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BYD Dolphin vs Lotus Emira comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 406 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 83,600 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or Lotus Emira?

BYD Dolphin vs Lotus Emira: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • clearly more trunk space
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Lotus Emira

  • significantly more power
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely 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

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

Dolphin

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 considerably cheaper – starting at 29,700 £ , while the Lotus Emira costs 83,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 53,880 £.

Emira

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 Lotus Emira offers significantly more power – delivering 406 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 202 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Lotus Emira is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 4 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Lotus Emira delivers markedly more torque with 480 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 170 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.

Seats: BYD Dolphin offers more seats – 5 vs 2.

In terms of curb weight, Lotus Emira is barely lighter – 1,521 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 137 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BYD Dolphin offers clearly more boot space – 345 L compared to 151 L. That’s a difference of about 194 L.

When it comes to payload, the BYD Dolphin carries significantly more – 410 kg compared to 230 kg. That’s a difference of about 180 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BYD Dolphin is far ahead 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 £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
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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
Lotus Emira

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

Lotus Emira

The Lotus Emira is a supremely alive sports coupe that blends razor‑sharp handling with enough everyday comfort to make it usable beyond the track. It looks gorgeous, sounds eager and delivers a focused, smile-inducing drive that will seduce enthusiasts and tempt sensible buyers alike.

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_LOT-3872
_LOT-3901
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_LOT-3584
Lotus_Emira-Full-on-Interior
Lotus_Emira_DeadRear_3

Reviews Lotus Emira

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

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BYD Dolphin
Lotus Emira

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
83,600 - 107,600 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
9.2 - 11.3 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
208 - 245 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Coupe
Seats
5
Seats
2
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Curb weight
1,521 - 1,533 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
151 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,895 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 kg
Payload
213 - 230 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
365 - 406 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 - 4.8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
420 - 480 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
268 - 298 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1,991 - 3,456 cm3

General
Model Year
2023
Model Year
2,023 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
BYD
Brand
Lotus
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.