BYD Raises the Stakes in Europe with the Dolphin Surf
The words “cheap” and “Chinese” no longer translate to “bottom shelf.” BYD has stormed into the European market with the Dolphin Surf – not just a mere variant of the Dolphin, but a distinct, feature-packed electric hatchback – and they’ve slapped on a price tag that's anything but modest. While this compact four-metre EV sells for around €9,000 in China, European buyers will need to part with at least €19,990. In Germany, the top-spec version climbs all the way to €30,990.
But the Dolphin Surf isn’t just some random electric shopping cart. Even the base trim comes generously equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen, heated and electrically adjustable mirrors, and a respectable list of creature comforts. Step up to the higher trims and you’re treated to rain sensors, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, 360-degree cameras, wireless phone charging – features the Dacia Spring couldn’t dream of in its sleep.
Under the hood, buyers can choose between two flavours: a modest 88 hp or a sportier 156 hp variant that sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.1 seconds. The urban WLTP range stretches between 221 and 322 kilometres, depending on the configuration.
Initially, BYD will ship the Dolphin Surf straight from China, but production is set to shift to Hungary, where a new R&D hub will rise and create around 2,000 jobs.
Gone are the days when BYD competed on price alone. Now it’s betting on equipment, quality, and design. And it just might pay off – because when the Citroën e-C3 starts at €23,300, a well-specced Dolphin Surf at €19,990 feels like a smartphone that can also make your coffee.
