The BYD Dolphin has officially launched in Malaysia. It is available for purchase at two trim levels. The top-trim Dolphin in the Malaysian market stays in line with the Dolphin for the European markets in terms of powertrain and specs. But it costs 16.85% less. Let’s get to details about the BYD Dolphin in Malaysia.
BYD Dolphin in Malaysia
First, we will remind you that the BYD Dolphin has become the second vehicle in the brand’s model line in Malaysia. It has hit the market after the Atto 3 (BYD Yuan Plus) that was launched last in late 2022. So, BYD is extending its model line into the local market.
Speaking about the BYD Dolphin for the Malaysian market, it is based on the European version of this vehicle. Here, we should remind you that there are two versions of Dolphin: domestic and European. The second version has bigger dimensions and a slightly different exterior design. So, the size of the Dolphin for Malaysia is 4290/1770/1570 mm with a wheelbase of 2700 mm.
In Malaysia, the BYD Dolphin’s battery pack is covered by 8 years or 160,000 km warranty. As for the whole car, it is covered by 6 years or 150,000 km warranty. Of course, some part of the car have a lesser warranty for 3 years or 60,000 km. These parts are screens, shock absorbers, USB ports, etc. Of course, the Dolphin for the Malaysian market is a right-hand drive vehicle. The entry level is available with two color options, while the top-trim level has three color schemes. The Dolphin for the Malaysian market has one huge difference from the European version. It is an additional powertrain option.
BYD Dolphin Dynamic Standard Range
The BYD Dolphin for Malaysia has an entry-level spec called ‘Dynamic Standard Range’ with a 70-kW (95 hp) electric motor and a 44.9-kWh LFP battery for 340 km of WLTP range. As for its zero-to hundred acceleration time; it is 12.3 seconds. Moreover, this trim level also has a simplified rear suspension. It has a torsion beam, while the second trim level got a multi-link suspension. So, frankly saying, the entry-level Dolphin in Malaysia got the body of the Euro version and the powertrain of the domestic one. As a result, it starts from 99,900 Ringgits (22,065 USD).
BYD Dolphin Premium Extended Range
As for the second trim-level, it is called ‘Premium Extended Range’. It has a 150-kW (204 hp) electric motor and a 60.48-kWh battery for 427 km of WLTP range. So, it can speed up to 100 km/h in just 7 seconds. It is a huge increase from the entry-level’s 12.3 seconds. It also supports 80 kW DC charging. As for the connector type, it is CCS2.
In terms of functions, the top-trim Dolphin is a bit different from the entry-level one. It has dual stage pretensioners on front seat belts, panoramic glass roof, wireless phone charging pad, a 6-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat and a 4-way adjustment for the passenger seat. What is more, the front seats of the top-trim level Dolphin are ventilated. As for the price of this variant, it is 124,900 Ringgits (27,585 USD). It is 17% cheaper than the same spec for Europe.
Editor’s comment
In Malaysia, for the price of the BYD Dolphin, you can get quite a lot of bigger petrol powered cars. On the other hand, electric vehicles are quite expensive here. For an example, the Kia Niro EV costs 257,000 Ringgits (56,770 USD). And the small Ora Funky Cat (it is called just “Cat” in Malaysia) costs 139,800 Ringgits (30,880 USD). And the Funky Cat is a direct competitor of the BYD Doplhin. So, it looks like BYD decided to surprise local buyers with relatively low pricing. It looks like a good strategy.
Here, we should also mention that the BYD Atto 3 has already become the best-selling electric SUV here. In a few months after the market launch, its sales reached 1,000 units. So, the Dolphin will only strengthen their positions.
Source: BYD Malaysia, Paultan, Soyacincau
