BYD Dolphin interior design revealed: A perfect blend of ocean aesthetics and practical technology

[PCauto] The BYD Dolphin is a compact electric vehicle introduced by BYD. With its unique design philosophy and impressive performance, it has quickly gained widespread attention in global markets. As the first model in BYD’s Ocean Series, the Dolphin draws inspiration from marine aesthetics, blending a streamlined body with a tech-forward interior to create a car that is both stylish and practical.

Whether for daily city commuting or short-distance travel, the BYD Dolphin delivers a comfortable driving experience and an efficient mobility solution. In the Malaysian market, the Dolphin has also become a popular choice among consumers thanks to its excellent value for money and rich feature set.

Part 1: Interior Design Concept

1.1 Core Design Philosophy

The BYD Dolphin interior is centered around the theme of “Ocean Aesthetics”, inspired by the sleek and fluid forms of marine life. The overall style is minimalist yet futuristic. Inside, the wraparound cabin design is complemented by a floating central touchscreen and a fully digital instrument panel, creating an immersive, tech-savvy atmosphere.

BYD has paid great attention to detail in the Dolphin interior design. For instance, the air vents take inspiration from ocean waves, while the seat stitching mimics the texture of fish scales—subtle touches that reflect the car’s unique ocean-themed identity.

1.2 Thoughtfully Designed for Diverse Users

The BYD Dolphin interior offers a variety of color options, including Delan Black, Surf Blue and so on, catering to different users’ personal preferences. The materials used inside the cabin are carefully selected—higher trims feature eco-friendly leather that feels soft and durable, while entry-level variants use high-quality fabric, balancing comfort and cost-effectiveness.

The BYD Dolphin interior back seat is equally user-friendly. The rear seats support a 60/40 split-fold configuration, providing greater flexibility in cargo space and enhancing overall practicality.

1.3 Trim-Level Differences and Feature Variations

Features of the BYD Dolphin interior vary across different trims. Higher-spec variants come equipped with interior lights, offering customizable ambient lighting that allows users to switch between colors based on driving modes or personal mood.

Additionally, premium models include high-end features such as wireless charging and a panoramic sunroof, while the base variants focus more on practicality, retaining essential functional elements.

The Delan Black, as a classic color choice, is available across multiple trims and is ideal for those who prefer a sleek and understated luxury look.

1.4 Details and User Experience

The BYD Dolphin interior design pays close attention to detail. For example, the layout of the center console buttons is clean and intuitive, making operation easy and user-friendly. Storage compartments are strategically placed, providing convenient spaces for items like smartphones and wallets.

The BYD Dolphin interior lights not only enhance nighttime driving comfort but also add a touch of futuristic flair to the cabin. Meanwhile, the seats have been optimized for both support and wrapping comfort, helping reduce fatigue even during long drives.

Part 2: Materials and Build Quality in Class Comparison

2.1 Key Materials Overview

The interior of the BYD Dolphin follows a minimalist, tech-inspired design language. It incorporates a range of eco-friendly and soft-touch materials, significantly improving the cabin’s overall texture and feel. Both the dashboard and door panels use soft-touch injection-molded surfaces, which feel refined to the touch and are paired with brushed metal trim for a premium look.

The seats are upholstered in high-quality synthetic leather, offering excellent comfort, breathability, and durability. In addition, the BYD Dolphin interior lights stand out as a highlight—ambient lighting strips span across the cabin, support multi-color adjustments, and create a personalized, high-tech atmosphere inside the car.

2.2 Comparison with Segment Rivals

Among vehicles in the same segment, the BYD Dolphin stands out for its interior design. Taking the Malaysian market as an example, competitors such as the Perodua Myvi and the Proton Iriz fall short in terms of materials and craftsmanship.

While the Myvi offers a practical interior, it feels plasticky, and the Iriz leans toward a more traditional layout with a noticeable lack of modern tech appeal. In contrast, the BYD Dolphin interior colours offer a broader selection—ranging from classic black-and-white themes to more vibrant dual-tone designs—catering to a wide range of aesthetic preferences.

Additionally, the BYD Dolphin interior back seat layout is more thoughtfully planned with ample legroom and better seat support.

2.3 Interior Details and User-Centered Design

The BYD Dolphin also excels in the finer details of its interior. The flat-bottom steering wheel offers a comfortable grip and comes equipped with multifunction buttons for easier control. The 12.8-inch central touchscreen supports rotation, adding a strong sense of modernity and interactivity to the driving experience. In terms of practicality, the BYD Dolphin interior design includes multiple storage compartments and cup holders, thoughtfully placed to accommodate daily usage needs.

