New BYD Dolphin Active and Boost Models

BYD has introduced ‘Active’ and ‘Boost’ trims to its funky Dolphin range, writes Tim Barnes-Clay.

These new grades complement the existing Dolphin Comfort and Design variants, offering a diverse ‘A,B,C,D’ range of choices to suit your needs.

The BYD Dolphin is a cute hatchback that combines stylish design, versatility, and electric vehicle (EV) technology. Inspired by the intelligent and playful nature of the dolphin, the car embodies BYD’s ‘Ocean Aesthetics’ design concept, resulting in a distinct appearance.

The Dolphin Active, featuring a 44.9kWh battery and a 70kW (95PS) motor, offers a range of 211 miles. On the other hand, the Boost variant, equipped with the same 44.9kWh battery but a more potent 130kW (176PS) motor, boasts a range of 193 miles. Both editions can be rapidly charged using DC power, with a 100kW DC charger capable of replenishing the battery from 30 per cent to 80 per cent in under half an hour.

This BYD hatchback is also equipped with a high-efficiency heat pump and the industry’s first direct cooling and heating system for batteries, resulting in 15 per cent improved thermal efficiency in winter. Additionally, the regenerative braking system recovers braking energy, contributing to overall energy conservation.

Measuring 4,290 mm long and 1,770 mm wide, the Dolphin offers a spacious interior with seating for five-up. The vegan leather sports seats, along with loads of storage spaces, ensure both comfort and convenience. The vehicle’s e-Platform 3.0 enables the rear seats to provide decent legroom, with the option to expand the 345-litre boot to 1,310 litres by splitting the back seats in a 60:40 configuration.

One of the cool features of this BYD hatch is its Vehicle to Load (VtoL) discharge back technology, capable of achieving 3.3kW external discharge. This capability transforms the vehicle into a ‘mobile power station’, allowing for various lifestyle applications such as outdoor picnics and camping.

Perhaps most importantly though is that the car offers a bunch of advanced safety and driver assistance features. Tech includes Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Brake, Lane Departure Prevention, and Emergency Lane Keeping Assist. The Dolphin also houses Adaptive Cruise Control and Intelligent Cruise Control, enhancing the driving experience and making journeys more enjoyable.

Furthermore, the Dolphin’s panoramic camera takes the stress out of parking. It provides you with 360-degree visibility for safe vehicle manoeuvring. This feature, combined with the Blind Spot Detection System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Descent Control, Automatic Vehicle Hold, and Traffic Sign Recognition with Intelligent Speed Limit Control, makes the BYD Dolphin a safe bet for you and your family.

The recently unveiled Dolphin Active and Boost trims, along with the Comfort and Design grades, are available now at local BYD dealers throughout the UK.