BYD Dolphin Premium (150kW) review: 0-100 & test drive

[@Clove_Parma]

Interesting, in Europe they removed the Ling Longs in favour of Hankook due to it testing poorly before release. I wonder how much just giving it some decent tyres would help. EVdirect would be wise to give buyers the option at time of purchase, hell they could even charge for the upgrade and people would happily pay

[@trdi]

There are reviewers who have said exactly that - changing the tires massively improved the handling. Not surprising.

I have these Chinese tires on my Dolphin and they are quite good. I never felt unsafe while cornering or in heavy rain.

[@isaccrosenthal]

I wonder if there is such an experience on KZbin​@@trdi

[@GrumblingForesight]

I’ll prolly get me some Yokohamas when I finally get one

[@kennethprocak5176]

I’d like an opinion that you can buy a full-size spare. The under floor space looks dead enough to fit in no problem.

[@MrBenHaynes]

@1:49, The Premium model you are reviewing can recharge at the rate of 11kW/hr of AC power. It's the lower spec Dynamic model that can only take a maximum of 7kW/hr AC. Similarly, the max DC charge rate of the Premium has been tested at 88kW/hr (same drivetrain as the BYD Atto3) versus the Dynamics 60kW/hr. Most homes only have a single phase AC connection resulting in a maximum of 7kW/hr anyway. It's rare to have (or expensive to install) three phase AC at home for 22kW/hr capacity.

[@noodlefoo]

I thought both Dynamic and Prenium models of Dolphin can only charge at 7kW/hr of AC power? Are you thinking of different models other than Dolphin?

[@MrBenHaynes]

@@noodlefoo No Dyno Dolphin is 7kW/hr AC, Premo is 11kW/hr AC. Not thinking of other models. Premium is stated in brochure of 80kW/hr DC but it is actually 88kW/hr (same as BYD ATTO3).

[@noodlefoo]

@@MrBenHaynes I just asked a few owners of Dolphin in Australia, they said both Dynamic and Premium only charge at AC 7kW/hr in Australia.

[@mannbat]

The fact this required an extra 5m braking distance compared to the MG4, despite being a similar weight, would suggest buyers should factor in a set of replacement tyres into the purchasing price!

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

Yep, these tyres need replacing asap.

[@gregb1599]

You lot do not have a clue! What not compare actual tyre contact? The Dolphin has very narrow tyres compared to the MG4 195 vs. min 215 up to 235, depending on the model. The same goes with acceleration 195 tyres with 310nm of torque on the Dolphin vs 215 and 235 with just 250nm for the base model up to 64kwh Essence with the same 250nm of torque but much wider 235 tyres

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

@@gregb1599 This is how the car comes from the factory. No point in saying it handles much better with wider tyres. It should come with them from the beginning then, because in its current state it doesn’t handle as well as its rivals.

[@gregb1599]

@drivingenthusiastaustralia Traction was mentioned, so stop blaming tyres as many are saying there is nothing wrong with the tyres. I would almost bet the so-called premium tyres are probably made under licence in one of those cheap and nasty Chinese tyre companies attached to your so-called Chinese EV. It's quite insulting saying Chinese EV are great only to rubbish the tyres. If you Google these Chinese tyres, they actually get good reviews, especially in the wet where it's most important

[@gregb1599]

@@drivingenthusiastaustralia Also breaking and handling is affected by more than just tyres, brakes and suspension also play a large part as well as how aggressive ABS is or not

[@mrx168]

10:04 never thought I’ll see an actual car with the legendary mythical “ling long yum chum” tyres 😂

[@kennethprocak5176]

I’d fit Yokohama 195 on this thing straight away, contact patch of a 215. The braking would drop to 38m and the acceleration would decrease 3/4 sec. It would still spin up but those tyres are bad.

[@Joram0611]

Is the handling lacking because of the LingLong tires? I've heard a lot of complaints about them, and that it would do much better with some better quality tires.

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

Yes, in my opinion, the handling would improve with better tyres.

[@Joram0611]

@@drivingenthusiastaustralia I'm personally really liking a lot the car has to offer, but replacing these tires with decent ones would definitely be a day one fix. Or even better, part of a deal with the dealer.

