The new version of the BYD Dolphin Mini will eliminate the instrument cluster located behind the steering wheel. This change was confirmed through official interior sketches released on Thursday (24) by Zhang Zhuo, General Sales Director of the BYD Ocean line. The confirmation came after the vehicle appeared in documents from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and in photographic records.
With this change, crucial data such as speed, range, and odometer readings will be displayed directly on the multimedia center. This screen is designed to be larger and more prominent at the top of the dashboard. Although BYD has not yet disclosed the exact size of the new screen, which is currently 10.1 inches, nor detailed how alerts and other driving data will be presented in the final version, the absence of the cluster had already been observed in a recent photo of the prototype.
Another significant modification is the discontinuation of the rotary function; the multimedia center will now have a fixed position, aligning with the trend adopted in the automaker's most recent launches. The removal of the front screen for the driver resulted in a flatter upper dashboard. However, the cup holders and the wireless phone charger will remain located at the bottom of the console.
The console has also been redesigned to feature two levels and incorporate fewer physical buttons, which are now grouped in a horizontal row beneath the central air vents. Furthermore, the gear lever has been relocated to a stalk on the steering column, positioned behind the two-spoke steering wheel.
According to the MIIT, the new Dolphin Mini has dimensions of 4.21 meters in length, 1.81 meters in width, 1.57 meters in height, and 2.65 meters in wheelbase, featuring a wheelbase almost identical to the Volkswagen T-Cross. In comparison, the current model measures 3.78 meters in length, 1.72 meters in width, 1.58 meters in height, and 2.50 meters in wheelbase. The Chinese registration foresees capacity for five passengers.
The visual aspect has also received updates. The new generation preserves the basic identity of the model but with more contemporary lines. At the front, the bumper has gained more defined cutouts, and the headlights have been enlarged and elongated. On the side, the body maintains the ascending beltline and the lower creases on the doors. The main aesthetic innovation lies in the C-pillar, which has been redesigned and features a larger plastic trim.
Mechanically, the electric motor has been upgraded from 75 hp to 129 hp, even surpassing the performance of the Dolphin GS, which has 95 hp. The certified maximum speed increased from 130 km/h to 150 km/h. The lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery will be available in two capacities: 30 kWh and 39.2 kWh. The smaller option allows for 320 km, while the larger one reaches 420 km, both figures calculated in the Chinese CLTC cycle, considered more optimistic than the Inmetro standard in Brazil.
Informally known as the 'Great Seagull' in China, the new model is expected to coexist with the current Dolphin Mini version. BYD plans to keep both generations available for sale, with both positioned below the Dolphin GS.