Sime Darby Motors launches BYD Dolphin EV, starting price RM99,900 

From L-R: Eagle Zhao, Liu Xueliang, Dato’ Jeffri Salim Davidson and Jeffrey Gan give the thumbs up at the launch of BYD Dolphin in 1 Utama Petaling Jaya on July 27, 2023. – Photo: Yamchatime/TTan  

Sime Darby Motors, the official exclusive distributor for Chinese automaker BYD, has launched BYD Dolphin electric vehicle (EV) at 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya on July 27, 2023.

The BYD Dolphin is available in two variants, starting from RM99,900 for the dynamic standard range and RM124,900 for the premium extended range.

Delivery is set to begin next month August 2023.

The BYD Dolphin has officially launched in Malaysia. – Photo: Yamchatime/TTan
The BYD Dolphin has officially launched in Malaysia. – Photo: Yamchatime/Alex Soh
The BYD Dolphin has officially launched in Malaysia. – Photo: Yamchatime/Alex Soh
The BYD Dolphin has officially launched in Malaysia. – Photo: Yamchatime/Alex Soh
The BYD Dolphin has officially launched in Malaysia. – Photo: Yamchatime/Alex Soh
The BYD Dolphin has officially launched in Malaysia. – Photo: Yamchatime/TTan

The new fully electric compact hatchback is BYD’s second release in Malaysia after the BYD Atto 3 which was launched in Dec last year.  

Dato’ Jeffri Salim Davidson, the group chief executive officer of Sime Darby Berhad, stated during the launch event, “Building on the overwhelmingly positive response to the BYD Atto 3 over the past few months, we are pleased to expand our EV line-up with the BYD Dolphin.

Sime Darby Berhad group chief executive officer Dato’ Jeffri Salim Davidson delivering his speech during the launch of BYD Dolphin at 1 Utama, Petaling Jaya. Photo credit: BYD Malaysia

Jeffri added, “Tapping into the growing EV adoption in Malaysia, the BYD Dolphin offers electrified vitality and aesthetic appeal with highly attractive value, making eco-friendly mobility more accessible for Malaysians and supporting the nation’s aspirations towards decarbonisation.”

Also present were Sime Darby Motors Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau managing director of retail and distribution Jeffrey Gan, BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division general manager Liu Xueliang and BYD Malaysia Sdn. Bhd managing director Eagle Zhao.

BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division general manager Liu Xueliang giving his speech at BYD Dolphin launched in Malaysia. Photo credit: BYD Malaysia

Liu said the company would continue accelerating the electrification wave in Malaysia with the BYD Dolphin.

“The BYD Dolphin offers a unique value proposition as a technologically advanced EV hatchback that provides much more space capacity than conventional hatchbacks. This is indeed ideal to suit the versatile and diverse needs of Malaysians, bringing the world-class innovation that BYD is known for which combines state-of-the-art technology and sustainability,” he said.

The newly launched BYD Dolphin. – Photo: Yamchatime/Alex Soh
The newly launched BYD Dolphin. – Photo: Yamchatime/Alex Soh
The newly launched BYD Dolphin. – Photo: Yamchatime/TTan
The newly launched BYD Dolphin. – Photo: Yamchatime/Alex Soh
The newly launched BYD Dolphin. – Photo: Yamchatime/Alex Soh
The newly launched BYD Dolphin. – Photo: Yamchatime/Alex Soh
The newly launched BYD Dolphin. – Photo: Yamchatime/TTan
The newly launched BYD Dolphin. – Photo: Yamchatime/TTan

The fully electric vehicle is equipped with BYD’s iconic technological advancements, namely the blade battery that enables battery safety and increased energy density; e-Platform 3.0, an exclusive technology platform for highly efficient and intelligent vehicles; a high-efficiency energy-saving heat pump system; and the world’s first mass-produced 8-in-1 electric powertrain that optimises space utilisation and energy efficiency.

The BYD Dolphin features an ocean aesthetic design concept, with sophisticated bodywork featuring flowing contours, continuous LED headlight across the centre grille and geometric taillight design, and elements such as fin-shaped grab handles.

The interior of the car is spacious, with comfortable passenger seats, numerous storage compartments and flexible trunk space.

In addition, the vehicle is equipped with a 12.8-inch intelligent rotating touch screen and active sound design with a six-speaker sound system. The extended range also features wireless charging and a fixed panoramic sunroof.

The BYD Dolphin has a driving range of up to 490km on a full charge going from zero to 100km/h in just seven seconds for the extended variant.

In conjunction with the launch, Sime Darby Motors will be offering a choice of either Yinson Greentech or Gentari charging credits worth RM1,300, granting access to a combined network connectivity of more than 600 charging points nationwide.

The company is continuing the expansion of its EV footprint in Malaysia with its growing nationwide dealership network, currently operating at 9 locations, with 12 more opening soon. BYD targets to open a total of 21 showrooms across the nation.

The car is currently available for viewing and test drives at 1 Utama, ground floor forecourt outdoor carpark from July 28-30, 2023 10am-10pm.