VS

BYD Dolphin vs BYD Dolphin Surf comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 156 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 19,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or BYD Dolphin Surf?

BYD Dolphin vs BYD Dolphin Surf: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly more power
  • markedly more electric range
  • markedly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • a bit more trunk space
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BYD Dolphin Surf

  • significantly cheaper
  • marginally more efficient
  • clearly lighter
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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

Dolphin

BYD Dolphin vs BYD Dolphin Surf: two small EVs with very different briefs

The BYD Dolphin and BYD Dolphin Surf are cut from the same urban‑EV cloth, but they aim at different lives. Think of the Dolphin as the fuller‑featured, longer‑legged option, and the Surf as the bargain, city‑smart sibling. The Surf lands for thousands less, making it a tempting first step into EV ownership. The Dolphin counters with stronger performance and noticeably longer range, which changes how relaxed it feels beyond the ring road. That contrast frames the real question in this BYD Dolphin VS BYD Dolphin Surf matchup: daily city simplicity or broader everyday bandwidth?

Dolphin Surf

Driving character and everyday pace

The BYD Dolphin steps off with more shove, so gaps in traffic and short on‑ramps feel easier. It’s not sporty, but the extra muscle gives it calmer overtakes and less need to plan every move. The BYD Dolphin Surf feels lighter on its feet in town and is easy to place, yet its gentler acceleration and softer regen make it more laid‑back than lively. Both prefer smooth inputs and a relaxed rhythm; steering feedback is light on each, though the Surf’s driver alerts can buzz more often. If you value effortless punch and fewer pedal presses, the Dolphin suits; if you prize breezy, fuss‑free city flow, the Surf’s tuning plays to that brief.

Dolphin

Space, seats and family flexibility

BYD Dolphin owners get five seats and a touch more usable cargo room, so occasional fifth‑passenger trips and school‑run juggling are less of a compromise. The rear bench feels genuinely adult‑friendly for the class, and multiple Isofix points make child‑seat life simpler. The BYD Dolphin Surf is roomy for four and cleverly packaged, but it’s certified as a four‑seater, which rules out that emergency middle perch. Both boots are shaped more for weekly shops than big holidays, with a high load lip and a step when you fold the backs; some Surf trims even skip a parcel shelf. For a small family that sometimes needs all belts, the Dolphin is the safer bet; for couples or two‑kid households, the Surf’s space still works brilliantly.

Dolphin Surf

Ride comfort and long‑distance manners

Comfort is a shared theme: both ride softly and take the sting out of speed bumps, which is perfect around town. Stretch the distance and their differences matter more, with the BYD Dolphin delivering significantly longer electric range and stronger passing power. Neither offers rapid‑class charging or hushed motorway serenity, and each can feel a touch fidgety at higher speeds, but the Dolphin simply needs fewer stops. The BYD Dolphin Surf will do a weekend trip just fine if you’re patient with charging and pace, yet it feels happiest inside metro limits. If your week regularly mixes suburbia with farther‑flung errands, the Dolphin’s longer legs reduce planning stress.

Dolphin

Tech, interfaces and charging routine

Both BYDs bring a generous tech haul for the money: a rotating touchscreen with CarPlay/Android Auto, plenty of assistance features and handy V2L power. The BYD Dolphin usually adds feel‑good kit such as a 360‑degree camera and a heat pump, boosting ease of parking and winter efficiency without hunting through pricey packs. The BYD Dolphin Surf fights back with standard home‑friendly AC charging and a clean cabin layout, but its driver‑monitoring can nag and its regen tuning is limited. On either car, key functions live in touch menus and there’s no true one‑pedal mode, so you’ll adapt your driving style quickly. If you want set‑and‑forget convenience and richer assistance, the Dolphin’s spec cadence suits; if your routine is nightly home charging and short hops, the Surf nails the basics.

Dolphin Surf

Value, running costs and who should buy which

The BYD Dolphin Surf is the cost‑led choice, undercutting the Dolphin by a big margin while still feeling solid and well equipped. It shines as a city car: easy to park, quiet, efficient in urban use and roomy for four. The BYD Dolphin asks more but gives you the fifth seat, extra shove and range headroom that broaden its comfort zone beyond town, plus a few convenience touches that reduce low‑speed stress. In simple terms: Surf for budget‑smart commuters, first‑EV buyers and two‑child households; Dolphin for small families, mixed‑route drivers and those who want fewer range‑related decisions. With those priorities in mind, the specs below will make your BYD Dolphin VS BYD Dolphin Surf choice crystal clear for your life.

Frequently compared as well

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

Dolphin

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 significantly cheaper – starting at 19,700 £ , while the BYD Dolphin costs 29,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,986 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the BYD Dolphin Surf is marginally more efficient: consuming 15.5 kWh/100km compared to 15.9 kWh/100km for the BYD Dolphin. That’s a difference of about 0.4 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the BYD Dolphin offers markedly more range – reaching up to 427 km, about 105 km more than the BYD Dolphin Surf.

Dolphin Surf

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the BYD Dolphin offers visibly more power – delivering 204 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 48 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BYD Dolphin is markedly quicker – completing the sprint in 7 s, while the BYD Dolphin Surf takes 9.1 s. That’s about 2.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BYD Dolphin delivers visibly more torque with 310 Nm compared to 220 Nm. That’s about 90 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.

Seats: BYD Dolphin offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin Surf is clearly lighter – 1,294 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 364 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BYD Dolphin offers a bit more boot space – 345 L compared to 308 L. That’s a difference of about 37 L.

When it comes to payload, the BYD Dolphin carries moderately more – 410 kg compared to 344 kg. That’s a difference of about 66 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BYD Dolphin is decisively 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
BYD Dolphin
BYD Dolphin Surf

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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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

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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BYD_Dolphin_Surf__154--2-_UK05BYD
BYD_Dolphin_Surf__251_UK05BYD
BYD_Dolphin_Surf__205-1
BYD_Dolphin_Surf__195

Reviews BYD Dolphin Surf

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BYD Dolphin
BYD Dolphin Surf

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
19,700 - 26,600 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 - 16 kWh/100km
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
220 - 322 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
4
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Curb weight
1,294 - 1,390 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
308 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,720 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 kg
Payload
344 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
204 HP
Power HP
88 - 156 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 12.1 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
175 - 220 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
65 - 115 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2023
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BYD
Brand
BYD
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.