BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort Review

Electric cars have often been criticised for being too expensive, too large or simply offering more performance than most people need. The BYD Dolphin Surf takes a refreshingly different approach.

This is a compact, four-seat electric hatchback designed primarily for urban and suburban life. Prices start below £19,000, while even the range-topping Comfort model tested here costs less than many entry-level electric superminis.

On paper, the formula is appealing. You get a 43.2kWh battery, a claimed 193-mile range, 154bhp, a rotating touchscreen, heated seats, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera. Those are features you would usually expect to find in a considerably more expensive car.

Having driven the Dolphin Surf Comfort both around town and over longer distances, however, I found that this is a car of two very distinct personalities. In an urban environment, it feels completely at home. It is compact, manoeuvrable, surprisingly spacious and extremely easy to use.

Take it onto faster roads and some of the compromises behind its competitive price become easier to spot.

What is the BYD Dolphin Surf?

The Dolphin Surf is the smallest model in BYD’s UK range, sitting beneath the larger BYD Dolphin hatchback.

It is known as the Seagull in some international markets, but BYD has renamed it Dolphin Surf for Europe. The name also connects it with the brand’s growing collection of ocean-themed cars, including the Dolphin, Seal and Sealion models.

At 3,990mm long, the Dolphin Surf is small enough to be considered a city car, although it is slightly longer than a Renault 5. Its relatively tall body gives it more interior space than you might expect, while its five-door layout makes it more practical than many small cars.

There are three versions available in the UK:

• Active, with a 30kWh battery, 87bhp and a 137-mile WLTP range
• Boost, with a 43.2kWh battery, 87bhp and a 200-mile WLTP range
• Comfort, with a 43.2kWh battery, 154bhp and a 193-mile WLTP range

The Comfort sacrifices seven miles of official range compared with the Boost, but its more powerful motor reduces the 0-62mph time from 12.1 to 9.1 seconds. All versions are front-wheel drive and limited to a top speed of 93mph.

I drove the Comfort, which is the most powerful, best-equipped and most expensive version.

BYD Dolphin Surf design

There is more visual character here than you might expect from an affordable electric city car.

The Dolphin Surf has a short, upright body with sharp lines, angular headlights and a relatively aggressive front-end design. It does not lean into retro styling in the same way as the Renault 5 or Fiat 500e, but it still looks distinctive.

The rear is arguably the most successful angle. A full-width light bar stretches across the tailgate, while a pronounced roof spoiler gives the car a slightly sportier appearance.

Comfort models come with 16-inch alloy wheels, while lower-specification versions use smaller 15-inch wheels.

There are only four exterior colours. Lime Green is the standard option, while Apricity White, Ice Blue and Polar Night Black are available at extra cost.

The car I tested was finished in Lime Green. It certainly stands out and suits the playful nature of the Dolphin Surf, although it might not appeal to anyone looking for something discreet.

LED headlights and daytime running lights are fitted, while Comfort models add automatic headlights and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.

One criticism from driving the car at night was the dipped-beam performance. The lights were reasonably bright immediately in front of the vehicle, but the beam did not appear to project particularly far along an unlit road. That is less likely to be an issue if the car spends most of its time in well-lit urban areas, but it is worth noting for rural drivers.

BYD Dolphin Surf interior

Considering the price, the Dolphin Surf’s interior makes a strong first impression.

There are plenty of hard plastics across the dashboard and doors, but that is hardly surprising in a car at this end of the market. More importantly, the cabin feels solidly assembled and there are softer, suede-effect sections to break up the harder surfaces.

Auto Express also concluded that it feels substantially better made than a Dacia Spring, even if it cannot match the visual flair of a MINI Cooper, Renault 5 or Hyundai Inster.

The Comfort model comes with electrically adjustable front seats upholstered in synthetic leather. Both front seats are heated, which is an unusually generous feature for a small car at this price.

The seating position is quite upright and provides a good view through the front and side windows. Rearward visibility is less impressive because the rear headrests and thick rear pillars obstruct the view, although the Comfort model’s cameras largely compensate for this.

The steering wheel can be adjusted for both height and reach. There are quite a few buttons mounted on it, which can initially feel cluttered, but they allow you to control many functions without reaching for the touchscreen.

Storage is reasonable, with door pockets, cupholders, a phone tray and space beneath the centre console. Rear passengers also get map pockets and small door bins.

Infotainment and technology

Dominating the dashboard is BYD’s familiar 10.1-inch touchscreen.

