYD is smart to Not get into that premium as they will not in short term able to compete Some margin for BYD to live in common BEV area for awhile

[@AJames-jr8kw]

"It costs nothing to run" except after March 2024 it will cost 7.6c/km road user charge which will add over $40 dollars to your run to Opononi and back. The NZ distributors stating "BYD is a premium brand" must have made the Mercedes and BMW dealers laugh. Linglang tires? The 50K on road includes the $7000K rebate the new Government supposedly will ditch.

[@toyotaprius79]

Fabulous review