The Chinese automaker has shaken up the Australian EV landscape by launching the Dolphin Essential at just $29,990 plus on-road costs. That’s less than many petrol cars like the Toyota Corolla or Mazda 3, making electric driving accessible to more Australian families than ever before.
What’s really impressive is that BYD hasn’t just created a bare-bones electric car. This five-seat hatchback comes packed with features that would make premium vehicles jealous, all while maintaining that budget-friendly price point.
Two Variants to Choose From
BYD offers the Dolphin in two main configurations. The Essential starts the range, while the Premium sits at the top with additional luxury features. Both models deliver that electric car experience without the premium price tag that usually comes with it.
Performance That Surprises
Essential: Perfect for City Life
The entry-level Essential comes with a 44.9kWh battery pack and delivers 340km of real-world driving range. The single 70kW motor provides smooth acceleration, getting you from 0-100km/h in 12.3 seconds. While that might not sound lightning-fast, it’s perfectly adequate for daily commuting and city driving.
Premium: More Power, More Range
Step up to the Premium, and you’ll get a larger 60.5kWh battery that extends your range to 427km. The more powerful 150kW motor cuts the 0-100km/h time down to just 7 seconds, giving you that sporty feel while still being incredibly efficient.
Features That Make Sense
Standard Equipment That Impresses
Even the base Essential doesn’t feel cheap. You’ll find a massive 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen that dominates the dashboard, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The car also includes LED headlights, keyless entry, climate control, and a comprehensive suite of safety features.
Safety First Approach
The Dolphin earned a five-star ANCAP safety rating, which means you’re getting top-tier protection for your family. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and predictive collision warning systems.
Practical Design Choices
Interior Space and Comfort
Inside, you’ll discover a surprisingly spacious cabin for a compact hatchback. The boot space starts at 345 litres but can expand to 1,310 litres with the rear seats folded down. That’s enough room for weekly shopping trips or weekend getaways.
The interior design plays with the car’s aquatic theme, featuring floating ‘fin’ door handles and wave patterns throughout. It’s fun without being gimmicky, and the build quality feels solid throughout.
BYD Dolphin Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $29,990 (Essential) |
| Premium Price | $36,990 |
| Battery Capacity | 44.9kWh (Essential), 60.5kWh (Premium) |
| Driving Range | 340km (Essential), 427km (Premium) |
| Motor Power | 70kW (Essential), 150kW (Premium) |
| Acceleration | 12.3s (Essential), 7.0s (Premium) 0-100km/h |
| Charging Speed | 60kW (Essential), 80kW (Premium) DC fast charging |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Boot Space | 345-1,310 litres |
| Warranty | 6 years/150,000km vehicle, 8 years/160,000km battery |
| Safety Rating | 5-star ANCAP |
How It Stacks Up Against Competitors
Value Proposition
When compared to rivals like the MG4 ($34,990) and GWM Ora ($33,990), the Dolphin Essential offers similar features at a significantly lower price. You’re getting genuine value here, not just a cheap price with corners cut.
Real-World Benefits
The charging capabilities are practical for Australian conditions. With DC fast charging up to 60kW on the Essential and 80kW on the Premium, you can top up the battery during coffee breaks on longer trips.
Who Should Consider the BYD Dolphin?
Perfect for First-Time EV Buyers
If you’ve been curious about electric cars but worried about the price, the Dolphin removes that barrier. It’s an excellent introduction to electric driving without requiring a massive financial commitment.
Ideal for Urban Families
The combination of compact size, good range, and practical features makes it perfect for families living in cities or suburbs. School runs, shopping trips, and weekend adventures are all easily handled.
Budget-Conscious Buyers
Anyone looking to reduce their running costs will appreciate the lower electricity costs compared to petrol, plus the reduced maintenance requirements of electric drivetrains.
BYD has created something special with the Dolphin. It proves that electric cars don’t need to be expensive luxury items – they can be practical, affordable family transport that just happens to run on electricity instead of petrol.
The build quality feels solid, the feature list is generous, and the driving experience is pleasant and refined. Most importantly, it makes electric driving accessible to a much broader range of Australian families.
Whether you choose the Essential for maximum value or step up to the Premium for extra range and power, you’re getting a well-rounded electric vehicle that doesn’t ask you to make significant compromises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to charge the BYD Dolphin?
A: Using DC fast charging, you can charge from 10-80% in approximately 40-50 minutes depending on the variant.
Q: Is the BYD Dolphin suitable for long-distance travel?
A: Yes, especially the Premium with its 427km range. Australia’s charging network is expanding, making longer trips increasingly practical.
Q: What warranty coverage does the BYD Dolphin offer?
A: It comes with a 6-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and an 8-year/160,000km battery warranty for peace of mind.
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