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BYD Dolphin vs CUPRA Tavascan comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 340 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 42,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or CUPRA Tavascan?

BYD Dolphin vs CUPRA Tavascan: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • visibly lighter
details

CUPRA Tavascan

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly more power
  • marginally more efficient
  • visibly more electric range
  • noticeably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly more trunk space
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

Dolphin

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 is clearly cheaper – starting at 29,700 £ , while the CUPRA Tavascan costs 42,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 13,080 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the CUPRA Tavascan is marginally more efficient: consuming 15.4 kWh/100km compared to 15.9 kWh/100km for the BYD Dolphin. That’s a difference of about 0.5 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the CUPRA Tavascan offers visibly more range – reaching up to 557 km, about 130 km more than the BYD Dolphin.

Tavascan

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 CUPRA Tavascan offers visibly more power – delivering 340 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 136 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the CUPRA Tavascan is noticeably quicker – completing the sprint in 5.5 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 1.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the CUPRA Tavascan delivers substantially more torque with 545 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 235 Nm more.

Dolphin

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 terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin is visibly lighter – 1,658 kg compared to 2,096 kg. The difference is around 438 kg.

Looking at boot space, the CUPRA Tavascan offers markedly more boot space – 540 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 195 L.

When it comes to payload, the CUPRA Tavascan carries noticeably more – 518 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 108 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The CUPRA Tavascan is clearly superior overall 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 £42,800
Tavascan

CUPRA Tavascan

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 190 - 340 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 15.4 - 17.1 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 441 - 557 km
details

Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin
BYD Atto 2
VS
The BYD Dolphin and BYD Atto 2 represent two distinct EV choices from BYD: the Dolphin is a compact, city-oriented hatchback focused on efficiency and nimble urban driving, while the Atto 2 is a compact crossover offering more space, a higher driving position and richer tech. Choose the Dolphin for …
BYD Dolphin
BYD Dolphin Surf
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The BYD Dolphin and the sportier Dolphin Surf share the same efficient electric bones, but the Surf adds visual muscle, slightly firmer suspension and sharper steering for anyone craving a bit more attitude. Inside they’re twins — clever packaging, roomy rear seats and a useful boot — so the Surf’s …
BYD Dolphin
CUPRA Tavascan

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.

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

CUPRA Tavascan

The Cupra Tavascan blends athletic styling with a premium, driver-focused cabin, giving the electric crossover a distinctly sporty character. It feels poised and engaging on the road while standing out with bold design cues and a modern, high-quality finish.

details
89C3E534-A830-42FA-86CC-BA89F47CCA5A
E1499BC5-9624-4D31-A93B-93D1887B3824
2C084747-FC5E-41F7-84AE-11FE7F54C046

Reviews CUPRA Tavascan

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate
David
25 Apr 2026, 10:57:49

Both are very good. The range and energy consumption is beter in the cupra. The cupra is also more responsive and it handles beter. The Kia is more spacious and slightly beter tech wise. The Kia is more a family car.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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Comparing the BYD Dolphin and the Volkswagen ID.3 gives a clear picture of two distinct approaches to compact electric hatchbacks: the Dolphin emphasizes value, efficiency and clever packaging, while the ID.3 leans on refinement, driving dynamics and European build quality. If you prioritise range, …
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If you want no-nonsense electric practicality and impressive value for daily miles, the BYD Dolphin delivers usable range, clever packaging and tech that actually matters without breaking the bank. The Renault 5, meanwhile, sacrifices a little practicality for irresistible retro charm and …
CUPRA Tavascan
VW ID.4
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The Cupra Tavascan and the VW ID.4 are closely related electric SUVs that take different approaches: the Tavascan leans into sharper styling and a sportier driving character, while the ID.4 prioritises practicality, comfort and broad everyday appeal. If you want dynamic design and a more engaging …
CUPRA Tavascan
Skoda Elroq
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Choosing between the Cupra Tavascan and the Skoda Elroq is mostly a question of whether you want a sportier, design-led electric SUV or a more practical, value-focused one. This comparison cuts through the marketing to focus on driving dynamics, range, interior space, technology and running costs …
BYD Dolphin
CUPRA Tavascan

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
42,800 - 50,500 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.4 - 17.1 kWh/100km
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
441 - 557 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
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Curb weight
2,096 - 2,273 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
540 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,861 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 kg
Payload
507 - 518 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
190 - 340 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.5 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
350 - 545 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
140 - 250 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2023
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BYD
Brand
CUPRA
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.