Chinese carmaker BYD on Wednesday launched the Dolphin Surf, its most affordable model in Europe, at a launch event in Rome as it accelerates its expansion across the continent.
Known as the BYD Seagull in China, the compact EV was the brand’s second-best-selling model in its home market in April, with 55,028 units sold—up 58% from a year earlier.
Rebranded as the Dolphin Surf for Europe, the model is aimed at urban drivers and is offered in three trims—Active, Boost, and Comfort—with pricing varying by market.
In Germany, it starts at €22,990 ($26,100) for the base version with 220 km of WLTP range, and rises to €24,990 for a 310 km version. In Italy, pricing begins at €18,990 ($21,500) before incentives, with a 36-month private lease available from €99 per month across all trims.
Compared with the Chinese Seagull, the European Dolphin Surf features several differences. The 75-horsepower motor has been replaced with an 87-horsepower unit in the Active and Boost trims, and a 156-horsepower motor in the top version.
The 30 kWh battery remains in the entry-level trim, but the upper two trims now feature a larger 43.2 kWh battery—unavailable in the Chinese variant.
Charging capabilities have also been improved. The onboard AC charger has been upgraded from 6.6 kW to 11 kW, while DC fast charging speeds have increased from 40 kW to 65 kW for the 30 kWh version and up to 85 kW for models equipped with the 43.2 kWh battery.
The Dolphin Surf is BYD’s 10th model offered in Europe and its best-selling EV globally. Production for EU markets will begin later this year at the company’s new plant in Hungary, where it is also establishing its European headquarters.
Production in Brazil is set to begin in June to serve Latin American markets, Executive Vice-President Stella Li said at the event.
Competitors to the model in Europe include the Hyundai Inster, Leapmotor T03, and Renault’s Dacia Spring.
At the Rome launch, BYD Italy country manager Alessandro Grosso positioned the Dolphin Surf as offering better value than its key rivals.
He said the base Dolphin Surf, priced at €18,990 in Italy, includes features that would push the Leapmotor T03 to €19,345 and the Dacia Spring to €21,498 if matched.
The company plans to expand to 12 additional European markets this year, bringing its total presence on the continent to 29 countries. It also aims to surpass 1,000 showrooms across Europe by the end of the year.
