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BYD Dolphin Surf
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What's new
BYD Dolphin Surf was presented at a European debut celebrated at the same time in several major cities, including Berlin and Rome. It is the European version of the car sold in China as the Seagull, where it is the country’s best-selling car. In other markets the same small electric car is known as the Dolphin Mini, while Europe gets the Dolphin Surf name.
The new electric hatchback becomes BYD’s entry model for Europe. In China, the Seagull is priced at the equivalent of 8,900 euros, while the European Dolphin Surf starts during the launch phase at 19,900 euros. After the introductory campaign, the base Active version is listed at 22,900 euros.
The model matters because BYD wants to move beyond very small sales volumes in Europe. In Germany, the brand recorded 2,891 new registrations last year, and by April of the current year it had already reached 2,791 registrations. Dolphin Surf is meant to extend that rise by combining a low entry price with standard equipment that often costs extra at rival brands.
Specifications and technology
The car is 3.99 metres long, 1.72 metres wide and 1.59 metres high, with a 2.50-metre wheelbase. That places it between the A and B segments, yet the boot capacity is 308 litres. The rear compartment can seat two adults, although its seating layout is not as variable as in the Hyundai Inster.
The range uses two power levels and two LFP battery sizes. The lower-output version delivers 65 kW, the stronger one 115 kW, while the batteries are rated at 30 kWh or 43.2 kWh. Driving range is 220 km in the Active, 322 km in the Boost and 310 km in the Comfort.
- Active: 65 kW, 30 kWh battery, 220 km range.
- Boost: 322 km range, introductory price 22,490 euros, later 26,990 euros.
- Comfort: 115 kW, 310 km range, introductory price 24,990 euros, later 30,990 euros.
Charging and performance
DC charging in the Active version is rated at up to 65 kW, while Boost and Comfort can charge at up to 85 kW. A 10 to 80 percent charge at a fast charger takes 30 minutes. At a wallbox, the car can accept up to 11 kW.
The most powerful version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds, and all variants have a top speed of 150 km/h. During a city drive in Berlin, the trip computer showed energy consumption of 13.1 kWh/100 km. The car uses BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, and BYD expects most owners to charge it at home and use it mainly in urban traffic.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 3.99 m |
| Width | 1.72 m |
| Height | 1.59 m |
| Wheelbase | 2.50 m |
| Battery | 30 kWh or 43.2 kWh LFP |
| Range | 220, 322 or 310 km |
| DC charging | 65 or 85 kW |
| Boot capacity | 308 l |
Markets, prices and availability
Dolphin Surf is already available to order in Europe, with introductory prices valid until 30 June. During that period, Active costs 19,900 euros, Boost costs 22,490 euros and Comfort costs 24,990 euros. After the campaign, the prices are set at 22,900 euros, 26,990 euros and 30,990 euros respectively.
In the market, it is positioned against several small electric cars. BYD names the Hyundai Inster, Renault 5, Fiat 500e, Leapmotor T03 and Dacia Spring in that context. Volkswagen’s ID.2 is due in 2026 as an electric car at around 25,000 euros, while the ID.1, expected to cost around 20,000 euros, is scheduled for 2027.
- Rivals named: Hyundai Inster, Renault 5, Fiat 500e, Leapmotor T03, Dacia Spring.
- Equipment: LED daytime running lights, keyless entry, V2L, 10.1-inch touchscreen, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors.
- Warranty: 6 years or 150,000 km for the car and 8 years or 200,000 km for the Blade battery.
Retail network and production
BYD is expanding its dealer network in Germany. In the first quarter it had 28 outlets there, and by the end of the year the number is planned to rise to 120. Maria Grazia Davino, recruited from Stellantis, is among the managers responsible for the German market.
The plan also includes shaping the brand’s image in Europe. Davino says BYD wants to be perceived as a European brand within the next five years. Production of the Dolphin Surf in Hungary from the end of the year, plus a new European headquarters with a research and development site in Budapest, are intended to support that goal.
Verdict
Dolphin Surf enters Europe with pricing that puts pressure on the lower end of the small electric car market. Its strongest factual arguments are up to 322 km of range, a 308-litre boot, generous standard equipment and a growing sales network, while DC charging of up to 85 kW shows that the main focus is everyday urban use.
Frequently asked questions
When is the premiere of the BYD Dolphin Surf?
The BYD Dolphin Surf premiere in the CarsUpcoming calendar took place on 11 January 2026. It was presented as the European version of the car sold in China as the Seagull.
When will the BYD Dolphin Surf go on sale in the UK?
The BYD Dolphin Surf is already available to order in Europe. A specific UK on-sale date has not been announced.
How much will the BYD Dolphin Surf cost?
In Europe, introductory prices until 30 June are 19,900 euros for Active, 22,490 euros for Boost and 24,990 euros for Comfort. After the campaign, prices in Europe are set at 22,900 euros, 26,990 euros and 30,990 euros respectively; these are not UK prices.
Should I wait for the BYD Dolphin Surf or buy the current model now?
No direct predecessor or replacement model is specified, so a like-for-like comparison is not possible yet. What is known is that the Dolphin Surf is BYD’s new entry model for Europe, with up to 322 km of range, a 308-litre boot and DC charging up to 85 kW.
What range does the BYD Dolphin Surf have?
The BYD Dolphin Surf has a range of 220 km in Active, 322 km in Boost and 310 km in Comfort form. It uses LFP batteries rated at 30 kWh or 43.2 kWh.
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