Its party trick is the ability to rotate between landscape and portrait orientations at the press of a button. It is an entertaining feature, although its practical value is questionable. Apple CarPlay only operates in landscape mode, so most owners are likely to leave it that way.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, alongside DAB radio, satellite navigation and BYD’s own connected services.

The system can also provide access to apps such as Spotify, YouTube and Amazon Music, depending on software availability and whether the vehicle is stationary. BYD even offers entertainment features including games and karaoke.

The display itself is clear, but it is not always especially responsive. Some controls are buried within menus, while the shortcut icons can be quite small. Autocar similarly found the interface usable with practice but criticised its fiddly shortcuts and underwhelming built-in navigation.

The climate controls are another example of technology making a simple task more complicated than necessary.

There are physical shortcuts for fan speed and temperature, but the climate system does not display a conventional temperature in degrees Celsius. Instead, you choose from a numbered scale, which feels unnecessarily vague.

A small digital instrument display sits ahead of the driver. It provides speed, remaining range, power usage and recent efficiency information, although the small typeface can make some details difficult to read quickly.

Comfort models also include a 360-degree parking camera. It provides a full overhead view and allows you to select individual front, rear or side camera angles. For a car that is already extremely easy to park, it almost feels excessive, but it is nevertheless useful.

Keyless entry is included, and owners can use a compatible phone or digital NFC key to access the vehicle.

Passenger space

One of the biggest surprises is how much passenger room BYD has extracted from such a compact body.

The Dolphin Surf is strictly a four-seater. There is no middle rear seat or fifth seatbelt, but this allows the two outer rear seats to be more useful.

At nearly six feet tall, I could sit behind my normal driving position with some knee room remaining. Headroom was also generous, helped by the car’s tall roofline.

Four adults could use the Dolphin Surf without feeling as though they have been squeezed into a traditional city car. Shoulder room is naturally limited by the narrow cabin, but legroom and headroom are impressive.

There are ISOFIX mounting points on both rear seats and the front passenger seat, giving the car unusual flexibility for transporting younger children.

The rear seats can be folded separately, although they do not create a completely flat loading area.

Boot space

The Dolphin Surf has a 308-litre boot with the rear seats upright.

That is a useful amount of space for such a small car and should be enough for a weekly shop, a couple of cabin suitcases or everyday family use.

Fold the rear seats and capacity increases to 1,037 litres. There is also a false floor with space beneath it for charging cables and smaller items.

There is no front boot, but that is unlikely to be a major concern in this class.

What is the BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort like to drive in town?

Around town, the Dolphin Surf makes a very convincing case for itself.

The steering is light, visibility is mostly good and its compact footprint makes narrow streets and crowded car parks easy to negotiate.

Its 9.9-metre turning circle is particularly impressive. It can turn around in spaces that would require a three-point turn in many larger cars.

The Comfort’s 154bhp motor provides more than enough performance for an urban car. Acceleration is not as immediate as it is in some electric vehicles, partly because the accelerator mapping feels quite relaxed at the beginning of its travel. Press harder and the car gathers pace quickly enough.

It is capable of reaching 62mph in 9.1 seconds, which is brisk without being excessive.

The electric motor is also extremely quiet at lower speeds. Around town, very little noise enters the cabin and the car feels smooth and easy to drive.

The suspension deals reasonably well with larger speed bumps and urban imperfections, although sharper edges can generate some noise through the structure.

For short commutes, school runs and shopping trips, this is where the Dolphin Surf feels at its best.

Motorway and country-road driving

The Comfort has no difficulty reaching motorway speeds or maintaining 70mph. Its additional power gives it a useful advantage over the slower Active and Boost versions when joining fast-moving traffic.

However, driving at motorway speed highlights several weaknesses.

Wind noise becomes noticeable around the doors and windscreen. Road noise is not unbearable, but the overall refinement is some way behind the best electric superminis.

The car also feels less settled on uneven roads. Its relatively soft suspension can create a floating or bouncy sensation, particularly over a sequence of crests, dips or broken surfaces.

On country roads, the body can take a moment to settle after a bump. I also noticed that the narrow car could follow grooves and worn sections of tarmac, requiring small steering corrections.

This does not make the Dolphin Surf unsafe, but it does mean it feels less planted and confidence-inspiring than a Renault 5.

The steering is accurate enough but provides little feedback. There is not much enjoyment to be found in pushing it through bends, and the Comfort’s additional power can overwhelm the front tyres if you accelerate hard on a wet or tight corner.

