BYD Dolphin Boost

Overview

The 2025 BYD Dolphin is poised to make a huge splash in the US market as a seriously compelling and affordable compact EV. The Boost trim hits the sweet spot, offering a fun-to-drive character without breaking the bank. It's a stylish, tech-forward hatchback designed to challenge established players like the Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf. While official US pricing is still under wraps, the Dolphin Boost is expected to be incredibly competitive, potentially landing in the sub-$30,000 range. It's a cracking little car that packs a ton of value and personality into a city-friendly package.

What's New for 2025?

As the Dolphin prepares for its potential US debut, the 2025 model year establishes a clear and attractive lineup. The Boost trim is a key part of this strategy, introducing a more powerful 174-hp motor over the base model, providing a welcome injection of performance. This version is built around BYD's groundbreaking and ultra-safe Blade Battery technology, a core feature across the range. For American drivers, this will be their first taste of BYD's "Ocean Aesthetics" design and clever interior packaging, setting a new benchmark for what to expect from an entry-level EV.

Design & Exterior

The Dolphin Boost is a real head-turner, sporting BYD's "Ocean Aesthetics" design language that's both playful and modern. Its compact dimensions make it perfect for urban adventures, measuring 168.9 inches in length, 69.7 inches in width, and 61.8 inches in height. The smooth, flowing lines are complemented by distinctive LED lighting signatures and, often, vibrant two-tone paint schemes that make it stand out from the crowd. The Boost trim looks sharp and purposeful, with its tidy hatchback proportions giving it a sporty and approachable stance on the road.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Dolphin Boost and you're greeted by a funky, wave-inspired cabin that’s surprisingly spacious and packed with tech. The centerpiece is BYD's signature 12.8-inch rotating central touchscreen, which is a brilliant party trick and works alongside a neat digital driver's display. It comfortably seats five, and practicality is solid for a compact hatch, offering 12.2 cubic feet of trunk space. Fold the rear seats down, and that expands to a generous 46.3 cubic feet for bigger hauls. While there's no frunk, the clever use of interior space makes up for it.

Performance & Driving Experience

This is where the 'Boost' trim really earns its name! With a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor sending 174 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels, this Dolphin is properly zippy. It scoots from 0-60 mph in just 7.2 seconds, making it feel quick and responsive in city traffic and confident on the highway. The ride is tuned for comfort, soaking up bumps well, while its compact size and instant torque make it a joy to maneuver. Multiple regenerative braking modes allow you to tailor the one-pedal driving feel to your liking.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Dolphin Boost is equipped with a 44.9 kWh usable Blade Battery pack. Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range of 164 miles, with an excellent efficiency of 3.65 mi/kWh, making it a cost-effective daily driver. For charging, its 11 kW onboard AC charger can top up the battery overnight in about 5 hours. When you need a quick boost, it supports DC fast charging at up to 65 kW, which can take the battery from 10% to 80% in around 40 minutes. For the US, expect it to feature a standard CCS Type 1 or NACS port.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While NHTSA ratings are pending its US arrival, the Dolphin earned a top 5-star rating from the stringent Euro NCAP, a testament to its solid structural integrity and safety systems. You can expect the Boost trim to come loaded with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features as standard. This typically includes essentials like automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control is also a likely standard feature, making it a safe and modern choice in its class.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

BYD is known for offering strong warranty coverage, a major selling point. While US-specific details are yet to be confirmed, buyers can likely expect a comprehensive vehicle warranty similar to the 6-year/93,000-mile coverage offered in Europe. The critical Blade Battery and powertrain components should be covered by an 8-year/125,000-mile warranty, which includes a guarantee against significant degradation. This robust backing, combined with the inherent reliability and low maintenance needs of an EV, should provide excellent peace of mind for new owners.