The BYD Dolphin is one of the most exciting electric vehicles (EVs) in South Africa, delivering on a jaw-dropping combination of value, technology, and premium build quality.
Priced at R539 900, the BYD Dolphin Standard Range is a strong contender in the entry-level EV market. If you believe electric vehicles are out of reach for the majority of new car buyers, the BYD Dolphin is poised to challenge that assumption.
Design and interior quality
One of the standout features of the BYD Dolphin is its interior, which feels both practical and luxurious. Sitting in the cabin, you’ll immediately notice the well-thought-out and stylish design.
There are two cupholders located in the rear seat’s drop-down elbow rest, and a generous amount of legroom, if the seat is set up for a driver of average height. While the back bench is somewhat low, it’s understandable as the Dolphin is a hatchback without the tall shape of an SUV or people carrier.
The charcoal-coloured ceiling is a smart touch – no worrying about unsightly fingerprints. The seats themselves are comfortable and ventilated, which is an incredible luxury feature for a car at this price point. Ventilated seats in a R540 000 vehicle are almost unheard of.
A premium cabin
The front offers plenty of conveniences as well, with USB-A and USB-C ports (in both the front and rear), ensuring passengers have easy access to charging options. Apple and Android sync wirelessly.
The floating console in the front provides clever storage, and the use of high-quality materials, even the hard plastics, doesn’t detract from the overall premium feel.
Despite the lack of rear ventilation, the attention to detail in the Dolphin’s design shines. The illuminated vanity mirrors, fabric-covered visors, and a small storage bin all contribute to the thoughtful layout. However, some users may find the selector for drive, reverse, and neutral a bit on the small side, though its elegant matte silver finish integrates nicely with the surrounding controls.
Tech features
The technology on offer in the Dolphin is remarkable. A particular highlight is the large, rotating centre screen, which can change from portrait to landscape mode at the press of a button on the steering wheel. This is the kind of feature that tech enthusiasts will appreciate, as it offers flexibility depending on the driver’s preferences or app use.
Safety
Speaking of tech; the Dolphin achieved a full five-star safety rating when it was crash-tested by EuroNCAP last year (2023).
Adjustable brake assist is another unique feature in the Dolphin. This allows you to adjust the amount of force applied when you brake, ensuring the car adapts to your driving style. It’s not related to regenerative braking, but it offers better control for smoother or more aggressive stops.
Performance and range
The BYD Dolphin Standard Range, our test car, is powered by a 46 kWh lithium-ion battery, producing 70 kW of power and 180 Nm of torque. It isn’t a high-performance EV by any stretch, with a 0-100 km/h time of 12.3 seconds, but the acceleration is smooth and linear, making city driving a breeze. The top speed is capped at 150 km/h, which should suffice for the majority of drivers.
BYD quotes a 340 km range, but in everyday city driving it’s entirely possible to exceed this and reach up to 380 km. This range is respectable considering the price point, and it positions the Dolphin well against other budget-friendly EVs.
Charging
Long-distance driving is usually not the forte of electric cars, so expect an open-road driving range of around 250 km. To add another 100 km or so to that range, you would have to spend an extra R60 000 and acquire the Dolphin Extended Range.
Charging times for the Dolphin Standard Range are decent. A 50 kW DC charger can take the battery from 26 to 208 km in just 40 minutes. However, the AC charge rate of 7,4 kW may feel a bit slow for those who frequently use home charging.
Driving dynamics
The Dolphin’s ride comfort is exceptional, and this is where it truly shines. EVs often struggle with suspension tuning due to the weight of the batteries, but BYD has pulled off something extraordinary here. The suspension is soft and forgiving, making the Dolphin a comfortable city cruiser, even on less-than-perfect South African roads.
The handling is competent, though not particularly sporty. The steering feels somewhat artificial, and while that might bother driving purists, it likely won’t be a dealbreaker for most. The Dolphin is geared more towards comfort than performance, and that’s reflected in its calm, composed ride.
Value for money
At R539 900, the BYD Dolphin offers exceptional value. It’s R147 000 cheaper than its nearest competitor, the GWM Ora 03 300 Super Luxury, which makes it a real bargain.
The level of specification on the Dolphin range is astounding for the price – from the rotating screen to the ventilated seats, it feels more expensive than it is. And let’s snort at the savings in fuel costs that come with owning an EV.
Final thoughts and rating
The BYD Dolphin Standard Range is one of the best-kept secrets in South Africa’s electric vehicle market. It’s stylish, packed with technology, and offers a premium driving experience for a fraction of what you’d expect to pay. Sure, the performance is modest, and the steering could be improved, but overall, it’s hard to fault this car.
The savings on running costs, combined with the level of luxury and tech you’re getting, make the Dolphin a hugely desirable choice for most drivers looking to make the switch to electric. Although its driving range per charge is in line with other entry-level EVs, and therefore fairly modest, it’s a car that will even impress the skeptics.
For South African consumers, this is the perfect vehicle to combat volatile fuel prices, especially when they have a solar system installed at home.
The BYD Dolphin Standard Range sells for R539 900. It scores 5 out of 5.
5.0 out of 5.0 starsThanks to Gavin and Aidan at BYD Cape Town.
