Attending the BYD Dolphin Surf UK Launch in London by Cars of Glasgow
- Thomas Dobie
- Jun 20
- 6 min read
Belinda Automotive is all about celebrating great cars, supporting excellent content creators and giving everyone a space to make their voices heard. So, today we're leaving space for Thomas, from Cars of Glasgow and Tom's Garage, who was cordially invited to the launch of the BYD Dolphin Surf. Wait until you see the picture because, as I keep reminding him, I was jealous!
So, unplug those charging cables, buckle up your seat belts and get comfortably seated as Thomas walks us through his experience on the day.
The launch of the BYD Dolphin Surf
With the highly-rated BYD Dolphin already a loved car amongst EV drivers, the tease of the Dolphin Surf certainly caused a bit of excitement. In fact, throughout the middle of June you've probably been inundated with photos and videos of the all-electric city car. Plus, it's fair to say, BYD really put on a show to celebrate the car's launch.
What is the BYD Dolphin Surf?
The Dolphin Surf launched into the market as an affordable, all-electric city car. It actually brings drivers much closer to owning an EV with its customer-friendly price tag. But, the price alone isn't its only compelling features. You might have seen it appear on your screens in a jaw-dropping yellow, showing you it packs just as much personality and character as its name suggests.
Typically, dolphins are friendly, emotionally-intelligent and incredible creatures, with the BYD Dolphin Surf offering all these characteristics and more. And the car manufacturer certainly created that atmosphere at its launch party, with bright colours, games to play and new people to meet.
Where was the BYD Dolphin Surf launched?
BYD chose Alexandra Palace for the launch of the new Dolphin Surf, which felt really apt given the venue's sports and entertainment heritage since 1875. It has certainly hosted its fair share of iconic events and games, so pretty fitting, and spacious, for the Dolphin Surf.
Its spacious meant BYD could really hone the atmosphere they wanted. There was a buzz in the air all day, with games to play, TikTok dancers to watch and DJs playing music. It was definitely a vibrant setting for a fun city car, designed to give you pure joy whenever you get behind the wheel. Outside the building, dozens of BYD Dolphin Surfs lined up, greeting you as you explored the grounds. The lime yellow paintwork was certainly the most eye-catching, and exactly the ones you would have seen online.
So, what is the BYD Dolphin Surf really like?
I'm sure you're dying to know, is it really as colourful, vibrant and friendly as the event implies?
My test car was the top of the range Comfort model, and it mostly lived up to its trim style. As well as a 360 degree camera and heated seats, you've also got the convenience of wireless phone charging. Not to mention, it certainly had a lot to show.
The exterior
The exterior design is quite sharp and slanted on the front, with slim headlights that remind me of a Lamborghini-style. The rear of the Dolphin Surf is more practical and boxier shaped, with a geometric pattern adorning the C-pillar. It certainly gives off the vibe of tackling city streets quite comfortably. There is also a bar light on the rear, emphasising the car's width and overall size.
The interior
The interior build quality felt solid and with ample to offer, especially considering its affordable nature. My test car featured black vegan leather seats, which were soft but not the most supportive. All-round electric windows, as well as electric folding side mirrors, are available from the drivers’ fingers tips. There are also some physical buttons on the steering wheel to control the adaptive cruise control, volume of the sound system and, not forgetting to mention, the button that rotates the central display screen.
The technology
The Dolphin Surf continues BYD's notable feature of rotating the screen between portrait and landscape. It is worth noting, the wireless Apple CarPlay® only worked in landscape mode during my test session. However, the software is responsive and most of the car’s controls are set within the screen.
Below the central screen sits a row of physical buttons that enables the front occupants to change the volume of the sound system, activate the air conditioning and configure the drive mode, with three modes to choose from. On the same row of buttons, at the end closest to the driver, you'll locate the gear selector. It is well integrated into the car, and to move into you reverse, you simply twist it up towards the dash. The opposite motion is applied to select drive.
You'll also find a wireless phone charger in the centre of the front cabin, located between the two front seats. The floating central arm rest maximises storage options up front, whilst allowing easy access to the USB charge ports. The glove box is of a generous size, considering the size of the car, so great for storing all the random things we accumulate in our cars.
The rear seats and boot
As you head to the back seats, you'll find seating for two, with ISOFIX points for child seats and map pockets behind each front seat. The floor is flat which maximises floor space - we know some cars have curved edges which can restrict you're feet. You'll also have a good amount of boot space with 308 litres. Although it is quite shallow, there is good height availability in the boots, which means carrying small shrubs from the garden centre should be a doddle.
The price
Prices start from £18,650 for the base Active model, which makes it a good choice for attracting more drivers towards EVs. The dimensions are also quite close to the new Renault 5 EV, which is priced from £22,995. The Dolphin Surf is available in three trim levels, Active, Boost and Comfort. The top of the range Comfort model is priced is £23,950 and it is well equipped with features such as a 360-degree camera, heated front seats, wireless phone charging and automatic headlights.
The battery, performance and charging information
There are two battery options available on the Dolphin Surf, a 30kWh blade battery and a 43.2kWh blade battery. Power outputs vary depending on which trim level you choose, the Comfort trim is the most powerful Dolphin Surf currently, with 154hp (115kW) and 200Nm of torque with the power going through the front wheels.
Acceleration is acceptable at 9.1 seconds, which is ideal for city driving where speed limits average around 30mph. At at 0-62mph under 10 seconds, it's a comfortable adjustment, especially for drivers exploring EVs or automatic vehicles for the first time.
The electric range on my test car showed 199 miles at 99% charge, it would be easy to believe that 200 miles of range could be achieved at 100% charge. The claimed range is 193 miles WLTP on the Comfort trim. However, if you want maximum range, the Boost trim offers 200 miles according to WLTP testing. Charging is rated at 85kW with DC charging, BYD claim 22 minutes to charge from 30% to 80% with the larger 43.2kWh battery.
Please note, figures displayed here are accurate at the time of publication. For more details on performance, charging and price, visit BYD's website or head to your local retailer.
Warranty information and payments
All Dolphin Surfs come with a 6 year or 93,750-mile warranty, with the Power Battery warranty length covering 8 years or 125,000 miles, state of health >70%. The drive motor and drive motor controller are warrantied to 8 years or 93,750 miles.
BYD offer attractive monthly payments on the Dolphin Surf with the Active trim being offered at £269 a month with a deposit of £269 at an APR rate of 3.9%. 6,000 miles per annum over 49 months.
Final thoughts about the BYD Dolphin Surf
The BYD Dolphin Surf is a welcome addition to the small electric UK car market. BYD offer a car with good modern technology and seating for four within an affordable package. With the difference in price between the BYD Dolphin Surf and the Renault 5, you could comfortably grab the sprightly BYD and a cosy holiday abroad. Perhaps, a road trip?
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