The highly anticipated BYD Seal and BYD Dolphin, two electric vehicles generating significant anticipation in Australia, have both achieved 5-star safety ratings from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). This accolade signifies their adherence to the highest safety standards across various tests and incorporation of advanced safety assist technologies.
Under the rigorous evaluation of ANCAP, both the Seal and the Dolphin surpassed expectations, with the Seal earning full marks for protecting the driver in the oblique pole test and ensuring the safety of child passengers in the side impact test. The EV achieved notable scores, including 89% for adult occupant protection, 87% for child occupant protection, 82% for vulnerable road user protection, and 75% for safety assistance.
Similarly, the Dolphin demonstrated strong performance, garnering maximum points for protecting child occupants in front and side-impact tests. It secured an impressive 85% score for the protection of vulnerable road users, marking the highest rating among all new models assessed by ANCAP in 2023. Notably, the Seal, Dolphin, and Lexus RZ are the first models subjected to ANCAP's more stringent 2023 testing regime.
ANCAP Chief Executive Carla Hoorweg lauded the achievement, stating, “Our 2023 test and rating criteria have introduced further requirements for high levels of structural protection, as well as new challenges for manufacturers in the area of active safety systems. Pleasingly, the three models rated so far this year have each achieved five-star ratings. This is a trend we'd like to see continue as we finalize testing and assessments on a number of new models later this year.”
In the Australian market, the BYD Dolphin stands out as the most affordable new electric vehicle, with a starting price of AU$38,890 ($25,089) plus on-road costs, undercutting the popular MG 4 by AU$100. The BYD Seal, priced at AU$49,888 ($32,185), has stirred significant interest locally, particularly for its competitive pricing against the entry-level Tesla Model 3 facelift, which starts at AU$61,900 ($39,934).
