You won't BELIEVE the price! 2024 BYD Dolphin review

The BYD Dolphin is officially the most affordable electric car on the market in Australia.
With pricing starting off at $38,890 plus on-road costs, this tiny EV hatchback undercuts the likes of the MG 4, GWM Ora, Mini Cooper Electric, BYD Atto 3, Kia Niro, Hyundai Kona Electric and plenty of others.
But what's amazing is that this is not a basic car. It comes comprehensively equipped with loads of gear, including a surround view panoramic camera system, rotating media screen, Apple CarPlay, sat nav, LED lights, alloy wheels, fake leather trim, a panoramic sunroof and heaps more.
So, is there a catch, or are there several? Well, it's not all peaches and cream -- watch the review and you'll see what I mean.
--
00:00 Intro
00:22 Is it the right price?
02:07 What's the best competitor?
04:01 Is it the right size?
05:41 Interior
12:00 Under the bonnet
12:45 Range and charging
13:52 Driving
20:23 Efficiency
21:16 Is it safe?
22:16 Ownership
23:15 Verdict
--
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#byd #dolphin #review

[@colddiesel]

We have an MG4 which is used in our business.We have enough solar generation and battery storage to support 3 ev's Numerous short journeys within the city are done done during the day, about 1000 Km +/week. We asked our drivers to tell us their preference for the next two cars and they voted 7 to 1 for the Dolphin over the MG. There is no alternative which matches it as an urban runabout doing small package delivery /pickups. Tyres are poor, for the extra charged outside China they could do better. I note that BYD are putting Continentals on the Seal.

[@timshaw6592]

I really look forward to your reviews. They're great!

[@therightcar]

Thanks! I appreciate that a lot.

[@peterarmstrong3853]

Byd UK changed my tyres to hankook. I can get 6.4 on the 0-60 trip. Absolutely love my car. Much prefer this over my old mg4, cupra born and Kia Niro. The ling longs were very very sketchy in the wet!!!

[@therightcar]

Nice! Good to get the upgrade to better rubber.

[@johnlambert1744]

I was following one yesterday in Brisbane - they are definitely a cute little car. Not to my taste, much prefer the Atto3 (albeit a slightly larger car) particularly in the looks department. I have sat in one at the BYD showroom Indooroopilly and found it quite roomy inside. I think all the BYD models will sell very well here in Australia!

[@gregturner_awod]

Not a bad little car, but perfectly described as an urban runabout, perfect for ferrying small kids and supermarket runs, or short urban commutes. Most BYD’s appear very well made. If I was interested in this car, I’d likely wait for a Mk2 version which may provide the missing ‘frunk’. It’s a pity the tyres are cr@p, and if I wanted one I’d want decent road gripping tyres on it before I drove it. Regenerative braking is such a joy on my Tesla and I’d miss it very much on the BYD, but for what it’s designed for, which is surely urban driving with easy parking size, looks okay. Great honest and informative review, not for me, but worth considering if it fits your needs. The tyres are junk, though.

[@mondotv4216]

The BYD does have regen braking, just not one pedal driving. Every time you put your foot on the brake you "regen". I wouldn't say it's the best implementation but you get used to it soon enough - I had the same system on my old Outlander PHEV and Mitsubishi did a better job. I prefer the one pedal driving on the Model 3 and I'm constantly switching betwen the Atto 3 and Model 3. Overall, the BYD is decent, especially for the price. But if you have the money, go for the Tesla. Lots of advantages.

[@therightcar]

Thanks Greg!

[@therightcar]

Yep, the regen is there and it does work but it isn’t a single-pedal experience.

[@gregturner_awod]

Yes, understood, but I’m truly in love with full one pedal driving, preserves brakes, puts a little back in the battery, and makes everyday driving more pleasurable.

[@peterarmstrong3853]

If you live in the UK ask byd to change the tyres like i did....

[@marcc.490]

Waiting for this review along with the xpower.

[@Megalcristo2]

I think one pedal driving has nothing to do with efficiency, it could even be worse with one pedal driving if it is too strong for the situation so you need to recover the speed constantly

[@therightcar]

Yeah I think you’re onto something. But the point is that it recuperates energy as effectively as possible. Don’t use it if you don’t want to use it. Simple.

[@anonanon6678]

I was waiting for the BYD Dolphin, until they announced the price. At that price point, I would prefer MG4 with its rear wheel drive. I am also not keen on the panaromic roof, which create a hot oven effect in the car.

[@mondotv4216]

It has a closable screen for the roof.

[@Matt-vq8jz]

Hey Matt, how does this compare to the Ora you drove? What would be your pick?

[@therightcar]

I like the Ora’s drive experience more. But I think the screen tech is more liveable in the Dolphin.

[@Dud3DK8560]

I have heard there is an update where you can turn assistant systems off permanently. I have ordered a Design model as the top model is called I Denmark. BYD is still unknown in Denmark

[@MrBenHaynes]

The assistant systems are a deal breaker for me. I'd be interested in hearing about a permanent disable if it ever comes to fruition.