Auto Express reached a similar conclusion, noting that the Dolphin Surf is competent rather than entertaining, while the Renault 5 feels more polished and sophisticated to drive.

The Comfort is therefore capable of longer journeys, but it is not the version of the Dolphin Surf I would choose specifically for frequent motorway use.

Regenerative braking

One of the strangest omissions is proper one-pedal driving.

There are two regenerative braking settings, but even the stronger setting provides relatively little deceleration when you lift off the accelerator. The car will not bring itself to a complete stop.

You therefore need to use the brake pedal more frequently than you might expect in an electric car.

There is also no conventional automatic brake hold function. When stationary, you must continue pressing the brake pedal or select park to prevent the car creeping forwards.

For a car primarily designed to operate in stop-start urban traffic, both omissions feel like missed opportunities.

Independent testing has also highlighted a slightly awkward transition between regenerative and mechanical braking. It is not alarming, but it is less seamless than the braking systems in some rival electric cars.

Driver assistance systems

The Comfort comes with a substantial selection of driver assistance technology, including:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keeping assistance
• Traffic-sign recognition
• Driver-attention monitoring
• Front and rear parking sensors
• A 360-degree camera
• Automatic emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring

The amount of equipment is impressive, but its calibration could be better.

The driver-monitoring system was particularly sensitive during my time with the car. Looking briefly towards the instrument display could trigger a warning telling me to pay attention to the road.

Traffic-sign recognition was also inconsistent. On one occasion, the car displayed an 80mph limit, despite such a speed limit not existing on UK public roads.

The adaptive cruise control generally worked well, but it appeared to deactivate unexpectedly on a couple of occasions. The lane assistance could also disengage without making it sufficiently obvious that it was no longer active.

These systems should always be treated as assistance rather than automation, but clearer warnings and smoother operation would make them easier to trust.

Both Top Gear and Motoring Research have also criticised the Dolphin Surf’s intrusive driver assistance technology, so my experience does not appear to be an isolated one.

Some of these issues could potentially improve through software updates.

BYD Dolphin Surf range and efficiency

The Comfort uses a 43.2kWh lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery and has an official WLTP combined range of 193 miles.

That is seven miles less than the less powerful Boost, which uses the same battery but has an official range of 200 miles.

During my time with the Comfort, the car displayed an average of 4.2 miles per kWh. At that level of efficiency, a theoretical full-battery range would be approximately 181 miles.

That supports my experience that the official figure is reasonably achievable when the car is driven sensibly, particularly at urban and suburban speeds.

A realistic expectation would be:

• Urban and gentle mixed driving: approximately 180 to 200 miles
• Typical mixed driving: approximately 170 to 185 miles
• Sustained motorway driving: approximately 145 to 165 miles
• Cold winter motorway driving: potentially below 150 miles

These are estimates rather than guaranteed figures. Temperature, speed, heating use, traffic and driving style can all make a substantial difference.

Auto Express recorded 3.9 miles per kWh during a test containing more motorway driving, which would equate to around 168 miles from the 43.2kWh battery.

At around 50mph, I found the indicated range reduced at a rate that closely matched the distance being covered. At 70mph, it fell more quickly.

That is not unique to the Dolphin Surf. Small electric cars generally work hardest at higher speeds because their relatively small batteries leave less margin for the extra energy required to overcome aerodynamic drag.

Charging the BYD Dolphin Surf

The Boost and Comfort versions can accept DC rapid charging at up to 85kW.

That does not sound particularly fast beside expensive EVs capable of 150kW, 250kW or more, but the Dolphin Surf has a much smaller battery.

A 10 to 80 per cent rapid charge takes approximately 30 minutes under suitable conditions. That should add roughly 130 miles of official range to the Comfort.

The car also supports AC charging at up to 11kW.

Using an 11kW three-phase charger, a full charge should take around five hours. A typical 7kW home wallbox will take approximately seven hours, making overnight charging straightforward.

The charging speed is adequate rather than exceptional. For a car primarily charged at home, it should not be a problem. Drivers regularly relying on public rapid chargers may prefer a rival offering a higher peak rate or a longer motorway range.

The Dolphin Surf also supports vehicle-to-load functionality, allowing the battery to power compatible external electrical equipment through an adaptor.

Running costs and warranty

As an electric car, the Dolphin Surf has no tailpipe emissions and should be inexpensive to run when charged at home.

At an efficiency of 4.2 miles per kWh, a driver paying 7p per kWh on an overnight home tariff would spend approximately 1.7p per mile on electricity.

