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BYD Dolphin vs Tesla Model 3 comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 460 HP), boot space and price (29700 £ vs 31700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or Tesla Model 3?

BYD Dolphin vs Tesla Model 3: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

3.7 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • minimal cheaper
  • hardly perceptible lighter

Tesla Model 3

3.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • convincingly more power
  • distinct more efficient
  • decisively more electric range
  • convincingly quicker from 0–100 km/h
  • decisively 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:

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

BYD Dolphin has a minimal advantage in terms of price – it starts at 29700 £ , while the Tesla Model 3 costs 31700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2014 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the advantage goes to the Tesla Model 3: with 13 kWh per 100 km, it’s distinct more efficient than the BYD Dolphin with 15.90 kWh. That’s a difference of about 2.90 kWh.

As for electric range, the Tesla Model 3 performs decisively better – achieving up to 750 km, about 323 km more than the BYD Dolphin.

Model 3

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 Tesla Model 3 has a convincingly edge – offering 460 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 256 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Tesla Model 3 is convincingly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.10 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 3.90 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Tesla Model 3 performs clearly perceptible better – reaching 262 km/h, while the BYD Dolphin tops out at 160 km/h. The difference is around 102 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Tesla Model 3 pulls significantly stronger with 660 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 350 Nm difference.

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 curb weight, BYD Dolphin is hardly perceptible lighter – 1658 kg compared to 1772 kg. The difference is around 114 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Tesla Model 3 offers decisively more room – 594 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 249 L.

When it comes to payload, BYD Dolphin slight takes the win – 410 kg compared to 377 kg. That’s a difference of about 33 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Tesla Model 3 holds a decisive overall lead 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.

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 …
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
Tesla Model 3

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis
from about £31,700
Model 3

Tesla Model 3

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 283 - 460 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 13 - 16.7 kWh
  • Electric Range : 534 - 750 km
details

BYD Dolphin

3.7 (3 Reviews)
rate

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
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000AECC3-AF0F-42E4-A606-040E7FB88B81
0344F0B7-DD22-4EE0-9220-311A496628F6

Tesla Model 3

3.8 (4 Reviews)
rate

The Tesla Model 3 slices through daily commuting with a silent, confident shove that makes petrolheads reassess their life choices, while its minimalist cabin feels more like a slick gadget gallery than a traditional car interior. For buyers after a fuss-free, tech-forward electric with plenty of grin factor and low running drama, it’s hard to beat—just don't be surprised when the car updates itself overnight.

details
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0x0-Model3_RHD_03
0x0-Model3_12
0x0-Model3_09

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

Reviews Tesla Model 3

3.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
dino999
18 Nov 2025, 08:47:05

I wanted to give 0 stars but you can't — unfortunately, it sucks.

BYD Dolphin
Tesla Model 3

Costs and Consumption
Price
29700 - 31400 £
Price
31700 - 50100 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.90 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
13 - 16.7 kWh
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
534 - 750 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
83 kWh
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
4
Curb weight
1658 kg
Curb weight
1772 - 1929 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
594 L
Length
4290 mm
Length
4724 mm
Width
1770 mm
Width
1850 mm
Height
1570 mm
Height
1431 mm
Max trunk capacity
1310 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 kg
Payload
303 - 377 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, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
283 - 460 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.1 - 6.2 s
Max Speed
160 km/h
Max Speed
262 km/h
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
420 - 660 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
208 - 338 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2023
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BYD
Brand
Tesla

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What drivetrain options does the BYD Dolphin have?

The BYD Dolphin is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.