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Performance
The BYD Dolphin Surf Active has a maximum power of 65 kW (88 hp / 87 bhp) and a total torque of 175 Nm (129 lb-ft). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 11.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph).
BYD Dolphin Surf Active
Battery, Range, and Charging
The battery has a gross capacity of 32.0 kWh and a net usable capacity of 30.0 kWh, with a 2.0 kWh buffer (6.3%) for battery protection. With a nominal voltage of 300.8 volts, the system is classified as a 400-volt battery system.
The lithium-ion battery uses LFP technology, which has different characteristics from typical NCA and NMC batteries.
According to the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) standard, the vehicle's range is 220 km (137 miles), with an energy consumption rate of 13.6 kWh/100 km (4.6 mi/kWh).
For more details about the range, see real-world data and range listings on this model’s range and consumption page.
The vehicle supports fast DC charging with a maximum power of 65 kW. A 0–100% charge takes approximately 95 minutes. A typical 10–80% session takes about 23 minutes at an average power of 54 kW.
With five minutes of overhead per stop, the optimal charging window is 0–71%. Effective average power, including overhead, is 49 kW over a session lasting about 26 minutes and 20 seconds.
Onboard Charger
The standard onboard charger supports AC charging at up to 11 kW. A full 0–100% charge takes about 2 hours and 43 minutes with a suitable home charging setup.
Charge Port
The location of the charge port is on the right front corner. This location makes it easy to use charge stations where you need to park with the front in.
Bidirectional Charging
This model supports V2L (Vehicle to Load), allowing you to power electrical equipment requiring up to 3.3 kW of power, and even charge other electric vehicles.
Drivetrain
The BYD Dolphin Surf Active has a front-wheel drive system supported by one motor on the front axle.
The motor used is Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor.
Suspension
The suspension system features a MacPherson strut front construction and a torsion beam rear construction. Both the front and rear dampers are monotube dampers, providing consistent performance and durability. The front and rear springs are coil springs, offering a balance of comfort and performance.
The Standard suspension has a fixed height and damping characteristics.
Ground clearance with this setup is 151 mm.
Brakes
The BYD Dolphin Surf Active is equipped with cast-iron disc brakes on both the front and rear.
Regenerative Braking
Automatic regeneration is not available in this model. However, regenerative braking is available through one-pedal driving combined with blended brakes.
One-pedal driving offers two stopping modes. Hold mode brings the vehicle to a complete stop using the friction brakes; Creep mode moves it forward slowly when the brake pedal is released.Drivers can also adjust the regenerative braking strength when lifting off the accelerator, choosing between two levels.
The maximum regenerative braking power is 30 kW.
Exterior
The BYD Dolphin Surf Active, with dimensions of 3990 mm in length, 1720 mm in width, and 1590 mm in height, falls into the B-segment, also known as superminis.
The BYD Dolphin Surf Active is available in a total of 4 solid paint colors.
You can select from multiple wheel designs, all available in the same size, on the BYD Dolphin Surf Active. The available tire and wheel combinations include:
- 175/65 tires on 15" rims
The car has four regular doors and a liftgate.
There is only one roof option for this model.
A conventional roof is standard.
The windows behind the B-pillar are tinted for privacy and to reduce glare and solar heat gain.
BYD Dolphin Surf Active
Interior
This model has a functional interior with a standard quality and a traditional console design. The interior is designed to be easy to use and practical, with a focus on functionality.
Seats
The seat layout is the two seats in front and two seats in the rear.
First Row Seats
The BYD Dolphin Surf Active offers a single type of front seat.
The standard seat offers:
- Fore-and-aft adjustment (manually adjustable)
- Recline adjustment (manually adjustable)
- Height adjustable headrest (manually adjustable)
Available in:
- Black fabric upholstery
Second-Row Seats
The second row has a two-seat bench configuration.
Additional second-row features include:
Interior Storage
The BYD Dolphin Surf Active has limited interior storage options.
- Glove Compartment: Located in the dashboard in front of the passenger.
- Center Console: A storage compartment is located beneath the front center armrest.
- Door Pockets: The front doors include integrated storage pockets.
Interior Lighting
The BYD Dolphin Surf Active offers several interior lighting options.
- Dome Light: A dome light is mounted in the roof area.
- Roof Reading Light: A reading light is mounted in the roof area.
Climate System
There is one climate system available:
- 1-zone climate system: Controls a single zone for the whole cabin.
A heat pump is available as an option and can reduce the energy needed to heat the cabin in cold weather.
