The BYD Dolphin is a fully electric B-segment hatchback built on BYD’s dedicated e-Platform 3.0, combining compact dimensions with a relatively long wheelbase, Blade Battery technology and comprehensive driver assistance.

The Malaysian range consists of the Standard (Dynamic Standard Range) and Extended (Premium Extended Range). For 2026, recommended retail prices stand at RM100,000 and RM124,900, while Peninsular Malaysia personal-registration on-the-road prices without insurance are RM100,740 and RM125,760 respectively.

The Standard uses a 70 KW (94 HP), 180 NM front motor with a 44.9 KWH Blade Battery, delivering 340 KM WLTP. The Extended receives a much stronger 150 KW (201 HP), 310 NM motor and 60.48 KWH Blade Battery, providing 427 KM WLTP.

The Dolphin features an unconventional dashboard inspired by flowing ocean forms.

Its main feature is BYD’s signature 12.8-INCH intelligent rotating touchscreen, which can electrically switch between landscape and portrait orientations.

A compact 5-INCH digital instrument display is positioned directly ahead of the driver.

A floating centre console helps create additional storage beneath the main controls.

Distinctive cylindrical switchgear is used for functions such as gear selection and vehicle settings.

The Extended additionally receives a wireless smartphone charging pad.

A compact 5-INCH digital instrument panel displays essential driving information.

It provides speed, battery state, remaining range, energy consumption and driver-assistance information.

Its small size is one of the more noticeable differences compared with newer rivals using larger digital clusters.

Both variants feature synthetic leather upholstery.

The Standard receives a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and four-way manually adjustable front passenger seat.

The Extended upgrades both front seats to electric adjustment and additionally provides front-seat ventilation.

Rear seats fold in a 60:40 split.

The Dolphin accommodates five occupants.

Its 2,700 MM wheelbase and relatively flat rear floor provide impressive rear legroom for a B-segment hatchback.

Headroom is also generous due to the 1,570 MM body height, making the cabin feel considerably larger than the exterior dimensions suggest.

A three-spoke multifunction steering wheel provides controls for audio, infotainment and driver-assistance functions.

Both tilt and telescopic adjustment are provided.

Electric Power Steering is standard across the range.

Storage areas include the glove compartment, door pockets, centre-console compartments and open storage beneath the floating console.

Additional small-item spaces are positioned around the front cabin.

There is no dedicated front luggage compartment beneath the bonnet.

The Dolphin provides two front cup holders within the centre-console area.

A further pair is available for rear passengers through the centre-armrest arrangement.

Door pockets also provide additional bottle storage.

The centre console provides one USB-A and one USB-C port.

Rear passengers receive an additional USB-A and USB-C connection.

A 12 V socket is also standard, while the Extended additionally provides wireless smartphone charging.

Both variants support 3.3 KW Vehicle-to-Load functionality through the high-voltage battery.

The Dolphin uses a mixture of synthetic leather, textured plastics and distinctive wave-inspired decorative elements.

Unusual door handles and cylindrical controls give the interior considerably more character than a conventional economy hatchback.

The Extended feels more premium thanks to its powered and ventilated front seats, panoramic roof and wireless charging.

Luggage capacity stands at 345 L with the rear seats upright.

Folding the 60:40 rear seatbacks expands maximum cargo capacity to 1,310 L.

The relatively deep luggage compartment provides useful everyday practicality despite the Dolphin’s compact overall dimensions.

Both variants measure 4,290 MM long, 1,770 MM wide and 1,570 MM tall, with a relatively lengthy 2,700 MM wheelbase.

Ground clearance when laden stands at 130 MM, while kerb weight is approximately 1,506 KG for the Standard and 1,658 KG for the Extended.

The long wheelbase relative to overall length gives the Dolphin more passenger space than its compact hatchback footprint initially suggests.

The front adopts BYD’s Ocean Aesthetics design language with smooth body surfacing and a largely enclosed EV-specific nose.

A continuous lighting element visually links the headlamp area across the front, while sculpted lower bumper sections provide cooling and aerodynamic management.

Its rounded shape gives the Dolphin a softer and more youthful appearance than BYD’s larger models.

The rear features a relatively upright hatchback profile with a broad tailgate and distinctive full-width lighting treatment.

A roof-mounted spoiler extends above the rear windscreen, while sculpted bumper elements create additional visual width.

The hatch uses conventional operation with remote unlocking rather than a powered tailgate.

Both variants feature LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights.

Automatic headlamp operation, Follow-Me-Home lighting and High Beam Assist are also standard.

The connected front lighting design forms one of the Dolphin’s most recognisable exterior signatures.

The Dolphin features a distinctive full-width LED tail-light bar.

Intricate internal graphics give the lamps a dynamic appearance, particularly after dark.

A high-mounted brake light and rear fog lamp are also provided.

Both variants feature electrically adjustable, heated and power-folding exterior mirrors.

Integrated LED turn indicators are fitted within the mirror housings.

Automatic folding allows the mirrors to retract when the vehicle is locked.

Both variants use ventilated disc brakes at the front and disc brakes at the rear.

Regenerative braking operates together with the conventional friction braking system to recover energy during deceleration.

An Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold is also standard.

The Standard rides on 16-INCH alloy wheels fitted with 195/60 R16 tyres.

The Extended upgrades to 17-INCH alloy wheels with 205/50 R17 tyres.

