2023 BYD Dolphin Premium Extended Review

The competition in the Southeast Asian B-Segment pure electric vehicle market has become increasingly intense in recent years. Consumers demand practicality for daily commuting while also desiring both performance and features. However, many models suffer from shortcomings such as "short range" or "low configuration." As the top version in its series, the BYD Dolphin Premium Extended model boasts an official range of 490km, a 204PS motor, and Level 2 driver assistance. In this test drive, we focus on verifying whether it can be the "balanced choice" in this market segment.

The exterior design follows a rounded and cute style, with smooth overall lines that still maintain distinctiveness. The front features a closed grille paired with LED headlights, and a trapezoidal lower air intake adorned with chrome trim adds a touch of refinement. The body side has a waistline extending from the fender to the taillight, paired with 17-inch multi-spoke wheels for balanced proportions. The rear features a standout full-width LED taillight, with excellent recognition when illuminated, and the diffuser-shaped bumper below enhances the sporty feel. The lighting system uses LED throughout, and the interaction between the daytime running lights and taillights stands out among competitors, combining both practicality and aesthetics.

Sitting in the cabin, the interior style leans towards a simple and tech-savvy design. The dashboard employs soft-touch materials and piano black panels, complemented by silver trim, providing a sense of quality better than many cars in the same price range. The centerpiece is a 12.8-inch rotatable central control screen featuring the DiLink intelligent system, supporting CarPlay and voice control, with smooth operation. The fully digital instrument cluster displays clearly, providing real-time feedback on range, power output, and other information. The configurations show great sincerity: the driver's seat offers 6-way electric adjustment, while the passenger seat supports 4-way electric adjustment. The front seats provide good support and remain comfortable for long journeys. The rear row has independent air-conditioning vents and USB ports, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seats, when folded down, expand the trunk capacity, making it suitable for storing strollers or suitcases. The standard panoramic sunroof features a sunshade; opening the sunshade on sunny days lets in good light without being overly dazzling.

The vehicle dimensions are 4290×1770×1570mm, with a wheelbase of 2700mm, which is considered long for the B-Segment. After adjusting the front seats to a comfortable position, the rear legroom offers about two fists of space; passengers around 175cm tall will not feel cramped. There is also one fist's worth of headroom, ensuring a comfortable experience. Storage space is thoughtfully designed: the front center armrest box has a large capacity, the door storage compartments can hold two bottles of water, and the front row also features a wireless charging pad and a 220V power outlet, maximizing practicality.

The powertrain delivers 150kW (204PS) with 310N·m torque, making these numbers competitive among same-class pure electric models. Acceleration response is sharp during starts, and even light pedal pressure provides noticeable thrust. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 7 seconds, and in real-world experiences, overtaking feels effortless. Even when accelerating beyond 100km/h on highways, it maintains confidence. Three driving modes are available: Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Eco mode, power output is smooth, suitable for daily commuting; in Sport mode, the power delivery is more direct, ideal for occasional spirited driving.

In terms of handling, the combination of front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link independent suspension is quite rare in its class. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play, light at low speeds, and stable at high speeds, making it agile to drive. When handling bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most small vibrations, and going over speed bumps doesn’t feel too jolting. When cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, providing sufficient support without any sensation of "floating." The chassis has strong integrity, ensuring stability at high speeds and making it suitable for both daily city commuting and highway driving.

Regarding range, the official figure is 490km (NEDC). In our actual city commuting tests (air conditioning at 24℃ + urban traffic congestion), the range realization rate is about 85%, comfortably covering 350km. During highway cruising at 110km/h, the range realization rate is about 75%, enough to cover over 300km. Energy consumption in urban areas is around 13-14kWh/100km, and on highways, it's about 16-17kWh/100km, which is fairly standard performance. In terms of charging, fast charging from 30% to 80% takes about 40 minutes, while home slow charging takes around 8 hours for a full charge, meeting the needs of daily use.

The details of driving comfort are well-executed: the cabin isolation is excellent, with almost no noise below 60km/h. At highway speeds of 120km/h, there’s wind and tire noise, but it doesn't interfere with conversations. The regenerative braking has three adjustable levels; the lowest level is close to the coasting feel of a fuel vehicle, with no obvious drag. The seat cushions have medium firmness, offer good support, and the almost flat rear floor ensures comfort even for the middle passenger in the back seat.

Overall, the core advantages of the BYD Dolphin Premium Extended are evident: the spacious interior brought by a 2700mm long wheelbase, its strong 204PS power, abundant safety features (6 airbags + L2-level assisted driving), and a range of 490km all cater to the needs of family users. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the MG 4 EV Long Range (range of 435km), it holds advantages in terms of range, power, and configuration. Priced at RM124,900, it is also relatively affordable and offers excellent value for money.

Who is this car suitable for? Families that prioritize space and practicality will find it meets daily commuting and weekend family outing needs. For young people who love technology features and powerful performance, its acceleration and intelligent systems will appeal to them. Consumers with safety concerns will appreciate the six airbags and L2-level assisted driving, which provide ample peace of mind.

All in all, the BYD Dolphin Premium Extended is a "no obvious shortcomings" B-segment pure electric vehicle. Its well-balanced product strength makes it highly competitive within its class. If you are looking for a spacious, powerful, and well-equipped electric car, it’s worth adding to your shortlist.