@ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media
@ Nissan Motor Corporation
VS

BYD Dolphin vs Nissan Leaf – Which car suits you better?

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: BYD Dolphin or Nissan Leaf?

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

Dolphin @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

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 has a slight advantage in terms of price – it starts at 29700 £, while the Nissan Leaf costs 30800 £. That’s a price difference of around 1080 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the advantage goes to the BYD Dolphin: with 15.90 kWh per 100 km, it’s hardly perceptible more efficient than the Nissan Leaf with 16.70 kWh. That’s a difference of about 0.80 kWh.

As for range, the BYD Dolphin performs minimal better – achieving up to 427 km, about 42 km more than the Nissan Leaf.

Leaf @ Nissan Motor Corporation

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Nissan Leaf has a slight edge – offering 217 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 13 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Nissan Leaf is barely noticeable quicker – completing the sprint in 6.90 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 0.10 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the BYD Dolphin performs barely noticeable better – reaching 160 km/h, while the Nissan Leaf tops out at 157 km/h. The difference is around 3 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Nissan Leaf pulls minimal stronger with 340 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 30 Nm difference.

Dolphin @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Nissan Leaf is minimal lighter – 1580 kg compared to 1658 kg. The difference is around 78 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Nissan Leaf offers slightly more room – 394 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 49 L.

In maximum load capacity, the BYD Dolphin performs noticeable better – up to 1310 L, which is about 520 L more than the Nissan Leaf.

When it comes to payload, Nissan Leaf hardly perceptible takes the win – 415 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 5 kg.

Who wins the race?

The BYD Dolphin proves to be edges out slightly and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
BYD Dolphin is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £29,700
Dolphin @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

BYD Dolphin

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 204 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 15.90 kWh
  • Electric Range : 427 km
details

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 @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media
000AECC3-AF0F-42E4-A606-040E7FB88B81 @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media
0344F0B7-DD22-4EE0-9220-311A496628F6 @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is a practical, easygoing electric hatch that turns daily commutes into a quiet, effortless affair while offering more cabin space than it lets on. It’s a sensible, wallet-friendly step into electrification for buyers who value comfort and simplicity over sporty drama, though those chasing long-distance thrills might look elsewhere.

details
Nissan_Leaf_High.1.JPG-source @ Nissan Motor Corporation
Nissan_Leaf_High.13.JPG-source @ Nissan Motor Corporation
Nissan_Leaf_2022_18.JPG-source @ Nissan Motor Corporation
Nissan_Leaf_2022_4.JPG-source @ Nissan Motor Corporation

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Leaf @ Nissan Motor Corporation

Costs and Consumption
Price
29700 - 31400 £
Price
30800 - 37200 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.90 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
16.7 - 17.8 kWh
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
270 - 385 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
39 - 59 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
1658 kg
Curb weight
1580 - 1756 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
385 - 394 L
Length
4290 mm
Length
4490 mm
Width
1770 mm
Width
1788 mm
Height
1570 mm
Height
1540 - 1545 mm
Max trunk capacity
1310 L
Max trunk capacity
790 L
Payload
410 kg
Payload
384 - 415 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
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
150 - 217 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.9 - 7.9 s
Max Speed
160 km/h
Max Speed
144 - 157 km/h
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
320 - 340 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
110 - 160 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2023
Model Year
2019
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BYD
Brand
Nissan

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What drivetrain options does the BYD Dolphin have?

The BYD Dolphin is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.