User Interface and Control
The BYD Dolphin Surf Active features a screen-focused control interface with limited physical buttons and no stalks, providing a minimalist approach to vehicle controls. This design prioritizes touchscreen interaction, which may appeal to tech-savvy users but could be less intuitive for those accustomed to traditional controls.
Key screen details:
- Center Console Touchscreen: A 10.1-inch touchscreen located in the center console. It serves as the primary interface for infotainment, navigation, climate control, and vehicle configuration.
The BYD Dolphin Surf Active does not have a head-up display. Speed and navigation information remain on the vehicle's other displays.
BYD Dolphin Surf Active
Steering Wheel
The BYD Dolphin Surf Active is equipped with a single type of steering wheel:
The steering wheel is adjustable for tilt. The adjustment is manual.
Design: Circular
Controls: Physical buttons
Heating: Not available
From the steering wheel you can control:
- Infotainment: Steering-wheel controls provide access to media and infotainment functions.
Mirrors
Both the exterior and interior mirrors use conventional mirror technology to provide a clear view of the area behind the vehicle.
Voice control is standard.
A gesture control system that lets you control specific features using your hands.
Infotainment
The BYD Dolphin Surf Active features the BYD DiLink infotainment system, built on Android. It provides access to navigation, music streaming, and vehicle settings through the touchscreen display, and supports over-the-air updates.
Navigation System
The built-in navigation system uses detailed maps and offers advanced route planning. It provides real-time traffic information to support an efficient and stress-free journey.
Phone Mirroring
The BYD Dolphin Surf Active supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, providing access to compatible phone apps such as Google Maps and Waze on the car's display.
Sound System
The BYD Dolphin Surf Active has one sound system option:
- Standard 6-speaker: Features six speakers.
The model includes USB-C connectivity as standard (total: 1).The model includes USB-A connectivity as standard (total: 1).
Mobile App
The BYD Dolphin Surf Active has a mobile app for Android and iOS to manage and monitor the vehicle remotely. Features:
- Locate Your Vehicle: Check the current location of your car.
- Preconditioning: Preheat or cool your car before you start your journey.
- Lock and unlock: Lock or unlock the doors remotely.
- Scheduled Charging: Set a charging schedule.
- Charge Target: Set the battery's target state of charge.
- Driving History: Review the details of your past trips.
Lights
Standard Headlights: These use LED technology.
The taillights use LED technology.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
The BYD Dolphin Surf Active offers standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Safety Systems
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Standard on the BYD Dolphin Surf Active. It prevents the wheels from locking during braking.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Standard on the BYD Dolphin Surf Active. It improves stability during sudden maneuvers and on slippery roads.
Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA): Standard on the BYD Dolphin Surf Active. It applies steering corrections if the vehicle begins to leave its lane.
The Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to leave its lane.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Standard on the BYD Dolphin Surf Active. It warns the driver of a potential frontal collision.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Standard on the BYD Dolphin Surf Active. It applies the brakes automatically if the driver does not respond to an imminent collision.
Driving Automation
The BYD Dolphin Surf Active offers driving automation at level 1, depending on the equipment level.
The Level 1 Intelligent Drive system provides the following driving automation features.
Safety
The BYD Dolphin Surf Active is equipped with the following airbags:
- Front airbags for the driver and front passenger
- Side curtain airbags for both the first and second rows
- Side airbags for the driver and front passenger
The front and rear seatbelts use pyrotechnic pretensioners without load limiters. In a collision, the pretensioners remove belt slack.
Security and Access Technologies
The BYD Dolphin Surf Active includes the following security and access features:
- Keyless Entry and Start: Unlock and start the car with the key in your pocket or bag.
- Phone-as-Key Functionality: Use your smartphone as a digital key to unlock and start the vehicle.
- Alarm System: Monitors for unauthorized entry or tampering and sounds the alarm when triggered.
Cargo Capacity and Towing Ability
The trunk offers a cargo capacity of 308 liters (10.9 cu ft). With the rear seat folded down, this expands to 1037 liters (36.6 cu ft).
The maximum permitted vehicle weight is 1488 kg (3280 lbs), and the base curb weight is 1294 kg (2853 lbs). This leaves a payload of 194 kg (428 lbs), including occupants. Options can increase curb weight and reduce payload.
This model is not available with a towbar and cannot tow a trailer.
Availability & Pricing
The BYD Dolphin Surf Active had its world premiere on 5/1/2025, with deliveries starting in May 2025.
This model is available exclusively in Europe.
Pricing
Pricing may vary depending on local conditions, incentives, and promotions. Below are the starting prices for select countries:
- €22,390 (Germany)
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