BYD Dolphin being loaded with luggage, illustrating its 410 kg payload capacity

BYD Dolphin Weight: Curb Weight, GVM and Load Limits

The BYD Dolphin has a curb weight of 1,506 kg on the Standard Range and 1,658 kg on the Extended Range. The maximum allowable total mass, or GVM, is 1,916 kg and 2,068 kg respectively. That gives a payload of 410 kg for both variants, calculated as GVM minus curb weight. The owner's manual states the Dolphin is designed to carry passengers and should not be used to tow.

BYD Dolphin Weights at a Glance

Measurement Standard Range Extended Range
Curb weight 1,506 kg 1,658 kg
Max total mass (GVM) 1,916 kg 2,068 kg
Payload (GVM minus curb) 410 kg 410 kg
Front axle load 855 kg 894 kg
Rear axle load 651 kg 764 kg
Seats 5 5

What the Weight Terms Mean

Weight figures can be confusing, so here is what each one actually describes. Getting these clear makes the numbers useful rather than just technical.

  • Curb weight: The weight of the car ready to drive, with fluids but no people or cargo
  • GVM (gross vehicle mass): The maximum the fully loaded car is allowed to weigh, including everyone and everything inside
  • Payload: How much you can add in people and cargo, found by subtracting curb weight from GVM

The manual lists curb weight and maximum total mass, and the payload is simply the gap between them.

Calculating Your Payload

The roadmap here is simple arithmetic, and it is worth showing so you can trust the figure. Payload equals GVM minus curb weight, done for each variant.

  • Standard Range: 1,916 kg minus 1,506 kg equals 410 kg
  • Extended Range: 2,068 kg minus 1,658 kg equals 410 kg

So both variants can carry 410 kg of people and cargo combined. In practical terms, that comfortably covers a family, but it is worth doing the sums for a full car. Five adults at around 80 kg each is roughly 400 kg, which leaves little spare for luggage, so a fully loaded car of five means packing light.

Why Both Variants Have the Same Payload

It may seem odd that the heavier Extended Range carries the same payload as the lighter Standard Range. The reason is straightforward.

The Extended Range weighs more because of its larger battery, but its GVM is set higher to match. The extra 152 kg of curb weight is offset by an extra 152 kg of GVM, so the payload lands at the same 410 kg. The car is engineered so its load capacity is consistent whichever battery you choose.

Axle Loads and Balance

The manual also lists how the weight is distributed between the front and rear axles, which affects handling and how you should load the car.

With more weight over the front axle, the Dolphin has the slightly nose-heavy balance typical of a front-motor hatchback. When loading, keeping heavier items low and centred, rather than all at the very back, helps maintain stable, predictable handling.

Can the BYD Dolphin Tow?

This is an honest answer that some listings get wrong. According to the owner's manual, the Dolphin is designed to carry passengers and should not be used to tow other vehicles.

  • Not built for towing: The manual advises against using the car to tow
  • Why: Towing affects the car's handling, braking, range, and power consumption
  • If you need to tow: A vehicle designed for towing, such as a suitable SUV or ute, is the right choice

If towing capacity is important to you, the Dolphin is not the car for it, and it is better to know that up front.

Roof Racks and Roof Loads

Roof loads are a common question, and here the picture calls for care. The manual acknowledges roof racks, listing their use as a more demanding driving condition, but it does not publish a specific maximum roof load figure.

  • Roof load counts toward payload: Anything on the roof is part of your total load, so it eats into the 410 kg
  • No published roof limit: As the manual does not state a roof load figure, confirm the rating of your chosen roof rack and follow its limit
  • Bike racks need authorisation: The manual warns against adding a trunk-mounted bike rack without authorisation, as related issues are not covered by warranty, so consult a BYD dealer first
  • Stay within GVM: Whatever you carry, keep the total weight of car, people, and cargo within the GVM

For safe roof carrying, match a properly rated roof rack to the car and keep loads modest, remembering the roof is the least stable place to add weight.

Infographic showing BYD Dolphin curb weight, GVM, and the 410 kg payload calculation for both variants

Staying Within the Limits

Loading sensibly keeps the Dolphin safe, legal, and pleasant to drive.

  • Do the maths: Add up passengers and cargo, and keep within 410 kg
  • Watch a full car: Five adults leaves little room for heavy luggage
  • Distribute the load: Heavy items low and central for stable handling
  • Count the roof: Roof loads are part of your total, not extra to it

Weight Across the BYD Range

Load capacity varies a lot across BYD's models, especially between a hatchback and a ute. If you need serious payload and towing, our guide to the Shark 6's dimensions and payload shows how the ute compares, which is useful if the Dolphin's limits are too modest for your needs.

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