The 2026 BYD Dolphin EV is making waves ahead of its mid-2025 debut, thanks to a sneak peek courtesy of the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). Four years after its original launch, this compact electric hatchback is getting a facelift, a new mid-range powertrain, and a touch of elegance. Let’s dive into the details of this small but mighty contender that proves even fish-themed cars can have a glow-up.

Source: BYD

Facelift: From "Cute Clutter" to "Minimalist Chic"

Gone are the boomerang-shaped fog lamps and overdone grilles of yesteryear. BYD has embraced a cleaner design language for the Dolphin, ditching the flashy for a more refined look. The front end now sports slim, modern headlights that stretch onto the fenders, channeling the vibe of a Chevrolet Bolt that went to design school. The bumper intakes are smaller, and the grille is so subtle it might as well be whispering.

Moving to the rear, the Dolphin trades its sporty vibes for a classier, understated tail with updated taillight graphics. Think of it as a Dolphin transitioning from party mode to business casual—because sometimes, you just need to impress the boardroom (or the highway).

Dimensions: Growth Spurt Alert

At 4,280 mm (168.5 inches) long, the 2026 BYD Dolphin is 155 mm (6.1 inches) longer than its 2021 Chinese-spec sibling. For those keeping score at home, that's just enough to justify adding "more spacious" to the marketing material. While the wheelbase remains a comfy 2,700 mm, BYD has added new 16-inch and 17-inch wheels to the mix, ensuring the Dolphin is as stylish as it is practical.

New Powertrain: Because Who Doesn’t Love Options?

Under the hood (or battery, in this case), the Dolphin retains its existing 94 hp base and 201 hp top-tier powertrains. But the big splash here is the new mid-spec option, delivering a respectable 174 hp. It’s like the Goldilocks of EV powertrains—not too fast, not too slow, but just right for zipping around town or flexing at the charging station.

Speaking of batteries, the refreshed Dolphin sticks with BYD’s Blade LFP packs. The current options—44.93 kWh for 420 km (261 miles) of CLTC range and 60.48 kWh for 520 km (323 miles)—are likely sticking around. Whether there will be upgrades remains to be seen, but here’s hoping for a little extra juice to match the powertrain’s glow-up.

Pricing: A Dolphin That Doesn’t Break the Bank

The current model in China is priced between ¥99,800 ($13,800 / ₹11.6 lakh) and ¥129,800 ($17,900 / ₹15.1 lakh). While the facelift might bring a slight bump in price, the Dolphin remains a budget-friendly EV in a sea of pricier competitors.

For global markets:

• Australia: AU$36,890 (~₹19.2 lakh)
• Europe: €36,990 (~₹33.1 lakh)

In India, BYD is teasing a Dolphin appearance at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo, with a competitive pricing strategy likely aimed at the sub-₹20 lakh segment.

Verdict: A Glow-Up Worth Celebrating

The 2026 BYD Dolphin EV is proof that even entry-level cars can dream big. With its refined design, potentially more spacious interior (we’re still waiting to see it), and versatile powertrain lineup, this little EV could become a big fish in a small pond. Plus, with a name like "Dolphin," how can you not root for it?

So, whether you're looking for an eco-friendly commuter or a car to impress your neighbors at the next EV club meeting, the refreshed Dolphin might just be the ride for you. Just remember: it’s not a porpoise. It’s a Dolphin. And it’s here to make a splash. 🌊