the consumption and autonomy measured by our Supertest

After a very mixed first attempt, the BYD Dolphin corrected its copy. This is the opportunity to take it on our merciless Supertest.

Presented to the press in 2023, the BYD Dolphin has received a lot of criticism, ours included. The cause is low-end tires, dangerously amplifying the reactions of its overly flexible chassis. So much so that we could hardly imagine staying calmly on course above 70 km/h. But the Chinese manufacturer listened to the criticisms and made small modifications. The car is now very different. The opportunity to focus more on his case.

Also readVideo test – BYD Dolphin: an electric compact that makes waves

Presentation of the BYD Dolphin

Like most other models in the range, the BYD Dolphin is based on the e-Platform 3.0 platform. This is characterized by the presence of a set of equipment dedicated to electric propulsion, from the battery to the so-called 8-in-1 electric machine, including the heat pump.

Unsurprisingly, there is a Blade battery under the floor with a net capacity of 60.4 kWh of useful capacity. Like the MG 4, the battery layout is said Cell to Pack. This means that the 126 rectangular cells are only connected in series, in the form of a single, large module. This solution makes it possible to optimize space in the battery box, but also to reduce manufacturing costs. On the other hand, this compactness does not allow the cooling circuit to pass between the cells, as the brand’s engineers confirmed to us. We will see later the effects this can have.

For the rest of the figures, the BYD Dolphin is very common. On the engine side, it benefits from 204 hp for 310 Nm of torque, like an overwhelming majority of cars of this ilk. On the charging side, if it benefits from an 11 kW charger as standard in this Design version, it caps at only 88 kW on fast charging stations, for a 10-80% in 40 minutes. We will also see the gap that can exist between theory and practice, the very essence of these Supertests. Finally, it is given for 427 km of WLTP autonomy. Let’s not forget to note the most important thing here, namely the presence of new tires much more in line with European standards. In addition, BYD has also revised the distribution of torque during acceleration so as not to unnecessarily saturate the front axle, as was the case before.

All our consumption measurements of the BYD Dolphin

Combined range: 356 km

Measured in conditions strictly identical to those encountered during the BYD Atto3 Supertest, the Dolphin respects the hierarchy. It therefore comes away with an average consumption of 17.0 kWh/100 km all round (17.6 kWh/100 km with the SUV), giving it a theoretical total autonomy of almost 360 km. Which is exactly the autonomy that we estimated during its first test. Within a handful of kilometers, it is on par with other compacts on the market.

Long distance on motorway: 257 km

Obviously more aerodynamic and less heavy than the Atto3, the BYD Dolphin widens the gap when hitting the road for long journeys via the highway. On our typical route between Lyon and Paris, the compact completed the journey with an average of 23.5 kWh/100 km. Which translates here into a theoretical total autonomy of almost 260 km, or 180 km from 80 to 10%. On paper, it has the advantage of a short head over the MG 4 Luxury. In practice, this will not change the frequency of stops.

Also readHeat pump: what are the differences between that of a BYD Dolphin and a Peugeot e-308?

Instantaneous consumption of the BYD Dolphin

In detail, we noted an average consumption of 18.8 kWh/100 km at a fixed speed of 110 km/h, or 322 km. At 130 km/h, the appetite increases to 25.3 kWh/100 km according to our readings, or 239 km of theoretical autonomy.

Eco-driving: 484 km

The BYD Dolphin has an Eco mode which modifies the mapping of the right pedal. This consistency not only allows you not to press more than necessary, but also allows you to dose the “neutral point” more finely, as the Dolphin does not have a real freewheel mode. To further save money, it is accompanied by a two-level recovery system, activated via a button on the dashboard. It’s not very practical, especially since it won’t activate if you have your foot on the accelerator (you have to let go and give a brief boost of power). In short, if all these tricks are not easily usable, we noted an average of 12.5 kWh/100 km at the end of our journey. It is far from the consumption of 9.1 kWh/100 km obtained with the Peugeot e-308!

