We're kicking off with the first stop on my journey to get to know other EVs: the BYD Dolphin. I tested the car courtesy of the BYD Cichy-Zasada showroom on Grochowska Street in Warsaw. The service? Brilliant – a great chat, zero pressure, a really good atmosphere.
First impressions of the BYD Dolphin
Straight away the car struck me as very… plasticky inside. The interior design is definitely something that appeals more to fans of compact city cars than to fans of minimalist elegance.
On the road
- Steering wheel – very large, which surprised me at first and got in the way of driving a bit.
- You can feel the car's urban nature – the Dolphin is clearly a vehicle designed for getting around crowded streets.
- The drive – overall it was "so-so". Maybe it's because I'm used to the Tesla, but I missed that characteristic dynamism and refinement I know from the Model 3 Highland.
Price and value
All the same, you have to appreciate the pricing. The BYD Dolphin is relatively cheap for an EV, and if someone is looking for an economical solution for the city, it could be quite a decent option.
Reflection: Tesla comes out on top
After the test one thing is certain: I appreciate the Tesla even more. Every kilometre driven in the BYD Dolphin reminded me why I value the "Tesla-ness" so much – the minimalist interior, the intuitive systems and the way it drives. I also quietly dream that a Tesla Q (if it ever happens) could be a nice alternative to those cheaper EVs.
Next time I'll write about the Omoda E5, which was the next stop on this adventure. Stay tuned! :)