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

@@Joram0611 Yep, for sure. It has some attractive features and it's easy to drive and live with. The design is quite nice as well. There is a sport variant coming soon so that will be interesting.

[@Joram0611]

@@drivingenthusiastaustralia that does sound interesting! It looks like it's an Australia exclusive with 1000 pieces so far, but I'll keep my eyes peeled for a Dutch version. I'm in the market for a new car later this year... would be perfect timing if it's coming to the Netherlands :)

[@james_l4337]

Suspension dampening tuning will also help to be like Toyota mazda Driving condition of other places, Australia, NZ etc. different to most well laid flat roads in China cities

[@kennethprocak5176]

The space under the boot floor cover looks big enough for the 205 tyre, should supply a spare.

[@stephenbarber6381]

He also mentioned about the heater draining the battery, well it has a heat pump system, much more

[@OneIdeaTooMany]

Most important question... Is the "Build your dreams" removable? On my atto 3, i used a heat gun to soften the glue and remove it.

[@MrBenHaynes]

Not removable on the Dolphin. I believe a manufacturing change will take place in the near future due to overwhelmingly negative feedback on this issue in other markets. If this happens (and if the Dolphin has higher quality OEM tyres, as overseas markets receive), I would order one tomorrow.

[@sathishr2269]

Does this car come with auto park or park assist? I couldn’t find this info in any video.

[@MrBenHaynes]

No auto park. Park assistance is limited to 360 degree camera view and audible parking distance sensors.

[@isaccrosenthal]

Could it be that with Michelin tires it will drop below 7 seconds and the braking distance will be shortened?

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

Yep, I think so.

[@isaccrosenthal]

So instead of Ling Long tires that play ping pong with our safety, it's worth investing about 200/250 more pounds after the purchase in a quality tire (Michelin/Goodyear) and get safety, comfort, stability and quiet driving and then the vehicle gets more points after upgrading the tires.

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

@@isaccrosenthal It would go a long way, yes. Although being engineered with better tyres would further help. It’s like putting race slicks on your family car. They will add grip but they will also change the dynamics and put a lot of stress onto the chassis and suspension. But here, for the BYD, some better tyres would definitely help.

[@dingus2218]

Pressing Brett's profile will always make the front wheels disintegrate and squeal like a piggy

[@Japaneseyap]

skskksk ahhh😊

[@keithwillis5207]

Thanks for the honest and informative review.

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

No worries. Thanks for watching.

[@angusnz7910]

Good lad…glad you haven’t caved and followed the narrative on clean green regarding electric. Yup they have their points, but are not there…yet (or for the foreseeable future I reckon )

[@danielhorwitz2190]

They are factually better for the environment than Diesel/Petrol equivalent in the long run....No one is saying they are perfect. I didn't buy a Tesla because it was 'green'. I bought it because it was in my opinion the best car I could buy for under 100k, that was insanely fast and felt like incredible value.

[@GDM22]

Most governments around the world think they are, hence why they are encourging the transition.

[@MrBenHaynes]

Educate yourself Angus. Everything is relative. Cleanest and greenest mode of transport is walking/cycling. EV's are cleaner for the environment relative to petrol. (even when charged using coal fired power due to their amazing drivetrain efficiency) Petrol is cleaner than diesel. Use the right tool for the job. 95% of passenger car use is well suited to electric vehicles. Economics will soon win anyway.

[@mga71]

You would have to be a Ning Nong to use Ling Long tyres :-)

[@dylanpt2220]

Really GREAT review by opening with rants about the vehicle name & environmental issues. WHO HURTS YOU? 🤣

[@MrBenHaynes]

Everybody's entitled to their own opinion. It is a contentious issue. The automotive landscape is rapidly evolving.

[@w_stanky]

@@wcrash9361What facts?.. Care to elaborate?… A lot of so called “facts” of recent years about many things have been proven to be nothing more than fabricated calculated lies. The FACT you believe shows you’re either straight out of being indoctrinated at school or have never challenged an idea in your life. 🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑

[@savagebanana7560]

can't wait to see you review the byd seal. great job mate

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

Thanks. Will do asap

[@dingus2218]

lol that standing start is hilarious

[@MichaelBazos]

I took this car for a test drive today, it's not a sunroof it's just a glass roof with an electric shade inside to give more light inside cabin.

