2025 BYD Dolphin price and specs: Wide-ranging updates for country's cheapest electric vehicle
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BYD has issued a substantial spec shuffle to bring Australia its most affordable electric vehicle, though some key features have been removed.
- 2025 BYD Dolphin pricing and specifications
- New entry-level Essential variant added
- First time an electric vehicle dips under the $30,000 barrier
- Priced from $29,990 before on-road costs
BYD has issued a big update to its smallest and most affordable electric vehicle, with the 2025 BYD Dolphin now priced from under $30,000. This represents the first time an electric vehicle has fallen under the $30,000 price point in Australia.
While the 2025 BYD Dolphin range remains two-strong, the previous mid-grade Dynamic variant has been replaced with a brand-new Essential specification that removes equipment to get it under the $30,000 mark.
To hit the lower price, the Dolphin Essential deletes the outgoing Dynamic’s panoramic glass roof, power-folding mirrors, wireless phone charging, heated front seats, and privacy glass.
MORE: BYD launches Australia's first sub-$30,000 electric car with cheaper Dolphin, Atto 3
The top-spec BYD Dolphin Premium has scored a $5900 discount and is now priced at $36,990 before on-road costs.
The Dolphin Essential (priced at $29,990 plus on-road costs) is fitted with a 44.9kWh battery that powers a 70kW/180Nm motor, while the more powerful Dolphin Premium boosts outputs to 150kW/310Nm. Drive is sent to the front wheels in both specifications.
BYD reports a 340km WLTP driving range for the Dolphin Essential (44.9kWh), while the bigger battery of the Dolphin Premium (60.48kWh) promises a longer 427km WLTP driving range.
Common to both cars is a 12.8-inch rotating infotainment screen, six speakers, DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring.
But, it’s only the more expensive Dolphin Premium variant that benefits from additions including a panoramic glass roof, rain-sensing wipers, electric-folding side mirrors, and wireless smartphone charging.
The flagship Dolphin features a DC charge port that accepts recharge speeds up to 80kW, while the entry-level Essential can only reach a maximum of 60kW DC charging. Both are equipped with vehicle-to-load functionality that includes a discharge adapter.
The closest price competitor to the BYD Dolphin is the MG4 Excite 51, which costs $34,990 drive-away. However, MG recently ran significant end-of-year discounts on the MG4 which saw its entry price as low as $30,990 drive-away.
Buyers will have fewer colour options to choose from for the 2025 model year; the palette is now reduced to various shades of white and grey. The previous BYD Dolphin was available in pinks, purples, and blues – depending on which variant was chosen.
The 2025 BYD Dolphin is on sale now.
2025 BYD Dolphin price in Australia
- Dolphin Essential – $29,990 (New)
- Dolphin Premium – $36,990 (-$5900)
Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs.
2025 BYD Dolphin Essential standard features:
- 70kW/180Nm electric motor
- 44.9kWh battery, 340km WLTP-tested driving range
- 60kW DC fast charging
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- V2L functionality
- Seven airbags
- Electric side mirrors with adjustment
- Rear wiper
- LED headlights
- High beam assist
- LED tail-lights
- PM2.5 cabin air filter
- Mobile phone NFC key
- Keyless entry and start
- Four USB ports (USB-A and -C)
- Artificial leather upholstery
- 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen
- 5-inch digital cluster
- Six speakers
- Satellite navigation
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity
- Voice assistant
- DAB+ digital/FM radio
- Safe exit warning
- 360-degree view monitor
- Auto hold
- Adaptive cruise control
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keeping support
- Intelligent Speed Limit Information
- Intelligent Speed Limit Control
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Front/Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Brake
- Lane-change collision warning
- Rear collision warning
2025 BYD Dolphin Premium adds (over Essential):
- 150kW/310Nm electric motor
- 60.48kWh battery, 427km WLTP-tested driving range
- 80kW DC fast charging
- Panoramic glass roof
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Wireless mobile phone charger
- Heated front seats
- Power-folding side mirrors
- Privacy glass
Available colours:
- Ski White + Harbour Grey (only available to Premium)
- Atlantis Grey
- Ski White
- Harbour Grey
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