The topic of the endurance and energy consumption of new energy vehicles has been very hot recently, so today we are also in the Changbai Mountain area to test the winter performance of the BYD Dolphin DM-i 1.5L model in the environment of minus 15℃, including the energy consumption, driving experience, comfort and intelligent control of the vehicle, in order to see if low temperatures have an impact on new energy vehicles.
This time, we test drove the BYD Dolphin DM-i 1.5L model, which is equipped with the XIAOYUN hybrid-specific 1.5L efficient engine. Our test will be conducted with a full tank of fuel and fully charged battery. However, due to the low ambient temperature, the vehicle’s fuel and battery cannot be completely filled for safety reasons.
For this test, we will use the HEV mode throughout the entire drive, with the driving mode set to ECO. The air conditioning will be set to 26 degrees with the fan at the 3rd speed. The seat heaters will all be turned on. We will test the vehicle’s performance in extreme cold conditions using the most realistic driving scenario. Before we depart, we will reset the trip mileage and displayed energy consumption of the vehicle to test its actual energy consumption performance.
Due to the daytime temperature in the Changbai Mountain area dropping to -15℃ in winter, the roads often have icy patches. This requires vehicles to use snow tires and maintain a speed of around 50-60km/h on the winding mountain roads.
The most intuitive feeling when driving is the suspension system. The car is equipped with front MacPherson and rear five-link independent suspension, so the overall shock absorption of the vehicle is fully guaranteed. When we encounter bumps, the suspension can filter out unnecessary vibrations, and the overall support is also in place, without that kind of soft and sagging feeling inside the car.
In terms of quietness, the performance of the BYD Dolphin DM-i 1.5L model is commendable. Despite not driving very fast, the wind outside the car is still very strong, blowing snow from the trees. However, we cannot hear any wind noise inside the car. After changing to snow tires, there is no significant increase in tire noise, and the chassis noise reduction is also very effective.
Many people say that cold weather can damage car electronics and other electronic components, but after driving in these conditions, our car’s system had no issues. It not only operates quickly, but the voice interaction is also very responsive. With just a shout of “Hey, Xiaodi,” we can control the air conditioning, seats, navigation, and more, which is very convenient and safe.
In terms of intelligent driving, due to the severe snow accumulation and ice conditions on the roads, both the ACC adaptive cruise control and navigation functions are subject to significant limitations. After all, we can’t even see the lane markings with our naked eyes, let alone expect the cameras to struggle. However, once the road markings are clear, the system can still start working immediately, including lane keeping, showing that the impact of electronic components on low temperatures is not very significant.
Due to icy roads, our test drive this time was not very long, with a total distance of about 88km. From our display, we can see that our overall fuel consumption is 4.6L/100km, although there is a slight difference from the manufacturer’s 3.9L per 100km. Considering the extreme cold temperature, we are very satisfied with the vehicle’s performance.
Next, let’s take a brief look at the exterior and interior design of the BYD Dolphin DM-i 1.5L model. The new car adopts the family-style design of the Ocean Network, which is more dynamic and youthful in both overall and detail design.
The headlight group does not adopt a through design, but the overall shape is more like the wings of a seabird, giving people a feeling of spreading their wings and flying, and also creating a bold and striking effect. The shape of the daytime running light is also unique, directly separated from the headlight group, giving it a youthful and personalized look.
The front bumper adopts a multi-bar through-type grille design, using straight lines to create a stronger visual impact, widening the front of the car while ensuring the vehicle’s air intake. On both sides of the front bumper, independent ventilation ducts are designed to enhance the sporty atmosphere of the car.
The side profile of the car reflects youth and fashion, using the popular sloping design and a rising waistline. The vehicle measures 4980x1890x1495mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 2900mm, defining it as a midsize sedan.
This car is equipped with 18-inch multi-spoke wheels in a silver-black color combination, which looks sporty and stylish. It is paired with 225/50 R18 tires for optimal balance of vehicle performance and comfort. To improve aerodynamics, the car also features hidden door handles.
The rear of the car is quite atmospheric, with a continuous tail light design that looks great when lit up. The combination of dots and lines, along with the chrome trim running through the light assembly, enhances the vehicle’s sense of class. The reverse lights and rear fog lights are designed on the rear bumper, which is also quite practical.
In terms of interior design, the BYD Dolphin DM-i 1.5L model adopts the new generation of marine net interior styling, creating a young and dynamic new luxury style. The interior of the car uses material that imitates suede and enhances the luxury and technology of the cabin with rosewood and other materials.
The four-spoke flat-bottomed sports steering wheel also reflects the youthful side of the car. The multifunction buttons on the steering wheel are all equipped with physical buttons and a scroll wheel, which can minimize the possibility of misoperation. The overall feel of the steering wheel is very good, and it is also light enough to operate.
The 10.25-inch full LCD instrument panel can clearly display the vehicle’s driving information, including energy consumption, speed, gear position, remaining battery level, remaining fuel level, and more. The instrument panel offers various display modes such as full-screen map, small map, text prompts, etc., allowing for custom settings based on each driver’s habits.
The 15.6-inch adaptive rotating suspended Pad central control screen will be equipped with the upgraded DiLink intelligent networking system, which not only supports 5G network, but also realizes all-scenario intelligent voice interaction. In terms of UI design, the screen’s de-layering and intelligence are also very in place, our commonly used functions are integrated at the bottom of the screen, making operation more convenient and efficient.
The screen supports online navigation, entertainment, phone connectivity, remote control, voice interaction, and OTA upgrades, fully meeting our daily needs. Additionally, vehicle energy consumption and management are integrated for easy viewing.
The air conditioning system, seat heating, and ventilation functions are all integrated into the screen, making operation simple and clear. They can also be easily set via voice control, making it very convenient. The car is also equipped with an L2 level intelligent driving assistance system, which can be self-set through the DiPilot option on the screen.
A wireless charging panel for smartphones is designed below the screen, with the gear shift lever behind it. The car will use electronic gear shift levers, and the crystal-style design is very luxurious. Next to the gear shift lever are some commonly used buttons, including one-key start, drive mode switch, air conditioning switch, driving mode selection, volume switch, etc. The design of the touch screen also reflects the luxury and luxury atmosphere of the car.
The BYD Dolphin DM-i 1.5L model’s performance in terms of seating is very satisfying. The front seats not only support electric adjustment, but also have heating, ventilation, and memory functions. In such a cold winter, seat heating is a very important feature. The support and firmness of the seats are also very good, and the lumbar side wings can wrap around the driver well, so even long drives won’t feel tiring.
The rear seats are very comfortable, especially the cushions, which are thick and soft, and the ergonomic design of the backrest makes the ride even more comfortable and enjoyable. The BYD Dolphin DM-i has been on the market for some time, with a price range of 166,800 to 236,800 yuan (33180$), and the 1.5L model priced at 166,800 to 186,800 yuan (26180$). As a mid-size sedan priced at less than 200,000 yuan (28030$), the BYD Dolphin DM-i 1.5L model excels in configuration, range, and space. The recent extreme cold challenge also demonstrated the stability of its range and energy consumption. If you are considering buying or upgrading your car in the near future, why not consider the BYD Dolphin DM-i 1.5L model?