BYD Dolphin Boost

Overview

The BYD Dolphin Boost splashes into the European market as a seriously compelling electric hatchback. It's the peppy middle-ground in the Dolphin lineup, offering more punch than the entry-level model without the price tag of the top-spec version. With a new price of €32,990, it packs a surprising amount of tech and style for your money, making it a proper contender against established European rivals. This isn't just a budget EV; it's a cleverly packaged, feature-rich runabout that's ready to shake up the segment.

What's New for 2025?

For the 2025 model year, the big news is the firm establishment of the 'Boost' trim in the Dolphin family. This variant was introduced to plug the performance and price gap between the entry-level Active and the top-tier Comfort/Design models, giving buyers a much-needed 'just-right' option. It cleverly pairs the smaller 44.9 kWh battery with the more powerful 130 kW motor from the top trims. This creates a zippy city car with a wallet-friendly price, a strategic move by BYD to capture a wider slice of the competitive European hatchback market.

Design & Exterior

The Dolphin Boost wears BYD's "Ocean Aesthetics" design language with pride. It's a cheeky and modern-looking hatchback that stands out in a car park. Measuring 4290 mm long, 1770 mm wide, and 1570 mm tall, its compact dimensions are perfect for nipping through city streets. The Boost trim often sports stylish two-tone paint schemes and distinctive 17-inch alloy wheels that give it more visual flair than the base model. The full-width LED light bars at the front and rear add a premium touch, ensuring it looks sharp day or night.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Hop inside, and the Dolphin Boost impresses with a surprisingly spacious and funky cabin for a 5-seater. The standout feature is BYD's signature 12.8-inch rotating central touchscreen – a proper party trick that's both fun and functional with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Material quality feels solid, with plenty of soft-touch surfaces. Practicality is strong, with a decent 345-litre boot that expands to a massive 1310 litres with the seats folded. While there is no frunk, clever cabin storage helps make up for it.

Performance & Driving Experience

This is where the 'Boost' name earns its keep! With a 130 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor sending 260 Nm of torque to the front wheels, this Dolphin is properly zippy. It'll dash from 0-100 km/h in a brisk 7.5 seconds, making it feel quick and responsive around town and on the motorway. The ride is tuned for comfort, soaking up bumps nicely, though it can feel a bit soft in the corners. It’s an easy and relaxing car to drive, with multiple regenerative braking modes to help you claw back some energy.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Boost trim is fitted with a 44.9 kWh usable Blade Battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 264 km. It’s an efficient little thing, sipping energy at a rate of 5.88 km/kWh. Charging is handled via a CCS Type 2 port. At home on its standard 11 kW AC on-board charger, a full top-up takes around 5 hours. When you’re out and about, it can pull a maximum of 65 kW from a DC fast charger, getting you from 30-80% in about 30 minutes. V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) is also standard!

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

You can drive the Dolphin Boost with total confidence, as it boasts a full 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. BYD hasn't skimped on the safety kit, even on this mid-tier trim. It comes loaded with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance systems. This includes features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot detection is also included as standard, providing an impressive level of safety tech that you'd often pay extra for in its European rivals.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

BYD offers a seriously confidence-inspiring warranty package that puts many established brands to shame. Owners in Europe are typically covered by a 6-year or 150,000 km general vehicle warranty, which is excellent. Even better, the crucial high-voltage battery is warrantied for 8 years or 200,000 km, guaranteeing it will retain at least 70% of its original capacity. This robust coverage, combined with the inherent reliability and lower maintenance needs of an EV, makes the Dolphin Boost a very sensible long-term ownership proposition.