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BYD Dolphin Surf vs VW ID.3 comparison

Compare performance (156 HP vs 231 HP), boot space and price (19,700 £ vs 29,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin Surf or VW ID.3?

BYD Dolphin Surf vs VW ID.3: Key differences

BYD Dolphin Surf

  • substantially cheaper
  • considerably lighter
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VW ID.3

4.8 (6 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • a bit more efficient
  • substantially more electric range
  • visibly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • somewhat more trunk space
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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

Dolphin Surf

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

BYD Dolphin Surf is substantially cheaper – starting at 19,700 £ , while the VW ID.3 costs 29,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,433 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the VW ID.3 is a bit more efficient: consuming 13.9 kWh/100km compared to 15.5 kWh/100km for the BYD Dolphin Surf. That’s a difference of about 1.6 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the VW ID.3 offers substantially more range – reaching up to 629 km, about 307 km more than the BYD Dolphin Surf.

ID.3

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 VW ID.3 offers clearly more power – delivering 231 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 75 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW ID.3 is visibly quicker – completing the sprint in 7.1 s, while the BYD Dolphin Surf takes 9.1 s. That’s about 2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW ID.3 delivers clearly more torque with 350 Nm compared to 220 Nm. That’s about 130 Nm more.

Dolphin Surf

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Seats: VW ID.3 offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin Surf is considerably lighter – 1,294 kg compared to 1,885 kg. The difference is around 591 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW ID.3 offers somewhat more boot space – 383 L compared to 308 L. That’s a difference of about 75 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW ID.3 carries noticeably more – 464 kg compared to 344 kg. That’s a difference of about 120 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW ID.3 holds a decisive 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 £29,100
ID.3

VW ID.3

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 170 - 231 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 13.9 - 14.4 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 410 - 629 km
BYD Dolphin Surf
VW ID.3

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

BYD Dolphin Surf

The BYD Dolphin Surf is an intriguing model that combines sleek design with modern electric technology, making it an appealing choice for urban commuters seeking sustainability and style. Its dynamic exterior design is complemented by an interior that prioritizes comfort and functionality, reflecting the brand's commitment to innovation. The model also offers impressive handling and a smooth driving experience, embodying the shift towards eco-friendly transportation.

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VW ID.3

The VW ID.3 is a crisply styled electric hatch that masks serious practicality behind a friendly, modern face, making city runs and longer trips pleasantly fuss free. For buyers seeking a sensible, well-equipped EV that doesn't take itself too seriously, the ID.3 strikes a neat balance of comfort, tech and everyday usability with a cheeky smile.

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BYD Dolphin Surf
VW ID.3

Costs and Consumption

Price
19,700 - 26,600 £
Price
29,100 - 40,800 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 - 16 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
13.9 - 14.4 kWh/100km
Electric Range
220 - 322 km
Electric Range
410 - 629 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
4
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,294 - 1,390 kg
Curb weight
1,885 - 1,966 kg
Trunk capacity
308 L
Trunk capacity
383 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,720 mm
Width
1,809 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
344 kg
Payload
422 - 464 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
Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
88 - 156 HP
Power HP
170 - 231 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 12.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.1 - 8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
175 - 220 Nm
Torque
350 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
65 - 115 kW
Power kW
125 - 170 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BYD
Brand
VW
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.