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BYD Dolphin vs Mercedes Citan comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 131 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 22,400 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or Mercedes Citan?

BYD Dolphin vs Mercedes Citan: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

3.7 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • clearly more electric range
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h

Mercedes Citan

  • markedly cheaper
  • very slightly lighter
  • clearly more trunk space

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

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.

Mercedes Citan is markedly cheaper – starting at 22,400 £ , while the BYD Dolphin costs 29,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 7,248 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the BYD Dolphin is clearly more efficient: consuming 15.9 kWh/100km compared to 19.3 kWh/100km for the Mercedes Citan. That’s a difference of about 3.4 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the BYD Dolphin offers clearly more range – reaching up to 427 km, about 147 km more than the Mercedes Citan.

Citan

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 BYD Dolphin offers clearly more power – delivering 204 HP compared to 131 HP. That’s roughly 73 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BYD Dolphin is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 7 s, while the Mercedes Citan takes 13 s. That’s about 6 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the Mercedes Citan is slightly faster – reaching 183 km/h, while the BYD Dolphin tops out at 160 km/h. The difference is around 23 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BYD Dolphin delivers slightly more torque with 310 Nm compared to 270 Nm. That’s about 40 Nm more.

Dolphin

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mercedes Citan is very slightly lighter – 1,556 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 102 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes Citan offers clearly more boot space – 551 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 206 L.

For maximum load capacity, the Mercedes Citan offers clearly more capacity – up to 3,660 L, about 2,350 L more than the BYD Dolphin.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes Citan carries noticeably more – 644 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 234 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BYD Dolphin shows a few small advantages 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

Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin
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The BYD Dolphin is a zippy, compact EV built for urban life — efficient, easy to park and kind on the wallet, making it a brilliant daily driver for city dwellers. The BYD Atto 2 swaps hatchback frugality for crossover comfort and tech, offering more space, range and kit for buyers who value …
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
Mercedes Citan

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
E3343F48-6402-43F6-BA2F-1FB1F8EFCE7F
000AECC3-AF0F-42E4-A606-040E7FB88B81
0344F0B7-DD22-4EE0-9220-311A496628F6

Reviews BYD Dolphin

3.7 (3 Reviews)
rate
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

Mercedes Citan

The Mercedes Citan is a clever urban van that dresses sensible practicality in a surprisingly premium suit, making light work of deliveries and family duties without feeling like a workhorse. With a calm, car-like driving feel, clever interior packaging and the Mercedes badge up front, it’s a smart pick for buyers who want function with a touch of luxury and a wink of personality.

details
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Reviews Mercedes Citan

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

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BYD Dolphin
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In a head-to-head comparison, the BYD Dolphin and VW ID.3 stand out in the rapidly evolving EV market, each offering unique strengths. The Dolphin impresses with its affordability and efficiency, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers looking for great range and technological …
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BYD Dolphin
Mercedes Citan

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
22,400 - 30,100 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 7.4 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
19.3 - 20.7 kWh/100km
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
265 - 280 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
45 kWh
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 - 167 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
54 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
High Roof Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Curb weight
1,556 - 2,010 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
0 - 551 L
Length
4,290 mm
Length
4,498 - 4,922 mm
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,859 mm
Height
1,570 mm
Height
1,811 - 1,830 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,310 L
Max trunk capacity
1,979 - 3,660 L
Payload
410 kg
Payload
485 - 644 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol, Diesel, Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
95 - 131 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
13 - 15.5 s
Max Speed
160 km/h
Max Speed
132 - 183 km/h
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
200 - 270 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
70 - 96 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,461 cm3

General
Model Year
2,023
Model Year
2,021 - 2,024
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, E, A
Brand
BYD
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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.