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BYD Dolphin vs NIO EL7 comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 653 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 63,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or NIO EL7?

BYD Dolphin vs NIO EL7: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

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

NIO EL7

  • considerably more power
  • slightly more electric range
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly 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:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

BYD Dolphin is clearly cheaper – starting at 29,700 £ , while the NIO EL7 costs 63,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 33,651 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the BYD Dolphin is clearly more efficient: consuming 15.9 kWh/100km compared to 22.1 kWh/100km for the NIO EL7. That’s a difference of about 6.2 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the NIO EL7 offers slightly more range – reaching up to 501 km, about 74 km more than the BYD Dolphin.

EL7

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 NIO EL7 offers considerably more power – delivering 653 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 449 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the NIO EL7 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.9 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 3.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the NIO EL7 delivers clearly more torque with 850 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 540 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 clearly lighter – 1,658 kg compared to 2,421 kg. The difference is around 763 kg.

Looking at boot space, the NIO EL7 offers markedly more boot space – 570 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 225 L.

When it comes to payload, the NIO EL7 carries slightly more – 469 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 59 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The NIO EL7 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 £63,300
EL7

NIO EL7

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 653 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 22.1 - 22.4 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 384 - 501 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
VS
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
NIO EL7

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

NIO EL7

The NIO EL7 arrives as a roomy electric SUV that pairs restrained elegance with bold design cues, and its interior feels like a calm, tech-forward lounge rather than a gadget parade. For buyers who crave effortless cruising, spirited performance and a tastefully premium experience — with just the right amount of showmanship for the driveway — the EL7 is an enticing, slightly theatrical choice.

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Reviews NIO EL7

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

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BYD Dolphin
VW ID.3
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BYD Dolphin
MG MG4 Urban
VS
As electric hatchbacks aimed at city buyers, the BYD Dolphin and the MG4 Urban offer practical range and strong value but differ in driving character and tech focus. This comparison highlights the key differences in range, interior space, charging, and driving experience so you can pick the better …
BYD Dolphin
Renault R5
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BYD Dolphin
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BYD Dolphin
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BYD Dolphin
Honda Jazz
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BYD Dolphin
Hyundai Inster
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In the competitive electric vehicle market, the BYD Dolphin stands out with its impressive range and budget-friendly pricing, appealing to environmentally-conscious consumers. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Instinct offers a sleek design and advanced technology features, making it a strong contender for …
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BYD Dolphin
NIO EL7

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
63,300 - 81,300 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
22.1 - 22.4 kWh/100km
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
384 - 501 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
73.5 - 90 kWh
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
5
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Curb weight
2,421 - 2,441 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
570 L
Length
-
Length
4,912 mm
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,987 mm
Height
-
Height
1,720 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,545 L
Payload
410 kg
Payload
449 - 469 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
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
653 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
200 km/h
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
850 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
480 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

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