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

Thanks for your insight.

[@hondacar]

My lord, this is the first time I've heard a motoring journalist say that EVs are not "completely environmentally friendly," which is the truth.

[@Clove_Parma]

The most environmentally friendly car is the one you don’t buy. Anyone that sells ANY car technology as the holy grail is a sheister

[@danielhorwitz2190]

Who claims that EV's are "completely environmentally friendly"? Literally no one or only an idiot. They are factually better for the environment than Diesel/Petrol equivalent in the long run.

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

@@danielhorwitz2190 Long-term evidence of that claim?

[@wensiangfong]

​@@drivingenthusiastaustraliajust go to country city with more ev n country city with full gas and diesel car..

At least BYD’s batteries don’t use mangan or cobalt.

[@renbangbprd7236]

So in the very hot sunny Australian weather, is it quite comfortable to sit on the second row? Because there are no air vents right

[@stephenbarber6381]

Believe me, the AC reaches the rear!

[@MrBenHaynes]

Thanks for this review Brett. If I had to buy a new vehicle tomorrow, this would be my first choice. Not enamoured with SEVEN prods to turn off LKA every journey! I wonder if it can be achieved through the "Hey BYD" voice assistant? At least it's only one press in the wifes Cerato (and none in my ND MX5!)

[@ateiviz]

Interesting take on the car, I've seen other feedback that roughly falls in line with the steering feel etc. However, in my honest opinion journalists need to start ditching the usual approach of 0 to 100 times and cornering speeds when it comes to normal cars. This thing is going to be bought by families and driven around town for school runs and to the shops for the most part. I would much prefer to see a review on how it handles on city streets at slow speed, going over potholes and car parks. What are the parking sensors and cameras like, can you fit 3 child seats in the back, what is the warranty like etc etc. You wouldn't take a Ferrari to a maccers for a review and say it's a shit car because it's too low to reach for your burger. Just food for thought. Also those ling longs are atrocious, would be good to see another take on it with decent EV tires.

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

Appreciate the feedback. We try to approach reviews from an enthusiast point of view. You should check out reviews from some of the others, such as CarExpert and CarsGuide. They provide more detail on that sort of stuff. In saying that, of this 18min video, over half of it talks about the interior and packaging, features and charging. Hope that stuff helps.

[@ateiviz]

@@drivingenthusiastaustralia I hope that didn't come across as negative feedback as it applies to the greater review style that a lot of folks do. I'd love to see your take on the Seal as its the new kid on the block and it's aimed as a sporty saloon that can hopefully handle getting thrown around 😉

[@GDM22]

Very true, it is not an enthusiasts car quite clearly. Another reviewer mistake with EVs is to want to take them onto country roads and do higher speed driving. Constant highway speeds suit diesels, EVs excel im stop start city driving, sitting in traffic, where their efficiency is optimal ICE vehicles fuel economy and driveability rapidly detrioriate here. Instead we constanly see range tests cruising on the highway, DC charging, tests and then complaints the car does not meet its stated range. If this car is not bought with the intention to do 95% inner city driving I would be amazed. In these conditions a hybrid corolla will use around 50kwh of energy to go 100km whilst this will use 12kwh.

[@MrBenHaynes]

@@GDM22 I agree with your sentiment and it would wholeheartedly apply to the lower powered, shorter ranged Dynamic model Dolphin. This Premium Dolphin tested here has the overtaking power and driving range to comfortably accommodate extra-urban & rural journeys. Most EV's to date have been criticised for their uncomfortably firm suspension required to handle the weight of the batteries. I welcome the softly suspended Dolphin for its everyday city comfort. It will require driver restraint on the relatively infrequent longer journeys though.

[@noodlefoo]

@ateiviz While I can understand your point but you have to look at the title of this channel - Driving Enthusiast, not Every Day Urban Driving.

[@good2freelance1]

I'd like all EV design with solar panel roof so they can charge all day in the sun. Can they do this?

