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BYD Dolphin vs Renault R4 comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 150 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 27,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or Renault R4?

BYD Dolphin vs Renault R4: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • barely more electric range
  • a bit quicker 0–100 km/h
details

Renault R4

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • barely cheaper
  • marginally more efficient
  • only slightly lighter
  • substantially more trunk space
details

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.

Renault R4 is barely cheaper – starting at 27,300 £ , while the BYD Dolphin costs 29,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2,366 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Renault R4 is marginally more efficient: consuming 15.1 kWh/100km compared to 15.9 kWh/100km for the BYD Dolphin. That’s a difference of about 0.8 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the BYD Dolphin offers barely more range – reaching up to 427 km, about 18 km more than the Renault R4.

R4

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 BYD Dolphin offers clearly more power – delivering 204 HP compared to 150 HP. That’s roughly 54 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BYD Dolphin is a bit quicker – completing the sprint in 7 s, while the Renault R4 takes 8.2 s. That’s about 1.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BYD Dolphin delivers visibly more torque with 310 Nm compared to 245 Nm. That’s about 65 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, Renault R4 is only slightly lighter – 1,510 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 148 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Renault R4 offers substantially more boot space – 1,045 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 700 L.

When it comes to payload, the Renault R4 carries marginally more – 443 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 33 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Renault R4 holds a slight edge 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 £27,300
R4

Renault R4

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 150 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 15.1 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 409 km
details

Frequently compared as well

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 …
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BYD Dolphin
Renault R4

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

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

Renault R4

The Renault R4, affectionately known as the "R4," is a quintessential symbol of French automotive simplicity and practicality. This classic compact car, originally introduced in the early 1960s, won over numerous enthusiasts with its versatile design and dependable performance. Its no-frills charm and robust build made it a beloved choice for rural drivers and city dwellers alike, cementing its status as an iconic piece of automotive history.

details
R-DAM_1606030
R-DAM_1606039
R-DAM_1605976

Reviews Renault R4

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

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Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
27,300 - 32,800 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.1 kWh/100km
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
409 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
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
2 - 5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Curb weight
1,510 - 1,537 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
420 - 1,045 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,808 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 kg
Payload
385 - 443 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 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
245 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
110 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2023
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BYD
Brand
Renault
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.