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BYD Dolphin vs Nissan Leaf comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 217 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 30,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or Nissan Leaf?

BYD Dolphin vs Nissan Leaf: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

3.7 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • barely cheaper
  • marginally quicker 0–100 km/h
  • slightly lighter

Nissan Leaf

4.4 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • barely more power
  • a bit more efficient
  • markedly more electric range

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Dolphin

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

BYD Dolphin is barely cheaper – starting at 29,700 £ , while the Nissan Leaf costs 30,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 1,123 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Nissan Leaf is a bit more efficient: consuming 13.7 kWh/100km compared to 15.9 kWh/100km for the BYD Dolphin. That’s a difference of about 2.2 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Nissan Leaf offers markedly more range – reaching up to 624 km, about 197 km more than the BYD Dolphin.

Leaf

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Nissan Leaf offers barely more power – delivering 217 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 13 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BYD Dolphin is marginally quicker – completing the sprint in 7 s, while the Nissan Leaf takes 7.6 s. That’s about 0.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Nissan Leaf delivers a bit more torque with 355 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 45 Nm more.

Dolphin

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin is slightly lighter – 1,658 kg compared to 1,864 kg. The difference is around 206 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Nissan Leaf carries only slightly more – 444 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 34 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Nissan Leaf holds a solid overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £30,800
Leaf

Nissan Leaf

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 176 - 217 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 13.7 - 13.8 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 436 - 624 km
details

Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin
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BYD Dolphin
Nissan Leaf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BYD Dolphin

The BYD Dolphin is a cheeky electric hatchback that blends playful styling with surprising practicality, making it a brilliant city companion for buyers who want modern tech without the showroom bravado. It’s comfy, efficient and easy to live with, and while it won’t blind you with supercar drama, it will quietly get the job done with plenty of character.

details
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Reviews BYD Dolphin

3.7 (3 Reviews)
rate
John Maskell
3 Jan 2026, 07:26:24

Loving the dolphin

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is a practical, easygoing electric hatch that turns daily commutes into a quiet, effortless affair while offering more cabin space than it lets on. It’s a sensible, wallet-friendly step into electrification for buyers who value comfort and simplicity over sporty drama, though those chasing long-distance thrills might look elsewhere.

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Reviews Nissan Leaf

4.4 (2 Reviews)
rate
Mir
12 Mar 2026, 21:05:00

The author of this comparison probably doesn't read what they're writing. Almost 100 Nm is a small difference? XD And by the way, the Leaf is listed at 6.9 s to the first 100 km/h while the rival is over 8 s — that's not a small difference… it's a shame to read this comparison with so many mistakes; better to take a drive and judge for yourself.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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BYD Dolphin
Nissan Leaf

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
30,800 - 41,100 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
13.7 - 13.8 kWh/100km
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
436 - 624 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Curb weight
1,864 - 1,956 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
4,290 mm
Length
-
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,810 mm
Height
1,570 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,310 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 kg
Payload
441 - 444 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
176 - 217 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.3 s
Max Speed
160 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
345 - 355 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
130 - 160 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,023
Model Year
2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BYD
Brand
Nissan
What drive types are available for the BYD Dolphin?

The BYD Dolphin is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.