The updated BYD Dolphin has a starting price of RMB 99,800, which is RMB 17,000, or 14.55 percent, lower than the previous starting price.
(Image credit: BYD)
BYD (OTCMKTS: BYDDF) today rolled out an updated version of its compact hatchback Dolphin, giving it a lower starting price, continuing a move it started earlier this month.
The new energy vehicle (NEV) maker officially launched the Dolphin Glory Edition at today's event, offering four variants with starting prices of RMB 99,800 ($13,860), RMB 112,800, RMB 119,800, and RMB 129,800, respectively.
The model was previously offered in five versions with starting prices of RMB 116,800, RMB 123,800, RMB 126,800, RMB 136,800, and RMB 139,800. The ones with a starting price of RMB 126,800 and RMB 139,800 are the commemorative editions launched in September 2023 to celebrate the 500,000th vehicle coming off the production line.
This means that the starting price of the BYD Dolphin has been reduced by RMB 17,000, or 14.55 percent, making it the latest BYD model to join the price war after the Chinese New Year holiday.
Notably, the lowest-priced Dolphin is a newly added version, with a CLTC range of 302 kilometers. The other three versions have a range of 420 kilometers, 420 kilometers and 401 kilometers respectively.
On February 19 -- the second working day after the Chinese New Year holiday -- the Qin Plus Glory Edition as well as the Chaser 05 Glory Edition were launched, bringing the starting price down to RMB 79,800 for both.
The move was BYD's second strong offensive against traditional fuel models and heralds more price reductions, given its strategy over the past year of lowering prices by offering "Champion Edition" models.
Despite the lower price, the updated Dolphin gets a number of upgrades, including suspension, steering wheel adjustment, seat ventilation, and wireless fast charging for phones.
Customers who purchase the BYD Dolphin before February 29 will receive benefits including a 2-year zero-interest loan, a RMB 2,000 trade-in subsidy, and free charging piles and installation.
The Dolphin measures 4,125 mm in length, 1,770 mm in width and 1,570 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. Its latest update has the same dimensions as the previous version.
Initially launched in August 2021, the Dolphin is the first model in BYD's e-Platform 3.0 and the first in its Ocean lineup.
The all-electric mini EV looks a bit like the Honda Fit and is offered in a variety of exterior color options to target a younger demographic.
BYD sold 201,493 NEVs in January, with the Dolphin contributing 18,905, making it the fourth best-selling BYD model last month, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.
($1 = RMB 7.1983)
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