Notably, the black version features an all-black cabin accented with red stitching, delivering a sporty and dynamic vibe that’s particularly appealing to younger drivers.

Part 3: Seating Comfort and Cabin Layout

3.1 Seat Design Details

The seat design of the BYD Dolphin emphasizes both comfort and practicality—especially important in tropical climates like Malaysia. The seats are made from high-quality materials that offer solid support and excellent breathability, ensuring that even on long drives, passengers remain comfortable and fatigue-free.

Renowned for its clean and modern aesthetics, the BYD Dolphin interior design incorporates fine seat stitching craftsmanship that enhances the overall sense of luxury.

The clever placement of the BYD Dolphin interior lights also adds to the ambiance around the seating area. The soft lighting creates a calmness atmosphere during nighttime driving while subtly elevating the cabin’s overall quality.

As for the BYD Dolphin interior back seat, the space is well-optimized. Even adult passengers can enjoy generous legroom, and the rear seat’s backrest angle is well-calibrated to provide a relaxing seating posture. Especially on long trips, rear-seat occupants benefit from a high level of comfort and support.

Part 4: Instrument Panel and Tech Integration

4.1 Cockpit Technology Layout

The BYD Dolphin is characterized by a cabin layout that fully reflects the design philosophy of modern electric vehicles. At the center is a 10.1-inch rotatable touchscreen, which supports both landscape and portrait modes. Users can switch between orientations based on their personal preferences or specific driving scenarios.

The center console adopts a clean, tech-forward design. Below the screen, a small number of physical buttons are included for essential functions, allowing drivers to make quick adjustments.

In addition, the BYD Dolphin is equipped with a fully digital instrument cluster, which clearly displays vital information such as speed, battery level, and estimated driving range.

4.2 User Experience and Pain Points

The BYD Dolphin delivers a solid user experience when it comes to tech features, though a few limitations remain. The 10.1-inch touchscreen is highly responsive, with a clean and intuitive interface that supports multi-touch and gesture controls, making interactions smooth and seamless.

However, the limited number of physical buttons means that certain functions must still be accessed via the touchscreen. This can be inconvenient during driving, as it requires more focus and attention. While the BYD Dolphin supports voice control, the system still has room for improvement in terms of recognition accuracy and response speed.

4.3 Tech Integration and Future Outlook

The BYD Dolphin shows strong potential as a smart electric vehicle in terms of tech integration. In addition to standard features like navigation, multimedia, and vehicle settings, the Dolphin supports OTA (Over-the-Air) updates, ensuring the system remains up to date with the latest improvements.

Looking ahead, as autonomous driving technology continues to evolve, the Dolphin is expected to support more advanced driver assistance features via future software upgrades.

Another highlight of the interior is the ambient lighting system, which offers multiple color options. Users can customize the lighting based on their mood or driving environment, further enhancing the high-tech and comfortable feel of the cabin.

Part 5: Space and Storage Solutions

5.1 Passenger Space Performance

As a compact electric vehicle, the BYD Dolphin delivers a surprisingly spacious interior. Thanks to its smart body structure and well-designed wheelbase, the BYD Dolphin interior provides generous room, especially for rear-seat passengers. Even taller occupants can enjoy ample legroom and easily find a comfortable seating position.

The BYD Dolphin interior back seat focuses on practicality, with good support and cushioning that make it suitable for long-distance travel.

Additionally, the BYD Dolphin interior colors include a variety of options. The classic black version stands out for its elegant, understated look and ease of maintenance, making it a practical choice for many buyers.

5.2 Storage Space Design

The BYD Dolphin interior design also demonstrates thoughtful consideration when it comes to storage. Multiple compartments are provided throughout the cabin, including under the center console, in the door panels, and inside the center armrest—making it convenient for passengers to store everyday items like phones, wallets, and water bottles.

While the trunk isn’t particularly large, it meets the needs of daily use. For added flexibility, the rear seats can be folded down to expand the available cargo area. The BYD Dolphin interior lights also help improve nighttime usability, making it easier to access items in low-light conditions and enhancing overall practicality.

5.3 Thoughtful Touches and Driver-Centered Design

The BYD Dolphin interior (the Malaysian version) deserves praise for its refined details. The cabin uses eco-friendly materials that feel pleasant to the touch and are free from any unpleasant odors—aligning with the growing demand for healthier in-car environments. The BYD Dolphin interior design incorporates various user-friendly features, including USB charging ports and a wireless charging pad, further enhancing the convenience and comfort of both drivers and passengers. The BYD Dolphin interior black color scheme adds a sense of understated luxury, making it a great choice for buyers who value quality and sophistication.

