@ BMW Group Press
@ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media
VS

BMW iX1 vs BYD Dolphin – Which car suits you better?

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW iX1 or BYD Dolphin?

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

iX1 @ BMW Group Press

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 has a significantly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 29700 £, while the BMW iX1 costs 41800 £. That’s a price difference of around 12137 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the advantage goes to the BMW iX1: with 15.80 kWh per 100 km, it’s hardly perceptible more efficient than the BYD Dolphin with 15.90 kWh. That’s a difference of about 0.10 kWh.

As for range, the BMW iX1 performs slight better – achieving up to 463 km, about 36 km more than the BYD Dolphin.

Dolphin @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

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 BMW iX1 has a distinct edge – offering 313 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 109 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW iX1 is clearly perceptible quicker – completing the sprint in 5.60 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 1.40 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the BMW iX1 performs a bit better – reaching 180 km/h, while the BYD Dolphin tops out at 160 km/h. The difference is around 20 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: BMW iX1 pulls noticeable stronger with 494 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 184 Nm difference.

iX1 @ BMW Group Press

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 curb weight, BYD Dolphin is somewhat lighter – 1658 kg compared to 1940 kg. The difference is around 282 kg.

In terms of boot space, the BMW iX1 offers evident more room – 490 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 145 L.

In maximum load capacity, the BMW iX1 performs to a small extent better – up to 1495 L, which is about 185 L more than the BYD Dolphin.

When it comes to payload, BMW iX1 to a small extent takes the win – 495 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 85 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the BMW iX1 shows itself to be is largely superior and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £41,800
iX1 @ BMW Group Press

BMW iX1

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 204 - 313 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 15.8 - 17.1 kWh
  • Electric Range : 436 - 463 km

BMW iX1

5 (2)
rate

The BMW iX1 wraps BMW's electric ambition into a compact SUV package that feels unexpectedly premium, with sharp handling and a crisp, modern cabin that keeps the driver in charge. It's ideal for buyers who want a stylish, quiet daily driver with useful practicality and tech-savvy touches — plus enough character to make the commute feel less like a chore and more like a short joyride.

details

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
BMW iX1
BYD Dolphin
iX1 @ BMW Group Press
Dolphin @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
41800 - 54600 £
Price
29700 - 31400 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.8 - 17.1 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
15.90 kWh
Electric Range
436 - 463 km
Electric Range
427 km
Battery Capacity
64.80 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1940 - 2085 kg
Curb weight
1658 kg
Trunk capacity
490 L
Trunk capacity
345 L
Length
4500 mm
Length
4290 mm
Width
1845 mm
Width
1770 mm
Height
1616 mm
Height
1570 mm
Max trunk capacity
1495 L
Max trunk capacity
1310 L
Payload
495 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, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 - 313 HP
Power HP
204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.6 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Max Speed
170 - 180 km/h
Max Speed
160 km/h
Torque
250 - 494 Nm
Torque
310 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
150 - 230 kW
Power kW
150 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2022 - 2023
Model Year
2023
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BMW
Brand
BYD
Is the BMW iX1 offered with different drivetrains?

The BMW iX1 is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.