The BYD Dolphin Surf is updated with 5 seats and numerous equipment improvements.

While the second-generation BYD Seagull was just unveiled in China, the original model has received an update in Europe, where it is sold as the Dolphin Surf. The most notable improvement is that, for the first time, this compact electric vehicle is available with five seats, making it a much more practical and versatile option.

But this isn’t the only advancement. Firstly, the Comfort trim now comes equipped with a larger touchscreen (12.8 inches), while the infotainment system features integrated Google, providing access to functions such as Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store. The digital dashboard in the top-tier version also increases in size from 7 inches to 8.8 inches.

In all variants, the gear selector from the center console is moved to the steering column; as a result, the left lever behind the steering wheel combines the turn signals, lights, and wipers. The steering wheel is also new and heated on the Boost and Comfort trims. Additionally, the Boost model comes standard with heated front seats.

An automatic climate control system is now standard across the entire range. The Active and Boost versions feature new fabric upholstery, while the Comfort variant has vegan leather upholstery. The trunk now comes with a trunk lid, and the previous front USB ports (Type A and Type C) are replaced by two USB-C ports.

No mechanical changes to the BYD Dolphin Surf

Another update is the new blue interior color, offered as an alternative to the original black/gray combination. On the exterior side, the new Skiing White color stands out, joining Lime Green, Obsidian Black, and Ice Blue. The Active model loses its previous 15-inch steel wheels, which are replaced by the same 16-inch alloy wheels found on the Boost and Comfort models.

Mechanically, there are no changes: the Active version still features a 30 kWh LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) battery, while the Boost and Comfort models come with a 43.2 kWh battery pack. The Active model has a WLTP range of 220 km, and its 88 hp (65 kW) power output allows it to reach 100 km/h in 11.1 seconds. It can be charged at 65 kW using DC power.

The Boost model retains the engine from its smaller sibling, but thanks to its larger battery capacity, it achieves a WLTP range of 322 km. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.1 seconds. The top-of-the-line version comes with a more powerful engine of 156 hp (115 kW), which reduces acceleration time to 9.1 seconds. Its range is 310 km WLTP; both models can be charged at 85 kW.

The 4-seater Active starts at 18,930 euros (12,605 euros with subsidies, CAE, and financing discount), the 4-seater Boost at 22,430 euros (16,105 euros with subsidies, CAE, and financing discount), the 5-seater Boost at 22,780 euros (16,455 euros with subsidies, CAE, and financing discount), the 4-seater Comfort at 24,930 euros (18,605 euros with subsidies, CAE, and financing discount), and the 5-seater Comfort at 25,280 euros (18,955 euros with subsidies, CAE, and financing discount).