At 30p per kWh, the cost would rise to around 7.1p per mile. Regular use of expensive public rapid chargers could make the cost considerably higher.

Electric cars registered from 1 April 2025 are no longer exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty. A newly registered Dolphin Surf currently attracts a £10 first-year charge, followed by the standard annual rate.

BYD provides a six-year or 93,750-mile vehicle warranty, while its Blade Battery is covered for eight years or 125,000 miles, subject to the manufacturer’s terms and conditions.

BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort equipment

The Comfort includes an unusually generous amount of standard equipment:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Automatic headlights
• Rain-sensing windscreen wipers
• Heated front seats
• Electrically adjustable front seats
• Synthetic leather upholstery
• 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite navigation
• DAB radio
• Keyless entry and start
• Digital key functionality
• 360-degree camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keeping assistance
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Vehicle-to-load capability
• 11kW AC charging
• 85kW DC rapid charging

There are very few options beyond exterior paint, which makes the buying process refreshingly simple.

How does it compare with its rivals?

The affordable electric-car market has become much more competitive.

Renault 5 E-Tech

The Renault 5 is more stylish, more enjoyable to drive and feels more sophisticated at higher speeds. Its interior also has more personality.

However, equivalent versions tend to cost more, and lower-priced Renault 5 models may not match the Dolphin Surf Comfort’s equipment.

For me, the Renault remains the more desirable all-round city car, but the BYD makes a strong value argument.

Hyundai Inster

The Hyundai Inster offers cleverer interior flexibility and a distinctive design. Its sliding rear seats make it particularly practical, while some versions provide a longer official range.

The Dolphin Surf feels conventional and straightforward by comparison, and the Comfort offers much stronger performance.

Citroën ë-C3

The Citroën prioritises comfort and simplicity. It feels more relaxed over poor road surfaces, although its infotainment and equipment depend heavily on the trim selected.

The BYD counters with more technology and, in Comfort form, considerably stronger acceleration.

Dacia Spring

The Spring is cheaper, lighter and extremely economical, but it feels more basic and less substantial.

The Dolphin Surf provides significantly more performance, interior space and technology. It feels much closer to a full-size supermini than the Dacia.

Leapmotor T03

The Leapmotor T03 is another low-cost Chinese electric city car with plenty of standard equipment. It is smaller and cheaper but cannot match the BYD’s space, performance or rapid charging capability.

MINI Cooper Electric

The electric MINI feels more premium, looks more desirable and is far more enjoyable to drive. It is also more expensive and less practical in the rear.

The Dolphin Surf is the more sensible choice. The MINI is the more emotional one.

Is the Comfort the best Dolphin Surf to buy?

That depends on how the car will be used.

The Active provides the lowest entry price and still comes with a respectable amount of equipment. Its 137-mile range should be enough for local commuting, although it leaves little flexibility for longer journeys.

The Boost is arguably the sweet spot. It has the larger battery and the longest official range, but its 87bhp motor means it takes 12.1 seconds to reach 62mph.

The Comfort solves that performance issue. Its 154bhp motor feels much better suited to faster roads, but the upgrade pushes the price close to more polished alternatives such as the Renault 5.

I would choose the Comfort for its heated seats, cameras, power and additional convenience features. However, buyers focused mainly on value and range should seriously consider the Boost.

BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort verdict

The BYD Dolphin Surf is a very capable small electric car that delivers considerably more than its price might suggest.

It is spacious enough for four adults, has a genuinely useful boot and comes with an equipment list that would be impressive in a car costing thousands of pounds more.

In town, it makes a huge amount of sense. It is quiet, nimble, easy to park and cheap to run. The realistic range offered by the larger battery also means it does not have to be restricted to short local journeys.

It is not without faults.

The ride becomes unsettled on uneven faster roads, motorway wind noise is noticeable and the regenerative braking is disappointingly weak. Some of the driver assistance systems are intrusive or inconsistent, while the lack of one-pedal driving and brake hold seems odd in a city-focused EV.

It also lacks the charm and polish of the Renault 5.

Even so, the Dolphin Surf should absolutely be considered by anyone looking for an affordable entry into electric-car ownership. It feels like a proper car rather than a compromised low-cost EV, and the Comfort version has enough power and range to cope with much more than city driving.

I would not recommend it as the first choice for someone regularly covering hundreds of motorway miles. That is not what it has been designed to do.

For commuting, shopping, local journeys and occasional longer trips, however, it is practical, well equipped and remarkably easy to live with.