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BMW X1 vs BYD Dolphin comparison

Compare performance (326 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (38,700 £ vs 29,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW X1 or BYD Dolphin?

BMW X1 vs BYD Dolphin: Key differences

BMW X1

4.3 (8 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly more power
  • markedly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • only slightly lighter
  • noticeably more trunk space
details

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly cheaper
  • clearly more electric range
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

X1

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

BYD Dolphin is markedly cheaper – starting at 29,700 £ , while the BMW X1 costs 38,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8,966 £.

As for electric range, the BYD Dolphin offers clearly more range – reaching up to 427 km, about 346 km more than the BMW X1.

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 BMW X1 offers visibly more power – delivering 326 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 122 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW X1 is markedly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.4 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 1.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW X1 delivers clearly more torque with 477 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 167 Nm more.

X1

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, BMW X1 is only slightly lighter – 1,575 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 83 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW X1 offers noticeably more boot space – 540 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 195 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW X1 carries a bit more – 500 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 90 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BYD Dolphin has only a minor advantage 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

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BYD Dolphin
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW X1

The BMW X1 delivers BMW's sporty driving character in a compact premium crossover package, making daily driving both engaging and practical. With a refined cabin, flexible cargo space and composed handling, it's a smart choice for buyers who want luxury and versatility without compromise.

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P90479901_highRes_bmw-x1-xdrive-23i-09
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Reviews BMW X1

4.3 (8 Reviews)
rate
Maria
23 Feb 2026, 10:18:11

The car has beautiful lines, superb grip, sheer driving pleasure, excellent interior trim, a large boot — pure classic.

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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BMW X1
BYD Dolphin

Costs and Consumption
Price
38,700 - 56,200 £
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Consumption L/100km
2.5 - 7.7 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Electric Range
81 km
Electric Range
427 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
57 - 175 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
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,575 - 1,935 kg
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Trunk capacity
490 - 540 L
Trunk capacity
345 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,845 mm
Width
1,770 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
490 - 500 kg
Payload
410 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 - 326 HP
Power HP
204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 477 Nm
Torque
310 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
100 - 240 kW
Power kW
150 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2023
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BMW
Brand
BYD
What drive types are available for the BMW X1?

The BMW X1 is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-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.