2023 BYD Dolphin price guide released

The 2023 BYD Dolphin from China is due to go on sale in Australia next month, and now pricing in New Zealand for the small electric car has provided the best indication yet of what local customers can expect to pay.

BYD has priced the Dolphin Standard Range from $NZ49,990 – approximately $AU46,200 – while the Dolphin Extended Range is priced from $NZ55,990, or roughly $AU51,800.

Using the difference in price of the BYD Atto 3 between New Zealand and Australia, the entry-level BYD Dolphin could be priced locally from between $43,000 and $47,000 before on-road costs – depending on which options and features are chosen for our market.

While pricing is yet to be confirmed, it’s unlikely the BYD Dolphin will be priced from less than $35,000, despite bold claims made by the Australian distributor two years ago.

Luke Todd, CEO of BYD importer EVDirect, told Drive in April 2021 the new model would be priced from “well under $35,000”, though market forces and an increase in demand for electric cars will likely see prices rise, not come down.

MORE: The race for Australia’s cheapest electric car in 2023

As reported by Drive last month, the BYD Dolphin coming to Australia is more than 200mm longer than the same model sold in China, in an effort to secure a five-star ANCAP safety rating for the small electric vehicle.

However, a five-star safety score is no guarantee. It is unclear at this stage whether the BYD will be tested by the independent crash test body. Without a detailed assessment by ANCAP the BYD Dolphin would be listed as “unrated” on the safety scoreboard.

Along with a 70kW/180Nm electric motor, the Dolphin Standard Range is expected to be offered with a 44.9kWh battery pack, which provides a claimed driving range of up to 340 kilometres based on European WLTP lab-test protocols.

MORE: Australia’s BYD Dolphin electric car to be larger than Chinese model

Overseas, the Dolphin Extended Range offers a claimed driving range up to 427km (WLTP) due to a 60.5kWh battery pack. Power outputs are listed at 150kW and 310Nm.

However, at this stage, battery capacity and model grades have not been announced for Australia.

With the 2023 BYD Dolphin due to go on sale in July 2023 – pending any delays – stay tuned for Australian pricing and specifications to be announced in the coming weeks.

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