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Alpine A290 vs BYD Dolphin comparison

Compare performance (218 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (33,200 £ vs 29,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Alpine A290 or BYD Dolphin?

Alpine A290 vs BYD Dolphin: Key differences

Alpine A290

4.6 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • marginally more power
  • only slightly more efficient
  • only slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely lighter
details

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • slightly cheaper
  • slightly more electric range
  • marginally more trunk space
details

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

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

A290

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

BYD Dolphin is slightly cheaper – starting at 29,700 £ , while the Alpine A290 costs 33,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3,480 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Alpine A290 is only slightly more efficient: consuming 15.8 kWh/100km compared to 15.9 kWh/100km for the BYD Dolphin. That’s a difference of about 0.1 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the BYD Dolphin offers slightly more range – reaching up to 427 km, about 47 km more than the Alpine A290.

Dolphin

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Alpine A290 offers marginally more power – delivering 218 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 14 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Alpine A290 is only slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 6.4 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 0.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BYD Dolphin delivers barely more torque with 310 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 10 Nm more.

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Alpine A290 is barely lighter – 1,554 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 104 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BYD Dolphin offers marginally more boot space – 345 L compared to 326 L. That’s a difference of about 19 L.

When it comes to payload, the BYD Dolphin carries only slightly more – 410 kg compared to 396 kg. That’s a difference of about 14 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BYD Dolphin is barely ahead 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 £29,700
Dolphin

BYD Dolphin

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 204 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 15.9 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 427 km
details

Frequently compared as well

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The BYD Dolphin and BYD Atto 2 represent two distinct EV choices from BYD: the Dolphin is a compact, city-oriented hatchback focused on efficiency and nimble urban driving, while the Atto 2 is a compact crossover offering more space, a higher driving position and richer tech. Choose the Dolphin for …
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The BYD Dolphin and the sportier Dolphin Surf share the same efficient electric bones, but the Surf adds visual muscle, slightly firmer suspension and sharper steering for anyone craving a bit more attitude. Inside they’re twins — clever packaging, roomy rear seats and a useful boot — so the Surf’s …
Alpine A290
BYD Dolphin

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Alpine A290

The Alpine A290 brings Alpine's racing-bred spirit to the road with taut handling, razor-sharp steering and a compact, cheeky silhouette that's impossible to ignore. It's a car for drivers who want pure fun rather than family practicality — a playful, stylish pocket rocket that makes every back road feel like a racetrack and hands out smiles with the key.

details
alpinea290

Reviews Alpine A290

4.6 (3 Reviews)
rate
Emin Molu
17 Apr 2026, 21:05:51

excellent handling, excellent damping, excellent noise supression, excellent design.fantastic fun to drive.

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

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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000AECC3-AF0F-42E4-A606-040E7FB88B81
0344F0B7-DD22-4EE0-9220-311A496628F6

Reviews BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
Mark Kennedy
12 Apr 2026, 17:25:08

Absolute gem of a car, wonderfully smooth and powerful, along with being loaded with tech. By far the best car I've had. Would highly recommend

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
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

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Alpine A290
BYD Dolphin

Costs and Consumption
Price
33,200 - 39,600 £
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.8 - 16.5 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Electric Range
364 - 380 km
Electric Range
427 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
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,554 kg
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Trunk capacity
326 L
Trunk capacity
345 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,820 mm
Width
1,770 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
396 kg
Payload
410 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
177 - 218 HP
Power HP
204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.4 - 7.4 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
285 - 300 Nm
Torque
310 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
130 - 160 kW
Power kW
150 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2023
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Alpine
Brand
BYD
Is the Alpine A290 offered with different drivetrains?

The Alpine A290 is offered with 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.