Part 6: Comprehensive Safety Features

6.1 Basic Safety

The BYD Dolphin performs well in terms of basic safety. It comes equipped with several standard safety features to ensure the protection of both driver and passengers. Key systems include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), which help maintain vehicle stability and prevent wheel lock-up during emergency braking.

The vehicle is also equipped with dual front airbags for added protection in the event of a collision. Its body structure incorporates high-strength steel, designed to absorb impact forces effectively and reduce the risk of injury to occupants.

6.2 Smart Safety Features

When it comes to intelligent safety, the BYD Dolphin is also prominent admirably. It comes equipped with an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) suite, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These systems use a combination of cameras and sensors to continuously monitor the vehicle’s surroundings, providing timely alerts—or even automatic interventions—when potential dangers arise.

Additionally, the Dolphin features a 360-degree panoramic camera system, which assists drivers in navigating tight spaces or parking by giving a full view of the vehicle’s surroundings, effectively reducing blind spots and enhancing safety during low-speed maneuvers.

6.3 Additional Safety Features

Beyond the basic and intelligent safety systems, the BYD Dolphin also includes several additional features that enhance day-to-day driving safety. These include a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and Hill-Start Assist.

These functions provide extra peace of mind—especially in complex road conditions or inclement weather. The TPMScontinuously monitors tire pressure and alerts the driver when inflation or tire replacement is needed, helping prevent blowouts caused by underinflated tires.

The ESP system can automatically adjust power output when it detects a loss of control, helping the driver regain vehicle stability. Meanwhile, Hill-Start Assist prevents the car from rolling backward when starting on a slope, making hill starts safer and easier.

With this well-rounded safety suite, the BYD Dolphin delivers impressive protection for both drivers and passengers. Whether it’s for daily commuting or long-distance travel, the Dolphin offers reassuring peace of mind and a comfortable driving experience.

Part 7: User Feedback

7.1 Positive and Negative Reviews

Positive feedback:

Many users have praised the BYD Dolphin for its smart and spacious interior layout, especially its flexible storage solutions and roomy rear seats. The BYD Dolphin interior design is often highlighted for its modern appeal and functional layout. One feature that receives frequent praise is the BYD Dolphin interior lights. Additionally, users appreciate the wide range of BYD Dolphin interior colours, which allows for a high level of personalization based on individual taste.

Negative feedback:

Some users noted that while the BYD Dolphin interior back seat offers generous legroom, the seat cushioning could be improved for long-distance comfort, as it may lack sufficient support during extended rides. Additionally, while the BYD Dolphin interior black color scheme exudes a sense of elegance, some users pointed out that it tends to absorb more heat in hot climates. As a result, they suggest offering more light-colored interior options to suit tropical regions like Malaysia.

7.2 Real-World User Experience

Most users give the BYD Dolphin high marks for driving comfort, especially appreciating the relaxed and spacious feel of the BYD Dolphin interior (Malaysia version). The in-cabin storage layout is also considered very user-friendly, with well-placed compartments that make everyday use more convenient.

Users generally find the storage solutions highly practical—particularly the compartments in the center console and door panels, which easily hold daily essentials. The trunk space is also considered sufficient for family outings and travel.

Some suggestions from users include improving the rear seat support—especially for long-distance drives—and expanding the range of interior colour options to better meet different aesthetic preferences.

Part 8: Conclusion and Buying Advice

A comprehensive analysis of the BYD Dolphin shows that it excels in several key areas, including interior design, space utilization, technology features, and safety equipment. The “Ocean Aesthetics” design concept not only gives the Dolphin a unique and modern appearance but also translates into a stylish and functional interior. Its roomy seating layout and flexible storage solutions cater to the needs of both young urban drivers and families. Meanwhile, a strong suite of smart features and robust safety systems further enhance the Dolphin’s competitiveness in the compact EV market.

Buying Advice:

Target audience: The BYD Dolphin is ideal for young consumers who value style and practicality, as well as families looking for a high-value electric vehicle.

Trim recommendation: If your budget allows, go for the higher-spec variants to enjoy enhanced performance and features like power-adjustable seats.

Test drive suggestion: Before making a final decision, a personal test drive is highly recommended. It will help you better understand the Dolphin’s driving comfort and ease of use with its technology, ensuring it fits your personal needs.

The BYD Dolphin is an electric vehicle that blends fashion with substance, delivering a pleasant driving experience whether for daily commuting or family trips. If you’re looking for a high-value EV, the BYD Dolphin is definitely worth considering.