Live the Movement in the streets

Driving BYD Dolphin 204 PS 60.4 kWh: Electrification under 20.000€

The Chinese manufacturer gives reasons to think about electromobility, even to those who doubt it

What grade do you give him?4 Votes
7.8
8

Η BYD brings Dolphin to the fore, making electrification attractive, causing even those who question the energy transition to consider it. In our regular weekly symbiosis at Topseed.gr, we had the opportunity to drive the 204 horsepower version with a 60.4 kWh battery.

It dares to be different

In 2021, BYD introduced the Dolphin, an all-electric C Segment hatchback that dares to differ from the competition's incumbent, featuring a 1.5-volume body and a focus on practicality.

The aesthetics of the ocean

Following the new design philosophy, which they call "Ocean Aesthetic", BYD sought to make the Dolphin's design... resemble a dolphin.

The front is characterised by the short bonnet and the small square Led lights, placed close together, and the small grille, reminiscent of a dolphin's snout.

The imaginative profile, tall enough for a hatchback, hints at an MPV. The ribs and muscular surfaces create the impression of a dolphin's leap.

The rear ends in an elegant roof spoiler and a vertical fifth door, which incorporates the brand's signature single light with signature Led graphics, elegantly completing the recognisable silhouette.

Ergonomics with style and imagination

Entering the cabin, passengers are won over by the exemplary space management, pleasant decor and style.

The designers used all their imagination to create a beautiful ensemble. Both the dashboard and the floating console between the two front seats are reminiscent of the dolphin's silhouette.

The assembly is flawless, which despite the hard materials, leaves a good feeling, with an ideal finish. Interestingly, the 12.8-inch rotating multifunctional screen is the control panel, as all functions are passed through the advanced multimedia system, compatible with Android Auto and Apple AirPlay, while the required information is displayed on the 5-inch, TFT full LCD digital display as an instrument panel behind the dashboard behind the steering wheel.    

The real advantages are ergonomics, with the switches located in the right places for the driver's convenience, contributing to functionality. At the same time, interior space management is for a seminar, as the designers have made the most of every inch of available volume, with plenty of clever compartments. The flat floor, further increases the available space, particularly rear passengers, making it possible to carry five adult tall passengers.

The semi-back seats are electronically adjustable as standard and provide very good lumbar and lateral support, increasing comfort levels.   

The volume of luggage is 345 litres, while with the rear seat backs folded down it reaches 1,310 l.

Lessons in... electrification

The drive is passed to the front axle, through a modern permanent magnet electric motor with a performance of 204 horsepower and 310 Nm torque that works with a single-speed automatic transmission. Power is channelled through a revolutionary Blade-type lithium-ferrous phosphate (LFP) lithium-iron battery, which is mounted low under the floor and gives a range of 427 km based on the WLTP standard, delivering electrification lessons.

Flexible and robust

Having examined it in theory and from a technical point of view, it's time to move on to practice, as the BYD is very promising, crossing every road network and in every condition.

In the city will pleasantly surprise you, reminiscent of a B-category car. Flexible and nervous, facilitating manoeuvres when they are needed according to the KOK. The high driving position combined with the large glass surfaces and window corners provide it with exemplary visibility, making the Dolphin an ally in everyday urban life.

In the mountain and provincial Network impresses with the robustness of the e-Platform 3.0 platform. The car handles very well on the road, with ideal grip. It turns smoothly, and thanks to the high torque, it doesn't even struggle on steep hills. The suspension is excellent and balanced, ideal for the peculiarities of the Greek network, correctly balancing comfort with safety.

On the motorway is reminiscent of a larger class car. Roll quality and sound insulation are at the ideal point,  even at high speeds.

General has 3 driving profiles, ECO for economy, Normal for everyday driving and Sport for performance. Overall the feel is balanced in a well-balanced car that fully meets the transport needs, especially in the urban cycle. The average energy consumption reached 15.2 kWh /  100 km.

The energy management is at a satisfactory level, with the actual autonomy being close to the nominal one.

Regarding charging on a typical 20 KW fast charger, it takes about 3 hours for a full charge. The battery used is an innovative Blade Battery type, which does not have cobalt and uses Iron-Lithium Phosphate (LFP) as the cathode material, achieving lower power consumption.

Holistic introduction to electromobility

The BYD Dolphin is aimed at those who have accepted the idea of electrification and are considering the acquisition of an all-electric car, which will serve their urban mobility needs, with sufficient space, a high level of safety and an efficient powertrain, but are not willing to spend more than the competition of the corresponding thermal models in the category.

Price equation

With a starting price of 26.380€, in which if we calculate the state subsidy of the "Moving Electric III" program, which is calculated at least  (-6.382€), then the acquisition value drops to 19.998€, achieving the coveted pricing equivalence with thermal models, making the BYD Dolphin as Best Value for Money.

Technical Characteristics

AMAXOMA

Type of coupe

Hatchback

Seats

5

Doors

5

EPIDOSIS

Fuel type

Electricity

Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h

7 sec

Maximum speed

160 km/h

ELECTRIC MOTOR

Power

204 hp

Torque

310 Nm

Electric motor position

Forward, transverse

Type of electric motor

Modern

BATTERY

Gross battery capacity

60 kWh

Battery technology

Iron lithium phosphate (LiFePO4)

Battery position

Under the floor

Electric range (WLTP)

427 km

HEIGHT AND WEIGHT

Minimum volume of luggage space

345 l

Maximum volume of luggage space

1310 l

DIMENSIONS

Length

4290 mm

Width

1770 mm

Height

1570 mm

Wheelbase

2700 mm

ARCHITECTURE

Movement

On the front wheels

Number of ratios and type of gearbox

Automatic transmission, single speed

Front suspension

Independent McPherson type

Rear suspension

Feed

Front brakes

Ventilated trays

Rear brakes

Discs

Auxiliary systems

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Type of address

Management chukrania (with teeth)

Steering system

Electric Steering Wheel

Wheels

205/50 R17

photo gallery

Conclusion
The BYD Dolphin answers the question, what car can be bought for under 20.000€ in today's world, asking the sub-question if there is an all-electric C-class model with 204 hp and satisfactory handling on the market. Knowing the answers beforehand and with an abundance of confidence, the Chinese automaker is making electrification appealing, considering its comparative advantage, given that it is a complete proposition and a well-built car that dares to challenge even the incumbent of cars with internal combustion engines.
Interior & practicality
7.4
Current expenditure
9
Road behaviour
7.3
Performance
7.8
Enjoyment factor
7.5
value for money
9.5
Comfort
7.8
What grade do you give him?4 Votes
7.8
SYN
Sales price
Design (Exterior/Interior)
Battery technology
Power
value for money
Visibility
Places
PLEEN
Hard plastics in the cabin
Range of autonomy
8