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

I’ve spoken to a vehicle engineer about this before because I’ve wondered the same thing. He said the panel wouldn’t be large enough to make much difference to range. If you think about a house uses about 20-30kWh of energy all day. A typical car EV battery is 60kWh or more. But think about the size of a common panel array on a house. Hope that helps.

[@good2freelance1]

solar on car roof in sun all day, how much charge can they collect? If 20%, thats quite good actually. @@drivingenthusiastaustralia

[@TheHayabusa09]

I think I've watched every one of your great reviews, yet I don't think I've seen one single vehicle that spun its tires as it accelerates past!!! That's nuts that it's a Chinese made (and very nice), EV.

[@TheHayabusa09]

Ahhh, yeh...smart one mate! But I think you meant VTEC??@@lol_leila

[@wensiangfong]

this car is for normal people , who drive slowly during corner. 😂

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

Completely understand. We test beyond ‘normal’ to make sure it remains reliable and safe. A Corolla/i30 is able drive on this road at the same speed without issue, for example.

I compared it with our Mazda CX-5 and CX-8 and the cornering capabilities are similar. It is not a sports car, of course.

[@MrBenHaynes]

@@drivingenthusiastaustralia The loss of traction (with electronic traction control engaged) under rolling acceleration was disconcerting to say the least. Why is the TC too slow to eliminate the wheelspin. I expect some scrabbling of the tyres for traction, but the prolonged howls were frankly unsatisfactory. I wonder if BYD will provide some over the air software update (ala Tesla) to improve this? Were you "goosing" the throttle? Can the problem be eliminated with smoother or less throttle application? Is the Premium model overpowered (safety wise) and the 70Kw Dynamic model a smarter choice? Better quality tyres may help when they are brand new, but when half worn, I imagine they will lose traction like these new Linglongs exhibit. It doesn't make economic or environmental sense to replace tyres at only half their lifespan.

[@w_stanky]

@@MrBenHaynesHey man, as long as you buy an EV nothing logical matters. You’re “saving” humanity. I can feel it with every EV sold we are getting closer to world peace and changing the earths temperature. A set of tyres between EV friends won’t bother anyone.

[@stephenbarber6381]

Do just to correct a few things. Both models come with the moonroof. Also do your research on BYD batteries. They don’t have nickel or cobalt, so ethically they are better.

[@primeanomalous4275]

“Im trying to talk politically but they are sh||t tyres!” Lol 😂

[@Mike_221]

Very nice car.

[@kurts9085]

That braking distance is horrendous

[@hartoz]

Exotic materials like Lithium and Iron? The BYD has a LFP battery, I would thought a journo would know such basic information. No Nickel, Cobalt, or Manganese in the battery. You can't set profiles for the safety system because of ADRs and ANCAP regs. The Ling long tyres are sh1t, even worse than the Atlas Batman tyres fitted to the Atto 3. Both cars benefit immensely from better rubber. The difference is these tyres cost about $50 each, and it shows (especially in the wet). I own and Atto 3 and shaved .5 second off the 0-100 time just by fitting Continentals.

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

LFP batteries don’t grow on trees mate.

[@MrBenHaynes]

@@drivingenthusiastaustralia Yer, but petrol & diesel does. On dem Flame trees up near Grafton. The ones Jimmy sang about. Both ICE and EV's require diesel to manufacture, but only ICE vehicle continue to use fossil fuels for their entire operational life. Hartoz is right about LFP batteries not containing exotic or rare earth minerals. Minimal drivetrain losses of EV's compared to ICE vehicles also benefit the consumer and environment.

[@GDM22]

@@drivingenthusiastaustralia No but Australia is by far the largest supplier of Lithium, so even if you don't aprreciate the significantly reduced CO2 over the life of the car, perhaps you might appreciate how it creates Australian jobs and export revenue that helps maintain our standard of living.

[@liuyangyang]

@@drivingenthusiastaustralia They are recyclable.

[@danmurphy5889]

Mate, you keep going about the Corolla, you forgot they have a GR Corolla 😉

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

Yes haha. But I’m simply referring to a standard ‘generic’ car. If it can tackle this road at the same speed, every car should be able to as well.

