New BYD Dolphin: Dimensions and boot of the Chinese electric car

The compact car from the Chinese brand BYD has dimensions close to those of the Volkswagen ID.3, and more roominess than load capacity.

By: Filippo Einaudi

Nov 18, 2023 at 7:00am ET

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Length: 4,290 mm
Width: 1,770 mm
Height: 1,570 mm
Wheelbase: 2,700 mm
Luggage compartment: min. 345 litres/max. 1,310 litres

The BYD Dolphin is one of the latest innovations with which the Chinese manufacturer BYD has launched its attack on the European markets, following the interesting Atto 3 and Han. It is a compact, well-balanced model that fits into the electric C-segment, where the size/space ratio is somewhat different from that of 'traditional' cars.

In fact, where classic compacts grow to 4.5 metres in length, their battery-powered counterparts maintain more compact proportions, optimising the interior thanks to the different configuration of the mechanics and batteries. In fact, the BYD Dolphin has the Volkswagen ID.3 in its sights, although it has slightly less cargo space.

BYD Dolphin, dimensions

The BYD Dolphin is slightly longer than the ID.3, but only by a few centimetres: it measures 4.29 metres, some 30 mm less, but is narrower at 1.77 metres. The wheelbase is also shorter, 2.70 metres, compared to 2.77 metres for the VW, while in height it exceeds its German rival by only 2 mm, 1,570 mm compared to 1,568 mm.

BYD Dolphin

BYD Dolphin, roominess and boot space

The Chinese manufacturer has not provided precise data on interior dimensions, but the car, already seen and tested, shows good accessibility and habitability, as well as a simple interior, but with well-padded seats, which confirms the Chinese manufacturer's predilection for rear comfort with respect to the load compartment.

Interior headroom and knee room, as well as the flat floor, are excellent. The rear seat, on the other hand, is split 40/60 and also has a central armrest.

BYD Dolphin, asientos traseros

BYD Dolphin, maletero

The boot volume is 345 litres, 40 litres less than its German rival, but the Dolphin has a larger maximum volume of 1,310 litres compared to 1,267 litres.

The shape of the boot is a little reminiscent of old-school Asian cars, with bulging wheel arches and a very rounded sill on the sides. It is also not very well equipped in terms of hooks and rings, however, has a very spacious double floor and not a very pronounced step between the sill itself and the load floor.

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The BYD Dolphin offers a range always with single-motor versions, located at the front, with power outputs of 94, 174 and 201 bhp, combined with batteries of around 45 and 60 kWh, for range figures ranging between 193 and 265 miles (310 and 427 km). However, there is a lack of high-power recharging, which does not go beyond 88 kW, although it is enough to 'refuel' in less than an hour.

Equipment	Power	Batteries	Charging	Powertrain	Drive
Active	94 BHP	44,9 kWh	AC 7 kW + DC 60 kW	Electric	Front
Boost	174 BHP	44.9 kWh	AC 7 kW + DC 60 kW	Electric	Front
Comfort/Design	201 BHP	60.4 kWh	AC 11 kW + DC 88 kW	Electric	Front