The smaller wheels and taller sidewalls of the Standard favour comfort, while the Extended receives a sportier appearance and slightly sharper response.

Both variants feature ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control.

An Intelligent Power Brake System, Electronic Parking Brake and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System are also standard.

The Dolphin additionally receives two front and three rear ultrasonic parking sensors together with a 360-degree camera system.

Both variants are equipped with six airbags, comprising dual front airbags, front-side airbags and front and rear curtain airbags.

Five three-point seat belts and ISOFIX child-seat mounting points are provided.

The Extended additionally uses dual-stage front seat-belt pretensioners, while the Standard uses conventional pretensioners.

Four selectable driving programmes are provided – Sport, Normal, Economy and Snow.

Sport sharpens accelerator response, while Economy prioritises energy efficiency.

Regenerative braking settings further allow the driver to alter the level of deceleration when lifting off the accelerator.

A 12.8-INCH electrically rotating touchscreen forms the main infotainment interface.

Functions include Bluetooth connectivity, satellite navigation, voice assistant and wired Apple CarPlay.

The screen can change between landscape and portrait orientations according to user preference.

The Dolphin receives an extensive ADAS package on both variants.

Systems include Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Predictive Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Support.

Also provided are Lane Departure Prevention, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Collision Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Braking.

High Beam Assist is also standard.

Both variants use a six-speaker audio system.

Music can be accessed through Bluetooth, USB and supported smartphone integration.

No premium branded audio system is offered.

Being fully electric, both Dolphin variants use a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor.

The Standard produces 70 KW (94 HP) and 180 NM.

The Extended receives a considerably more powerful motor developing 150 KW (201 HP) and 310 NM.

Both variants use a single-speed electric reduction transmission.

Power is delivered without conventional multi-speed gear changes.

The immediate electric torque provides particularly smooth response during urban driving.

Both variants use front-wheel drive.

The single electric motor sends all available output exclusively to the front axle.

The straightforward configuration keeps packaging and drivetrain complexity relatively low.

The Standard accelerates from 0-100 KM/H in 12.3 seconds and reaches approximately 150 KM/H.

The Extended is dramatically quicker, completing 0-100 KM/H in 7.0 seconds with a maximum speed of approximately 160 KM/H.

The performance difference between the two variants is therefore substantial despite their nearly identical exterior appearance.

As fully electric vehicles, both Dolphin variants consume no petrol or diesel.

The Standard uses a 44.9 KWH BYD Blade Battery, providing 410 KM NEDC or 340 KM WLTP range.

The Extended receives a 60.48 KWH Blade Battery, increasing range to 490 KM NEDC or 427 KM WLTP.

Both batteries use BYD’s lithium iron phosphate chemistry and include a heat-pump thermal-management system.

AC charging reaches approximately 7 KW for both variants.

The Standard supports 60 KW CCS2 DC charging, while the Extended increases maximum DC input to 80 KW. A 30-80% DC recharge takes roughly 30 minutes under suitable conditions.

Both variants additionally support 3.3 KW V2L, allowing the vehicle to power compatible external appliances.

Standard equipment includes keyless entry and start, automatic headlamps, heated and power-folding mirrors, automatic climate control and four electric windows.

The Standard provides one-touch anti-pinch operation for the driver’s window.

The Extended upgrades to one-touch anti-pinch functionality for all four windows while adding powered and ventilated front seats, wireless charging and a panoramic glass roof.

The BYD Dolphin does not feature dedicated rear air-conditioning vents.

Both variants use single-zone automatic climate control, with rear passengers relying on airflow from the front dashboard vents.

A PM2.5 cabin filter and heat-pump climate system are standard.

The Standard uses MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion-beam rear arrangement.

The Extended retains MacPherson struts at the front but upgrades to a more sophisticated multi-link independent rear suspension.

Combined with its long 2,700 MM wheelbase, the Dolphin provides a generally comfortable urban ride. The Standard’s 16-inch wheels offer slightly greater tyre compliance, while the Extended provides better rear-axle control.

The electric drivetrain eliminates conventional engine vibration and combustion noise.

At urban speeds, the Dolphin is quiet and refined for an affordable hatchback.

Road and wind noise become more noticeable at highway speeds, particularly given the relatively lightweight construction, but overall refinement remains suitable for its segment.

The BYD Dolphin remains a practical entry point into BYD’s electric range, combining compact dimensions with impressive passenger space, comprehensive ADAS and proven Blade Battery technology.

The RM100,000 Standard prioritises affordability, offering 94 HP, 180 NM, a 44.9 KWH battery and 340 KM WLTP range. Its performance is modest, but it retains the same six airbags, 360-degree camera and extensive assistance package as the more expensive version.

The RM124,900 Extended is the considerably more capable choice, increasing output to 201 HP and 310 NM, cutting 0-100 KM/H to 7.0 seconds and extending WLTP range to 427 KM. It also adds multi-link rear suspension, 17-inch wheels, powered and ventilated front seats, panoramic glass roof and wireless charging.

Its main weaknesses are increasingly modest charging speeds of 60 KW or 80 KW DC, the lack of rear air vents and an interior interface that relies heavily on the central touchscreen.

Nevertheless, the combination of e-Platform 3.0, LFP Blade Battery, 3.3 KW V2L, strong safety equipment and spacious packaging allows the Dolphin to remain a competitive compact EV, particularly in Standard form around the RM100,000 mark.