[@danmurphy5889]

@@drivingenthusiastaustralia I think most reviews on Chinese cars have similar soft suspension issues which makes a whole difference in handling. Was looking at one of these for my wife, but they're still a bit pricey for that are. Hopefully the EV novelty wears off soon and prices can drop another 10 to 20%.

[@james_l4337]

Yes, BYD do need tuning with its car for world market, China road mostly are flat steady, whereas other nation, road can be varied, bumpy & need drive fast enough BYD at minimum need to tune car to like Corolla handling

[@flamingstag2381]

i cancelled my order last yr when i saw the RIPOFF service fees !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MrBenHaynes]

The drivers POV is blocked on the left by the large housing for sensors (presumably dusk/rain/auto high beam etc). I like a clearer view than that. Thank God for the brake LED's in the rear spoiler because the lamps mounted left and right are woefully small.

[@lilth501]

I noticed the car still hasn't got any NCAP rating in Australia.

[@GDM22]

Not true, it got 5 star under the 2023 specifications, 89% AO, 86% child, 85% vulnerable roaduser and 77% safety assist.

[@manojfernando1028]

it is a great car for that price

[@james_l4337]

Wheel spin because EV has a lot of torque, especially at start, full torque The only way is to either software tune down acceleration or *control pedal* acceleration (although tyre may be not best) Or extremely good tires, *mean: more expense to car price* Nonetheless extreme good tire will still result tyre spin, because EV has full torque right at start since power is only to front wheels Ths is different ICE vehicles AWD is power to front & back wheels However EV AWD or front back motors still result in wheel spin! Especially great horse power, only software can help grip & perhaps generally get best time in acceleration without spin tyres

[@perpetualgrin5804]

It has so many marine features, I bet this car floats?😅

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

😂

[@MrBenHaynes]

Nah, neither does it dive into corners. Front wheel drive too, so no fishtails. 🧜‍♀

[@savagebanana7560]

the wheel spin is crazy, lol

[@arialle8905]

You took a curve with a clearly signposted recommended speed of 30km/h at nearly 80km/h and then complained about the handling of the vehicle saying it didn't give you much confidence. Get real. Any vehicle, whether it's ICE or EV, driven to extreme won't perform well. Sure, the tyres are problematic, so switch them out for Conti's or Michelin's and then give feedback. And, unless you're on a track, try to drive sensibly.

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

We’ve driven standard Corolla and i30 etc at same speed and they have no problem at all. If you want to believe this handles well as is, that’s fine. Fact is it could do with improvement.

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

@@lol_leila Thanks. I’m not sure BYD would provide the car if they knew I was going to modify it. Also, I’m reviewing it as a stock standard product so it resembles what the buyer gets.

[@arialle8905]

@drivingenthusiastaustralia Using your own logic then, drive the vehicle at the recommended speed as signposted. Drive other vehicles at the recommended speed and *then* compare. Most reviews of the Atto and the Dolphin have an issue with the tyres which affects the handling. My point was that I think it's irresponsible to be driving as you did in those conditions on a public road at more than double the recommended speed. I don't think BYD would be happy about that.

[@w_stanky]

@@drivingenthusiastaustraliaYou must know that as you start reviewing humanity saving EV’s you will encounter some radical left fruitcakes along the way. Already got a Murdoch conspiracy guy trolling you lmao and people thought traditional rev heads were bad wait until you have the far left on your tail. A special kind of human that believes they are morally superior to all of mankind, oops I just triggered someone, human kind. You laugh now lol the real believers are batshitt crazy, still lining up for their 9th booster. You’ve been warned 😂

[@liuyangyang]

​@@drivingenthusiastaustralia The top of range of dolphin is less than 25k in China. It designed to commute in the city.

[@kennethprocak5176]

With the safety stuff going back to default after turning off, talk to the government about their safety standards. I’ve got older European cars with all these driver aids and they will stay off.

[@kennethprocak5176]

Don’t waste money changing to better rubber straight away, smoke up the ones that are supplied standard, mind you with all the mentions of the low grip on social media everywhere, they will come with sticker rubber probably soon.

