BYD Dolphin for €199/month, a good deal?

Despite the absence of ecological bonus, BYD is taking the offensive in France with an offer that raises eyebrows on its compact electric Dolphin.

What a curious approach from BYD: muscles forward, but on tiptoes. Here we have the world’s leading manufacturer of electric cars, ahead of Tesla, and yet the approach in France is timid. The website provides little information about the products. Equipment, technical specifications, it’s very brief.

Ultimately, the best information can be found at certain dealerships, like the one in Rennes, where everything strictly necessary is available. Thus, until March 31, 2024, the Chinese manufacturer BYD is offering an attractive long-term rental (LLD) on its compact electric Dolphin in Comfort trim.

What is a BYD Dolphin Comfort?

The list price of the BYD Dolphin Comfort is 33,900 euros. No bonus of 4,000 euros in France due to the “distant” (if not Chinese) production, which tarnishes the ecological footprint. It is 10,000 euros more expensive than a MG MG4, for example, so let’s dive into the equipment catalog.

COMFORT EQUIPMENT

Metallic paint
17-inch wheels
LED headlights front and rear
Electric mirrors
Vegan synthetic leather seats
Driver’s seat adjustable in 6 directions
Passenger seat adjustable in 4 directions
Heated front seats
LCD dashboard
12.8-inch tilting touchscreen
6-speaker audio system
360° camera
Front and rear parking sensors
Heat pump
Adaptive cruise control

Technical Specifications

Battery: 60.4 kWh
Onboard charger: 11 kW (AC)
Fast charger: 150 kW (DC)
WLTP combined range: 427 km
Combined consumption: 15.9 kWh/100 km
Power: 150 kW (204 hp)
Torque: 310 Nm
0 to 100 km/h: 7.0 seconds
Maximum speed: 160 km/h
Dimensions (L/W/H): 4290 / 1770 / 1570 mm
Weight: 1658 kg
Boot capacity: 345 / 1310 liters

Is it worth your money?

BYD offers a long-term rental over 49 months and 40,000 km with an initial deposit of 3,000 euros, followed by 48 monthly payments of 199 euros. In total, this rental costs about 12,600 euros, compared to the 33,900 euros needed to buy outright. Of course, the mileage is low at less than 10,000 km per year, but even with penalties at the end, it remains very attractive.

Mobiwisy’s opinion

Are we facing a form of “commercial dumping” here? It’s easy to believe so, given how tempting and inexpensive the offer appears. When you account for fuel savings, lower maintenance costs, and the switch to electric, it really makes sense.

In the case of this BYD offer at 199 euros per month, the total sum is roughly one-third of the catalog price. Once again, once you factor in the depreciation of an electric vehicle over its first four years, you will only save money! If you like the car, we tend to say you shouldn’t hesitate!