BYD Dolphin Surf Boost

Overview

The BYD Dolphin is already making waves in the affordable EV pool, and for 2025, the new "Surf Boost" trim dives in as an even more accessible entry point. Priced attractively at €24,990 new, it’s packing a decent punch for city slickers. This compact hatchback is all about smart, eco-friendly urban mobility without breaking the bank. It promises BYD's latest tech in a nimble package, perfect for navigating tight European streets and keeping running costs super low. Get ready for some budget-friendly electric motoring with this Chinese challenger!

What's New for 2025?

The big news for 2025 is the splashy arrival of this very "Surf Boost" trim! It's a fresh variant, hitting production this year, aimed at making the Dolphin even more wallet-friendly for the European market. While the core Dolphin DNA – that funky "Ocean Aesthetics" design – remains, the Surf Boost is cleverly specced with a specific powertrain and feature set to hit that tempting price point. Think of it as BYD sharpening its value proposition, making electric charm accessible to a wider audience looking for a brand-new, no-fuss electric runabout.

Design & Exterior

The Dolphin Surf Boost rocks BYD's "Ocean Aesthetics" design language, looking quite chic and cheerful for a compact hatchback. It’s got a friendly face and smooth, flowing lines, making it perfect for nipping around town. Dimensions are city-smart at 3990mm long, 1720mm wide (excluding mirrors), and 1590mm tall, ensuring parking is an absolute doddle. While sharing the Dolphin's overall cute looks, the Surf Boost distinguishes itself with practical features suited to its accessible positioning, making it distinctive enough without shouting too loudly on European roads.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Dolphin Surf Boost and you'll find a surprisingly funky and modern cabin designed for four occupants. BYD is known for its signature rotating central touchscreen, likely a 12.8-inch unit running their DiLink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. For your gear, there's a decent 308-litre boot, which expands to a useful 1037 litres when you fold the rear seats flat. Unfortunately, there's no frunk for stashing charging cables, but the main cabin and boot space are certainly practical for its class.

Performance & Driving Experience

The Dolphin Surf Boost isn't trying to be a pocket rocket, but it's got enough zip for daily urban adventures! Its front-wheel-drive system is powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) churning out 65 kW and 175 Nm of instant torque. This translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint in a respectable 12.1 seconds, with a top speed of 150 km/h. Expect a comfy, easy-going drive, ideal for city commuting. Regenerative braking will help you squeeze out extra range, making it a smooth operator in stop-start traffic conditions.

Range, Battery & Charging

Powering the Dolphin Surf Boost is a 43.2 kWh usable LFP Blade battery. Green Cars Compare estimates a real-world range of around 274 km, which is pretty solid for daily duties, supported by an efficiency of 6.34 km/kWh. Charging is handled via a CCS Type 2 port, conveniently located. At home or on an AC public charger, it can take on electricity at up to 11 kW. When you need a quicker top-up, DC fast charging peaks at 85 kW on its 400V architecture, getting you back on the move swiftly.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While a specific Euro NCAP rating for the 2025 Surf Boost trim isn't yet published, the BYD Dolphin family has previously achieved a full five-star rating, which is seriously impressive and bodes well for this variant. Expect a comprehensive suite of safety kit as standard, likely including essentials like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. Core safety should be well-covered, providing good peace of mind in this compact package, though some advanced features might be optional extras.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

BYD typically rolls out a competitive warranty package in Europe, giving buyers confidence. You can generally expect a comprehensive vehicle warranty, often around 6 years or 150,000 km. The crucial high-voltage battery usually gets an even longer cover, such as 8 years or 200,000 km, with a guarantee for capacity retention (e.g., 70%). Powertrain components are also well protected. Details on complimentary maintenance can vary by specific market, but BYD's LFP Blade Batteries are known for their durability, aiming for hassle-free EV ownership.