The BYD Dolphin Surf (sold as the BYD Seagull or BYD Dolphin Mini in some markets) has sold well over a million units worldwide, since the launch in early 2023.
The all-electric pint-sized hatchback designed for the urban sprawl serves as BYD’s most affordable battery-electric model in global markets, and will soon be accompanied by the BYD Racco kei car.
Recently, we spent time with the Dolphin Surf in a high-end Euro-spec version to assess whether it works as a practical city car.
Design
At the front, the top-spec Dolphin Surf opens with LED headlamps with segmented internal lighting elements, paired with LED daytime running lights. The headlamps are positioned wide at the front corners.
The hood is short and slopes directly towards the windshield, while the lower bumper incorporates functional air inlets and a black central trim element.
From the side, the Dolphin Surf adopts a short-wheelbase hatchback profile with a tall cabin. The doors are defined by a rising beltline that meets a thick C-pillar, which reduces the size of the side glass area. A gloss black C-pillar trim piece visually separates the roof from the body.
Wheel sizes vary by trim, with 15-inch wheels fitted to the Active trim and 16-inch wheels standard on Boost and Comfort versions.
At the rear, a roof-mounted spoiler extends the roofline, while a full-width LED taillight band wraps around the tailgate. The rear bumper features vertically stacked elements, including reflectors and black trim sections that mirror the design of the front lower bumper.
Interior
The interior layout is centered around a 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system running BYD’s latest user interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across all trims. Physical controls are limited, with most vehicle functions operated via the touchscreen or voice control. Wireless charging is an optional feature, in markets like the UK.
Interior trim is finished in black and gray across the range. Higher trims offer electrically adjustable front seats, and seat heating. In the UK-spec, cargo capacity measures 10.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and expands to 36.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.
Experience in the Dolphin Surf
I spent some time in the Dolphin Surf, and it’s clear this small hatchback has been designed as a proper EV from the ground up. The doors open wide, and once I got in, the front seat felt surprisingly comfortable for an urban hatch.
The seats are electrically adjustable and offer solid back and under-thigh support. The headroom is good for my six-foot frame, and I didn’t feel cramped.
Visibility up front is decent, and the upright seating makes it easier to judge the car’s corners. The interior layout feels modern, with a large center console split into two levels. The upper section has cupholders, a wireless phone charger, and drive controls, while the lower shelf provides extra storage for small bags or folders.
I liked that it offers both USB-A and USB-C ports, plus a 12V socket. The materials don’t feel cheap, though the steering buttons could offer a more premium click.
Moving to the rear, things get tighter. With the front seat set to my position, my knees touched the seatback, and the upward-swooping window line made the rear feel a bit dark. Headroom is fine, but legroom is limited for tall adults.
There’s no center armrest or rear USB ports, only a small storage cubby between the seats, adjustable headrests, basic map pockets and door bins. Still, shorter passengers or kids will be fine for short trips, which this car is designed for.
Specifications
The Dolphin Surf is offered with two battery options in the UK. The Active trim uses a 30 kWh battery rated at up to 137 miles of WLTP combined range. Boost and Comfort trims are equipped with a larger 43.2 kWh battery, rated at up to 200 miles and 193 miles WLTP combined range respectively.
All versions use a front-mounted electric motor driving the front wheels. Active and Boost models produce 87 hp (65 kW) and 129 lb-ft (175 Nm), while the Comfort trim increases output to 154 hp (115 kW) and 162 lb ft (220 Nm) of torque.
The Active trim accelerates from 0-62 mph in a relaxed 11.1 seconds while Boost achieves the same in 12.1 seconds and Comfort reduces the time to a more acceptable 9.1 seconds. Top speed is limited to 93 mph across the range.
All versions can charge from 10-80% in approximately 30 minutes with 65 kW or 85 kW DC fast charging. With an 11 kW AC home charger, it takes 3.5-5 hours for 0-100% SoC. Standard safety equipment includes front, side, and curtain airbags, automatic emergency braking, lane departure assist, adaptive cruise control and intelligent high-beam control.
Release Date & Price
The BYD Dolphin Surf is available in more than a dozen countries across Europe. In the UK, pricing starts at an MSRP (excluding taxes and fees) of GBP 18,650 (USD 25,178) for the Active trim. Boost pricing begins at GBP 21,950 (USD 29,633), while Comfort starts at GBP 23,950 (USD 32,333).
Also See: First Look Review: BYD Shark, which Ford’s CEO calls “a great product”
In North America, the Dolphin Surf is sold as the Dolphin Mini, in markets including Mexico, where prices begin at around 415,800 MXN (USD 23,222).
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