[@kennethprocak5176]

Low rolling resistance with stiff sidewalls no grip from the rubber. Causing it to be overpowered. Better tyres will be world of difference.

[@Eccentricplum]

They have the dolphin and seal. What’s next? Cod Salmon

They have Sealion and Seagull in their «Ocean Line».

[@Maestro47]

I AM THE WALRUS

[@Eccentricplum]

Lol

[@MrBenHaynes]

The Holy Mackerel is next judging by the tyre frying antics of this little Flipper. (faster than lightning 🎶)

[@kennethprocak5176]

You think you stick this in your drive and spend $6 to charge to 100% from your normal power socket. And do 400km. Or do 400km in your little 4 cylinder and it costs $50/in unleaded. The math is easy. Most of us have few cars and the economical one gets all the use around your city and suburb. I look at my average speed over a year is 35kph, so l don’t really do many long trips like l think.

[@good2freelance1]

Jesus, you drive this sort of road at over 80 km/hr? I can only do 60km/hr to be honest

[@krytopi]

Nothing is completely 100% environmentally friendly. Those batteries run for 1M kms before degredation. How much emission was used in mining and building a 60kw battery pack vs running an ice engine for 1M kms? It's a no brainer not even 5% at most.

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

Do you have any reference or source for your figure of 5%?

[@krytopi]

@@drivingenthusiastaustralia Manufacturing a 60Kw LFP battery produces around 4.2 tons of CO2 while a typical passenger vehicle produces 4.6 metric tons of CO2 per year on an ave. 35 km daily drive. Multiply this over 1M km and you have 130 thousand tons of emissions for a typical ICE vehicle. So help save the planet! Here are the souces btw: lithium battery emissions: ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0921344922004402-gr2.jpg ICE emissions: www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/greenhouse-gas-emissions-typical-passenger-vehicle

[@kevinbarry1311]

Add a rear motor to reduce front win spin(eg Mg 4 X-power)🤯

[@Video-co1eu]

Ah, electric cars are boring and only 1 speed gear, if only 2 speeds would definitely be better, the performance of the electric motor would not be too heavy

[@bandicoot2016]

Chinese Star Trek Spock says " Ling Long and plosper"

[@peterarmstrong3853]

If this has ling longs tyres get them off!!! That's a poor 0-100. Ive had 6.3 in cold weather sub 5deg with zero grip issues

[@noodlefoo]

What tyres are you running?

[@MrBenHaynes]

Did you replace with 215/50R17 Pete, or stick to the OEM 205/50R17? What brand and model of tyre did you use? Would love to drive the Premo Dolph with Continental Premium Contact C tyres in 215/50R17 (stock tyres on base model MG4).

[@peterarmstrong3853]

Used the factory 205s. I had hankooks now Goodyear efficiency pro2

[@Murilo-M-Santos]

A bland car for bland people

[@shaun1900]

a dull comment by a dullard.

[@MrBenHaynes]

I prefer proletariat.

[@acceleratedriving]

Hey they’re bringing in EVs from overseas and that’s really bad ( forgetting that no cars are built in Australia so petrol and diesel cars also come from overseas. And you forgot about the millions of tons of coal that’s been dug out of Australian land to fuel nasty dirty coal power stations over many decades. I’ve cars pollute - in manufacture and running them EVs are massively better overall. You won’t accept them until they’re totally 100% green. And then you’ll still be knocking them!

[@yingmustang67]

What a stupid intro.... 0:17 till 0:41....... Listening carefully, what a lot of crap! Is he working for Green Peace? I don't want to hear that annoying bla bla bla, I would like an enthusiastic review from him, my friend! Shrimp on the Barbie...... Ling long tires, holy crap.... Great Review!

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

Thanks

[@MrBenHaynes]

Can you elaborate? Not in agreeance? Any counterargument?

[@warrenlp8536]

Chinese crap tarted up to entice folks looking for "cheap".

[@liuyangyang]

that is because australian cannot afford good cars. 😀 BYD has Denza and Yangwang. one is over 100k on average, and the other one is over 250k. U8 has over 1200bhp on wheels. Both of them are not available in Australia.