[@renbangbprd7236]

So the 345 litres boot space is when false floor is placed or when false floor is removed? If it's when removed, how much boot space when false floor is placed?

[@MrBenHaynes]

345 litres of space when the false floor is removed. With the floor installed, it's anybody's guess. The false floor is handy for stowing items under and makes for a perfectly flat load area when the rear seatbacks are folded.

[@Dud3DK8560]

Are the Ling Long tires really so bad? We do not know the Ling Long in Scandinavia

[@MrBenHaynes]

Put it this way, you wouldn't fit another set of Linglong Comfort Masters after you wear out the original set. I suspect there will be many unused sets for sale on ebay from owners who swapped them out upon delivery of the new vehicle. In some European markets, the Dolphin comes fitted with premium spec tyres after negative customer feedback.

[@zwieseler]

I’m wondering why you disable traffic sign recognition. I find this really useful in my car if I forget the speed limit while driving.

[@therightcar]

It beeps at me - and I get distracted and annoyed by beeps.

[@zwieseler]

@@therightcar ah ok, mine doesn’t beep….

[@stoner27th]

In Indonesia you don't get the panoramic roof on the Dynamic trim..

[@therightcar]

Is that a good thing?

[@rsg5850]

Matt surely Mg4 vs Dolphin video in making?

[@therightcar]

Yep…!

[@SCELO_MYEZA.]

How's it, mate? The "cheapest" EV we have here is South africa 🇿🇦 is the GWM Ora, which comes at R716 900($61 200) for the base model and all the way to R915 900 ($79 000) for the long range. The Mini Cooper SE will in between the two variants in terms or pricing but it have the worst real world driving range. We are still waiting for the Volvo EX30 which promises a longer driving range at an "affordable" price 🤔, pretty optimistic but will wait with anticipation 😉.

[@Clove_Parma]

Really? ZA must have heavy tariffs, the Ora is closer to 40k AUD here

[@darthmelbius]

How on earth would you charge that with all the load shedding?

[@siyabongacele8049]

It just became the cheapest R539 000 bottom range and top range R599000

[@inverted_real_it_y]

I do BELIEVE the price!

[@YZJB]

You won’t live long with Ling Long 😂

[@gregy1194]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@Dumb-Vision]

True......but remember not long ago when people were laughing at China's automobiles.....and guess what, a good carbon copy of brands like Bridgestone, Michelin, Pirelli.....etc might surprise the world soon 😅

[@RechargableBattery]

just bought one

[@gooldii1]

Chinese Car...

[@user-hw7hb2td6c]

هل استطيع الحصول على هذه السيارة في الشرق الأوسط بدولة مصر وكم السعر وأيضا تكاليف النقل وللعلم السيارات الكهربائية معفاة من الجمارك في مصر

[@johnbgood3488]

It should be made mandatory that all new vehicles sold in Australia should have a full size spare tyre.

[@mondotv4216]

Really? I drove around my Outlander PHEV for 8 years and never had a flat. In fact, I have to go back to my old Holden Adventra to the last time I had a flat tyre. That would be early 2000's. I think if you do a lot of outback driving, a spare makes sense but for urban driving with the occasional road trip, it's not a necessity. EVs are all about efficiency and carrying around another 20 odd kilos for the life of the vehicle is an efficiency hit.

[@therightcar]

Should it? Really?? We need MORE rules??

[@kennethprocak5176]

@@mondotv4216 if you don’t have a spare, how do you leave it to get fixed and still have the car? You put that repair crap in the tyre and you may as well toss it in few months.

[@waynebuckley6633]

I think if any electric, i would get a mg4

[@therightcar]

Fair enough mate.

[@mrepaws]

Long long stick very well in the wet

[@bronwynhughes8026]

Lithium ION and Lithium IRON Phosphate are 2 different battery types. BYD uses lithium iron phosphate. Much more stable.

[@therightcar]

Yeah, but the terminology lithium-ion is the same, even given the difference in chemistry. An LFP battery is still a lithium-ion battery.

[@mondotv4216]

You do realise the "spongy" part of the brake is regen, don't you?

[@therightcar]

Derrrrr. I’ve driven a hundred EVs and these are not good in terms of the feel through the pedal.

[@mickjoebills]

Atto 3 owners who changed from soft walled Atlas tyres to stiffer tyres report a significant improvement in handling. Looks like penny pinching byd have shot themselves in the foot again.

[@johnbgood3488]

What brand of tyres did you get?

[@johnnyonline]

It'll be a coin toss between this and the MG4 for a lot of Aussies looking to get into an EV and while this has a few nice party tricks the MG4 seems like the better value option at the end of the day.

[@therightcar]

Yep, it’ll come down to what they get for the coin, though, and I think the MG4 feels a bit skinny on that front … comparison test coming soon 🤝😉

[@RechargableBattery]

The mg4 is stiff and soaks up no bumps and the infotainment is 1990s

[@johnnyonline]

@@RechargableBattery it's the smoothest drive I've owned in years if you're not going over speed bumps and the infotainment system is the same as any other Android Auto car which is all I need. The built in stuff could be better, but it's perfectly functional.

