Today I was watching CarGurus UK’s video review of the BYD Dolphin, an electric hatchback with a base price in the U.K. of around £26,000, the equivalent of about $33,000. Current interior trends are leaning toward minimalism and deletion of physical switchgear, but the BYD Dolphin proves two things – car interiors don’t have to look austere to be modern, and affordable cars don’t have to be boring.
While the Dolphin does ditch most traditional switchgear, there is still a row of physical controls offering a volume dial and stereo on/off switch, a front defrost button, an HVAC on/off button, a button to set the climate control to auto, and a few drive mode switches as well as a button with a lightning bolt on it that I’m unsure of the function of. Not only does the Dolphin include this row of switches, they jut out of the dash in a beautifully organic way, similar to how a tree sprouts a new branch.
The multicolored optional interior also features some great contrasting color themes that further serve to elevate the interior and make it look much more upmarket than a typical entry-level hatchback. One of the big reasons that I love my Mini Cooper S is the whimsical interior design, which features toggle switches and other unconventional touches. I like it when cars have a sense of humor and personality; a well-designed interior goes a long way in making every drive feel special.
Continuing onto the Dolphin’s dashboard, the pleasant surprises continue. There is a sweeping metallic-painted accent piece that delights onlookers with another very organic vibe, almost akin to pulled molten glass. This piece spans the entire dash and not only looks attractive, but also visually widens the interior to give the illusion of a much wider space. This element envelopes the two outside HVAC vents, which look like the ripples you see when you drop a rock into a glassy lake.
There is still a normal digital driver’s display to supplement the rotating central infotainment screen, so this impressive style doesn’t take away from ergonomics like it does in some other cars, like Teslas.
Optional contrasting colors help brighten and elevate the look of the door cards, and the organic design of the door handles, look again like they’ve sprouted out of the door like epic horns or the feathers that some male birds have to impress the opposite sex. Or, most likely, like a dolphin’s fin.
Lastly, I want to highlight the graceful arc of the center console and the formidable-looking seats. The center console in the Dolphin swoops gently down from the center armrest and flows gracefully down below the dashboard, almost evoking the arc of a complex fountain with water cleanly cascading down into the footwells. Beyond the graceful styling, the console hides many useful storage compartments, an optional wireless phone charger, and cupholders.
The seats look akin to those in Mercedes-Benz CLA’s, a great design reference to use, and one that’s applied quite successfully inside the Dolphin. The multi-tone perforated vegan leather adorning the seats looks expensive and definitely elevates the Dolphin’s interior beyond that of, say, a Chevrolet Bolt. Notably the rear seats continue the same expensive appearance with multi-tone materials that are complemented by swoopy stitching.
Since we don’t get the BYD Dolphin in the U.S., I cannot comment on driving characteristics, but that’s not why I’m writing this anyway. The Dolphin is a shining example of how to design an attractive car interior without breaking the bank. I wish the exterior reflected the same attention to detail, but the interior looks badass.