Performance and behavior of the BYD Dolphin

Despite a power deficit, the BYD Dolphin displays a weight/power ratio of 8.57 kg/hp similar to that of a Cupra Born XL, but does not do better than a Renault Megane e-Tech (7.92 kg /ch). Still, the new torque distribution muzzles the compact a little in Normal driving mode, with 0-100 km/h in 7.7 s. Things improve in Sport mode: 0-100 km/h in 7.3 s, 80-120 km/h launched in 4.4 s and 15.5 s on the 400 m DA The readings are then identical to those of an MG 4 Luxury.

However, it appears more important to note the endurance of performance, as evidenced by our recovery measurements. Thus, the Dolphin can go from an 80-120 km/h KD in 5.2 s (80% load) to 5.3 s (20%). As on the Atto3, it is only from 12% load that the system limits the output power. Let’s take advantage of these measurements to indicate that the SUV, 92 kg heavier, requires 0.9 seconds more on recovery.

In terms of behavior, the BYD Dolphin has no dynamic pretensions. On the other hand, with the presence of the new Hankook tires, the behavior is incredibly improved. So much so that we could imagine the presence of a new suspension system (this will happen very quickly depending on the brand). Certainly, the compact always has a tendency to be flexible at the rear end, but this is neither uncomfortable, nor destabilizing, nor even dangerous, since the tires manage to correct the situation in the event of excess. In terms of traction, the gradual arrival of torque no longer causes the tires to squeal. On the other hand, these can scrape very briefly. Nothing bad, on the contrary the torque effects in the steering are still very present: it is not uncommon to see the front axle freeze when accelerating with the wheels turned. This is the only remaining point of vigilance for those who drive vigorously.

Comfort and life on board the BYD Dolphin

On the road, the driving aids seem to have improved since our first handling, with interventions now less authoritarian. With the exception of a few annoying beeps at the slightest extra kilometer/hour or a lane keeping aid which stiffens the steering wheel more than necessary, the performance is average. Just like acoustic comfort, even if an MG 4 is quieter on board according to our sound level meter with a difference of 2 dB at 130 km/h.

In this uniformly dark configuration, the BYD Dolphin left a better feeling of perceived quality than during our first encounter. Some shapes still appear very exotic, but the presentation is perfectly up to par. Like the other models in the manufacturer’s range, we cannot blame it for its lack of effort. But the ergonomics are not perfect with a curiously located power control, buttons that are difficult to access on the central roller or menus that are a little scattered across the tactile and rotating panel.

In terms of storage, the Dolphin offers a lot on board, including the bin under the central console. Too bad, the plastic used sounds hollow and becomes annoying when cornering if you store keys in it. The electric platform does not allow the presence of storage at the front. On the other hand, there are bins aftermarket to install yourself which, in addition to dressing the space, offer two storage spaces. Otherwise, only the 345 liter trunk will allow you to store your belongings. It hides a huge storage space under the floor and the recesses allow you to accommodate objects as long as our scooter (even if it is shoehorned in). The fact remains that the hard plastic covering is also terribly fragile. There is no doubt that materials will age poorly over time.

BYD Dolphin Supertest: the results

The Dolphin will certainly be BYD’s best-selling vehicle with the Atto3. And if it was not recommendable just a few months ago, the electric compact has managed to climb into the category average, both in terms of measured autonomy and overall performance. If it does not manage to be as sober as the French compacts, it wins by a narrow margin compared to the MG 4 Luxury.

Also readTest – MG 4 Luxury: consumption and autonomy measured in our Supertest

Above all, we will remember behavior that is much more up to expectations, and which no longer gives you a cold sweat if you increase the pace on a secondary road. Although still a little unusual, the handling does not suffer from any criticism with the appearance of new Hankook tires and revised electronic settings. This shows BYD’s room for development for its products. It remains to make improvements in terms of charging, because the results are far from being as flattering. We will take stock next week.

In the meantime, the BYD Dolphin starts at €35,990 in this high-end Design trial finish. A great price (everything is relative) considering the ultra-complete equipment, and perfectly identical to that of the MG 4 Luxury. The fact remains that if the latter reduces the price with a considerable discount of €5,000, no rebate is officially applied at BYD…