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BYD Dolphin vs BMW i7 comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 659 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 99,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or BMW i7?

BYD Dolphin vs BMW i7: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • somewhat more efficient
  • clearly lighter
details

BMW i7

  • substantially more power
  • visibly more electric range
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • noticeably 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

Costs and Efficiency:

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

BYD Dolphin is considerably cheaper – starting at 29,700 £ , while the BMW i7 costs 99,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 69,651 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the BYD Dolphin is somewhat more efficient: consuming 15.9 kWh/100km compared to 18.5 kWh/100km for the BMW i7. That’s a difference of about 2.6 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the BMW i7 offers visibly more range – reaching up to 624 km, about 197 km more than the BYD Dolphin.

i7

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 i7 offers substantially more power – delivering 659 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 455 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW i7 is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.7 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 3.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW i7 delivers significantly more torque with 1,100 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 790 Nm more.

Dolphin

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, BYD Dolphin is clearly lighter – 1,658 kg compared to 2,595 kg. The difference is around 937 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW i7 offers noticeably more boot space – 500 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 155 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW i7 carries markedly more – 535 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 125 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW i7 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 £99,300
i7

BMW i7

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 455 - 659 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 18.5 - 20.8 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 559 - 624 km
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Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin
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BYD Dolphin
BMW i7

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.

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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

BMW i7

The BMW i7 is a quietly imposing electric limousine that wraps advanced tech and traditional Bavarian comfort in a futuristic skin. For buyers after serene luxury with a mischievous streak, it pampers rear-seat occupants while reminding the driver that BMW still knows how to make a big car feel alive.

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Reviews BMW i7

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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BMW i7

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
99,300 - 157,200 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
18.5 - 20.8 kWh/100km
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
559 - 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
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Curb weight
2,595 - 2,770 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
500 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,950 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 kg
Payload
480 - 535 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, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
455 - 659 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.7 - 5.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
650 - 1,100 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
335 - 485 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2023
Model Year
2,022 - 2,023
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BYD
Brand
BMW
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.