2023 BYD Dolphin launched in Malaysia - up to 490 km EV range, 204 PS; AEB, ACC standard; from RM99,900 - paultan.org

BYD is unveiling its second electric vehicle (EV) in Malaysia, the Dolphin, today. This follows the successful release of the Atto 3 last December. The Dolphin is part of BYD's Ocean series, and is available in two models. The base option is the Dynamic Standard Range, and it has a retail price of RM99,900.

After that is the Deluxe Extra Distance which is priced at RM124,900. Please remember that these costs do not cover additional charges for getting the vehicle on the road. If you include these charges, the Deluxe Standard Range has an on-the-road price of RM100,530 without insurance, while the Deluxe Extra Range is priced at RM125,530. The Dolphin is brought into the country from China and takes advantage of the ongoing EV perks offered by the government until the conclusion of 2025, such as the exemption of import and excise duties as well as road tax.

Priced at a reasonable RM100,530 to kick off, the Dolphin stands as the second most affordable electric vehicle (EV) on the Malaysian market, just shy of the Neta V which can be obtained for RM99,800. Each Dolphin purchase includes a promising factory warranty that encases a span of six years or 150,000 kilometers, while the battery is safeguarded for an extended period, spanning eight years or 160,000 kilometers. Additionally, buyers are provided with an independent warranty, dedicating a commendable eight years or 150,000 kilometers of coverage for the drive unit encompassing the motor, motor controller, DC assembly, and electric control assembly.

In relation to that, both versions of the Dolphin have a Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and an electric motor that powers the wheels at the front. The Dynamic Standard Range has a battery capacity of 44.92 kWh, allowing for a distance of 410 km according to the NEDC standard (340 km WLTP).

Meanwhile, the Premium Extended Range provides a NEDC-certified distance of 490 km (or 427 km according to WLTP) thanks to a larger battery capacity of 60.48 kWh. This top-of-the-line option also offers more power, with its electric motor producing 204 PS (which is equivalent to 201 hp or 150 kW) and 310 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just seven seconds. On the other hand, if you choose the Dynamic Standard Range, you'll get 95 PS (or 94 hp or 70 kW) and 180 Nm of torque, resulting in a 0-100 km/h time of 12.3 seconds.

In addition to the stronger electric motor, the Premium Extended Range model also has a greater capacity for DC fast charging (CCS2), with a maximum of 80 kW. In comparison, the Dynamic Standard model can handle up to 60 kW. Both versions come with the same onboard AC charger (Type 2), which can support a maximum input of 7 kW. Another included feature in the Dolphin is vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, enabling owners to power appliances or other electrical devices, as long as it doesn't go beyond the maximum output of 3.2 kW.

The Dolphin is smaller than the Atto 3 in terms of dimensions. It measures approximately 4,290 mm in length, 1,770 mm in width, and 1,570 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. To put it into perspective, it is similar in size to the Honda City Hatchback, which has measurements of 4,345 mm in length and 1,748 mm in width. However, the Dolphin is noticeably taller by 82 mm, and its e-Platform 3.0 dedicated EV underpinnings give it a wheelbase that is 100 mm longer than the Honda hatchback. When it comes to storage, the Dolphin offers a boot space of 345 litres, which can be expanded to 1,310 litres by folding down the rear seats in a 60:40 split-folding configuration.

Regarding the gear, both options include automatic LED headlights equipped with High Beam Assist, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, electrically heated and adaptable side mirrors, keyless entry and ignition (using a card key), automatic air conditioning with a PM2.5 air filter, a 5-inch digital instrument cluster, synthetic leather seating, a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen entertainment system, support for wired Apple CarPlay, navigation, six speakers, and an electronic parking brake.

The Premium Extended Range offers extra perks for its higher price tag of RM25,000 compared to the Dynamic Standard Range. It comes with added features such as a panoramic glass roof, a wireless phone charging system, front seats that can be powered and have ventilation, LED reading lights at the back, and convenient one-touch up-down functionality for all windows. These unique features are only available in the Premium Extended Range model.

Additionally, it features bigger 17-inch alloy wheels (equipped with 205/50 profile tires) in contrast to the standard choice of 16-inch wheels (with 195/60 profile tires). The frame is coupled with front MacPherson struts, wherein the top-tier version incorporates a rear multi-link setup, while the base model utilizes a torsion beam.

Despite not requiring the added features of the highest trim level, the safety and driver assistance components of the two Dolphin models are almost indistinguishable. Both vehicles come equipped with six airbags (located in the front, sides, and curtains), a system for monitoring tire pressure, the customary assortment of passive systems (including ABS, ESC, traction control, and EBD), parking sensors (two in the front and three in the rear), as well as a warning system for open doors.

Even more remarkable is the incorporation of self-governing emergency braking, flexible speed control, indication of departing from the lane, assistance for staying in the lane, attentive detection of blind spots, assistance for braking in case of rear cross traffic alert, prevention of lane departure, support for assisting emergency lane keeping, advance notice of potential collisions, warning for rear-end collisions, and notification for potential collisions during lane changes.

You can find the Dynamic Standard Range in two different color options: Urban Grey with a grey/black interior or Sand White with a brown/black interior. On the other hand, the Premium Extended Range exclusively offers two-tone exterior finishes. These options include Atlantis Grey/Delan Black roof with a grey/black interior, Surf Blue/Urban Grey roof with a blue/black interior, and Ski White/Urban Grey roof with a grey/black interior.

So, what do you think of the recently released BYD Dolphin? Are you amazed by the value you get for the price? Share your opinions with us in the comments section.

Let's take a closer look at the basic details and features of the BYD Dolphin electric vehicle:

The Dynamic Standard Range comes in at a price of RM100,530 OTR, excluding insurance.

Premium Extended Range – RM125,530 on the road price excluding insurance.

Photo Collection: BYD Dolphin Electric Vehicle at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Exhibition

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BYD Dolphin, brought to you by Sime Darby Motors