[@351tgv]

Matt, pass no thanks, I'll stick with my AU Futura E:Gas as my run about car :) no f ing technology just good ol fashion RWD with a BIG 4.0L Inline 6 and 4-speed torque converter :) on dedicated LPG, which does around 500km per 70L. Who needs electric :)

[@stendecstretcher5678]

I'll stick with my 25-year-old Corolla too.

[@David_P132]

Sticking with our BA Ghia - LPG conversion 2008 - same Barra donk as yours. Spare parts becoming a problem nowadays though.

[@351tgv]

@@David_P132 the AU has the Intech SOHC 12-valve i6 dedicated LPG (the first Green Top), the BA to FG were Barra engines with the same vapour air mixer then from MKII onwards ford switched to LPI (Liquid Phase Injection) apparently the fuel consumption combined with torque and power improved so much that it gave the petrol only engine a run for its money. Is your one dual fuel (unleaded / LPG since you mention its been converted?) Such shame that the LPI technology was abandoned by ford when they shut down the Falcon, GM-H had their Vapour Injection but was nowhere near the same levels of economy and torque/power and was killing those awful GMV6 engines as they ran way to lean causing the engine to backfire and bend conrods/eat pistons.

[@David_P132]

I didn't realise the Barra engine started with the BA's - cheers for that. @@351tgv

[@apemaster6976]

No thanks mate, I’ll stick with my horse and buggy, no f ing technology just good ol fashion horsepower with a big powerful steed on very common, low cost renewable fuel. Does about 700km /bale. Who needs combustion :)

[@ETERNITY777]

🤑 HOW MUCH IS BATTERY REPLACEMENT COST AND DEPRECIATION 🤑

[@GlowingTube]

Battery cost is around $25K, depreciation will be significant as will insurance costs.

[@mondotv4216]

@@GlowingTubeAFAIK BYD has never announced battery replacement costs. ATM, at least in the Australian market, EVs are holding their value quite well (excluding the LEAF). Tesla has caused greater depreciation by dropping the prices of their new cars but it's still more than comparable with ICE vehicles. The cheapest Model 3 on carsales at the moment is $39,990 excuding govt charges. That's a white 2020 RWD model with nearly 160,000 kms on the clock. Currently you can buy a new Model 3 RWD for just under $65K on the road. That's roughly 38% depreciation. That's a little high for a 3 year old Toyota for example which would typically be around 33% but it is a very high mileage vehicle. A similar ICE car would probably be worse because mileage is a bigger factor.

[@GlowingTube]

@@mondotv4216Cuttent depreciated are accelerating as are high EV insurance costs.

[@mighty_bunny]

🐬🐬

[@therightcar]

Up the Phins!

[@Peter-vn8ue]

You are hilarious mate, you use the voice command to turn the fan speed up to 4, and then seconds later, you complain that the fan switch only has an on/off button. The whole purpose of voice control is to change basic settings without taking your eyes off the road. No brand of vehicle will let you use voice control to turn off safety features, thats why you physically have to change the settings so the manufacturer isn't liable because you chose to turn off a safety feature and for the manufacturer to retain the vehicles 5 star ANCAP safety rating.

[@albertbao6549]

Yeah make sense.

[@joem0088]

You are kidding. 38,888 AUD is cheap ? In Thailand you can buy a NETA-V for .5M bahts or 21,000 AUD with a 45 kw-h battery and a 380 km range. No wonder BYD thinks eV is good business 😂😅🤣

[@therightcar]

It’s cheap for our market, which doesn’t build any cars, and is becoming increasingly reliant on China for new cars.

[@joem0088]

@@therightcar In the EU, the Dacia sells for 22,000 Euros. After govt rebate (eg in France) it ends up as 15,000 Euro. But the battery is only 25kw-h.

[@rubyred8845]

🐬 🙅‍♀🚫

[@GlowingTube]

$45K for a decent one, makes $30K i30 look like a bargain

[@mondotv4216]

I’ve owned an i30 and I now own sn Atto 3. The i30 was a disappointment. The Atto 3 is so far very good although I’ve only owned it for 11 months. Time will tell.

[@GlowingTube]

Good to hear… enjoy the Atto3, BYD are doing a great job

[@buncha5651]

It must be hard to maintain your enthusiasm for these crap EV,s.

[@therightcar]

It’s not crap. And I’m always enthused by new product that offers a distinct point of difference.

[@buncha5651]

​@therightcar Well I won't be buying one will you.

[@ETERNITY777]

🤑 HOW MUCH IS BATTERY REPLACEMENT COST AND DEPRECIATION 🤑

[@upyoursmindyourownbusiness3411]

Why would you replace the battery you will get 200000 KMs and the efficiency will still be at about 90 percent