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BYD Dolphin vs NIO ET5 comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 490 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 40,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or NIO ET5?

BYD Dolphin vs NIO ET5: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

3.7 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly cheaper
  • moderately more efficient
  • markedly lighter

NIO ET5

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • visibly more electric range
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • a bit 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 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 visibly cheaper – starting at 29,700 £ , while the NIO ET5 costs 40,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,023 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the BYD Dolphin is moderately more efficient: consuming 15.9 kWh/100km compared to 18.6 kWh/100km for the NIO ET5. That’s a difference of about 2.7 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the NIO ET5 offers visibly more range – reaching up to 590 km, about 163 km more than the BYD Dolphin.

ET5

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the NIO ET5 offers clearly more power – delivering 490 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 286 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the NIO ET5 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 3 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the NIO ET5 is slightly faster – reaching 200 km/h, while the BYD Dolphin tops out at 160 km/h. The difference is around 40 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the NIO ET5 delivers significantly more torque with 700 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 390 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, BYD Dolphin is markedly lighter – 1,658 kg compared to 2,215 kg. The difference is around 557 kg.

Looking at boot space, the NIO ET5 offers a bit more boot space – 386 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 41 L.

For maximum load capacity, the BYD Dolphin offers slightly more capacity – up to 1,310 L, about 175 L more than the NIO ET5.

When it comes to payload, the NIO ET5 carries moderately more – 475 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 65 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The NIO ET5 stands well ahead of its rival 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 £40,700
ET5

NIO ET5

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 490 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 18.6 - 18.9 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 456 - 590 km
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Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin
BYD Atto 2
VS
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
NIO ET5

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

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

NIO ET5

NIO ET5 arrives with sleek, minimalist lines and a cabin that feels more like a calm lounge than a dashboard, delivering a composed drive that keeps motorway monotony at bay. Tech is smart rather than showy, and the brand’s novel ownership options make it an appealing choice for buyers who want electric convenience without the usual headaches — plus it brings enough personality to make charging stops less boring.

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Reviews NIO ET5

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

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BYD Dolphin
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NIO ET5

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
40,700 - 58,700 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
18.6 - 18.9 kWh/100km
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
456 - 590 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
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Curb weight
2,215 - 2,235 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
386 L
Length
4,290 mm
Length
4,790 mm
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,960 mm
Height
1,570 mm
Height
1,499 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,310 L
Max trunk capacity
1,135 L
Payload
410 kg
Payload
455 - 475 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
490 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 s
Max Speed
160 km/h
Max Speed
200 km/h
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
700 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
360 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,023
Model Year
2,023
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.