VS

BYD Dolphin vs smart #1 comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 428 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 31,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or smart #1?

BYD Dolphin vs smart #1: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

3.7 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • very slightly cheaper
  • only slightly more efficient
  • very slightly lighter
  • barely more trunk space

smart #1

  • substantially more power
  • only slightly more electric range
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h

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:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

BYD Dolphin is very slightly cheaper – starting at 29,700 £ , while the smart #1 costs 31,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2,014 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the BYD Dolphin is only slightly more efficient: consuming 15.9 kWh/100km compared to 16.8 kWh/100km for the smart #1. That’s a difference of about 0.9 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the smart #1 offers only slightly more range – reaching up to 440 km, about 13 km more than the BYD Dolphin.

#1

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 smart #1 offers substantially more power – delivering 428 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 224 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the smart #1 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.9 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 3.1 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the smart #1 is a bit faster – reaching 180 km/h, while the BYD Dolphin tops out at 160 km/h. The difference is around 20 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the smart #1 delivers substantially more torque with 584 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 274 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 very slightly lighter – 1,658 kg compared to 1,780 kg. The difference is around 122 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BYD Dolphin offers barely more boot space – 345 L compared to 323 L. That’s a difference of about 22 L.

For maximum load capacity, the BYD Dolphin offers clearly more capacity – up to 1,310 L, about 324 L more than the smart #1.

When it comes to payload, the smart #1 carries moderately more – 470 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 60 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The smart #1 is far ahead 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 £31,700
#1

smart #1

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 272 - 428 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 16.8 - 18.2 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 310 - 440 km
details

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
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
smart #1

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

smart #1

The Smart #1 feels like a breath of fresh air in the compact EV world, pairing playful styling with usable space and a cabin that punches above its size. It skips the fuss and delivers an easygoing, city-friendly driving experience with clever features that make it a sensible, slightly cheeky choice for everyday motoring.

details
P018_DSCF1498_EU
Limbo_Edition1_EXT_25_White_Gold_front
Limbo_Edition1_EXT_09_White_Gold_Powered_Tailgate
Limbo_Edition1_EXT_07_White_Gold_Powered_Top
Limbo_Edition1_EXT_05_White_Gold_side
P009_DSCF2991_EU
P012_DSC_1017_EU_New

Reviews smart #1

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

Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin
Renault R5
VS
If you want no-nonsense electric practicality and impressive value for daily miles, the BYD Dolphin delivers usable range, clever packaging and tech that actually matters without breaking the bank. The Renault 5, meanwhile, sacrifices a little practicality for irresistible retro charm and …
BYD Dolphin
VW ID.3
VS
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 …
BYD Dolphin
Hyundai Kona
VS
The BYD Dolphin and Hyundai Kona compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
BYD Dolphin
Kia EV3
VS
In the increasingly competitive electric vehicle market, the BYD Dolphin and Kia EV3 stand out with their unique features and modern designs. The Dolphin boasts impressive range and efficiency, catering to eco-conscious drivers, while the EV3 impresses with its sporty handling and advanced …
BYD Dolphin
MG MG4
VS
In the burgeoning landscape of electric vehicles, the BYD Dolphin and MG MG4 present compelling choices for eco-conscious drivers. The BYD Dolphin stands out with its impressive range and modern design, appealing to urban commuters seeking efficiency and style in equal measure. In contrast, the MG4 …
BYD Dolphin
Honda Jazz
VS
The BYD Dolphin and Honda Jazz compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
BYD Dolphin
Peugeot 208
VS
Unsure whether the BYD Dolphin or the Peugeot 208 is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
BYD Dolphin
Tesla Model 3
VS
Unsure whether the BYD Dolphin or the Tesla Model 3 is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
BYD Dolphin
smart #1

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
31,700 - 45,000 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.8 - 18.2 kWh/100km
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
310 - 440 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
47 - 62 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
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Curb weight
1,780 - 1,900 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
313 - 323 L
Length
4,290 mm
Length
4,270 - 4,300 mm
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,822 mm
Height
1,570 mm
Height
1,636 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,310 L
Max trunk capacity
976 - 986 L
Payload
410 kg
Payload
425 - 470 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
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
272 - 428 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.9 - 6.7 s
Max Speed
160 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
343 - 584 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
200 - 315 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,023
Model Year
2,023 - 2,024
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BYD
Brand
smart
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.