BYD Dolphin Surf (2025) Review

If you're in the market for an affordable EV that doesn’t feel like a compromise, the 2025 BYD Dolphin Surf deserves your attention. At a time when city cars are either vanishing or being stripped down to the bare essentials, BYD is doing something refreshingly different: giving buyers a fun, well-equipped electric hatchback that doesn’t break the bank.

The 2025 BYD Dolphin Surf doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. What it does do is offer a very usable, likeable, and affordable electric hatch that delivers real value for money.

Quick Look: Trims, Prices, and Range

The Dolphin Surf comes in three trim levels, each offering a different balance of range, performance, and price:

• Active – £18,650

  • 30 kWh battery

  • 137 miles (WLTP range)

  • 0–62 mph in 11.1 seconds

  • DC fast charging at 65 kW / AC at 11 kW

• Boost – £21,950

  • 43 kWh battery

  • 200 miles (WLTP range)

  • 0–62 mph in 12.1 seconds

• Comfort – £23,865

  • 115 kW motor

  • 193 miles range

  • 0–62 mph in 9.1 seconds

  • Extra kit including wireless charging

Across the range, you get an impressively equipped package for the price. Even the base model includes a rotating 10-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay, and physical buttons where you want them—a rare treat in an era of over-digitization.

First Impressions from the Launch

Let’s be clear: this isn’t a full road test—more of a first taste. Time at the launch event was tight, but we got just enough driving and poking around to see that BYD is on to something here.

Interior quality is better than expected at this price. You’re not getting Audi levels of plushness, but materials are inoffensive, and most importantly, it’s functional. There are proper air-con controls, usable infotainment, and a bright digital driver display. Rear legroom? Surprisingly generous. Boot space? A decent 308 litres.

Add to that good visibility, a proper rear windscreen (not a sliver of glass like some rivals), decent door mirrors, and you’ve got the basics covered well.

On the Road: More Than Just a City Slogger

I hopped into what I think was the Boost trim—no wireless charger, so it wasn’t the top-spec Comfort. Despite three adults onboard (two not exactly slim), the Dolphin Surf still pulled along nicely. It’s not a hot hatch, but for darting around town or tackling short commutes, it’s got more than enough zip.

The ride quality was a pleasant surprise, too. The suspension handles city potholes well—soft enough to be comfortable, but not so floaty it feels disconnected. That’s a rare balance in this segment.

Tech and Features: Thoughtful, Not Gimmicky

Here’s where BYD nails it. The Dolphin Surf includes the kind of features you don’t usually see until you're deep into the options list:

• Electric front seats (on some trims)

• Rotating touchscreen (portrait and landscape modes)

• Apple CarPlay / Android Auto

• Reversing camera (with 360° cam in top trim)

• Solid safety tech, including driver attention alerts

• Physical buttons on the steering wheel, not frustrating haptics

In short, it's not a half-hearted attempt at tech—it’s genuinely well thought-out.

A Few Early Niggles

This wasn’t a long-term test, but there was a noticeable rattle from the roof lining at around 20 mph. Could be an early production quirk—or just this specific car. Either way, it’s worth keeping an ear out if you’re test-driving one.

Final Thoughts: A Real Contender in the City EV Class

The 2025 BYD Dolphin Surf doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. What it does do is offer a very usable, likeable, and affordable electric hatch that delivers real value for money. It feels less compromised than rivals like the Dacia Spring and is certainly more refined than you might expect at under £25K.

No, it’s not a blast like the Hyundai i10 N Line or Honda e, but for everyday city use, the Dolphin Surf just makes sense. It's efficient, comfortable, cleverly specced, and priced to tempt.

Hopefully, we’ll get one for a longer-term test soon. But from this short spin? The Dolphin Surf is definitely making waves.

Would I Recommend It?

If you’re looking for:

• An affordable EV for urban driving

• Good tech without gimmicks

• Space and practicality in a compact package

...then yes, the BYD Dolphin Surf should be on your shortlist.

To find out the latest lease prices for a BYD Dolphin Surf, Click here.