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BYD Dolphin vs Tesla Model S comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 1,020 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 94,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or Tesla Model S?

BYD Dolphin vs Tesla Model S: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

3.7 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • marginally more efficient
  • markedly lighter

Tesla Model S

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • considerably more electric range
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • significantly 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 clearly cheaper – starting at 29,700 £ , while the Tesla Model S costs 94,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 64,586 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the BYD Dolphin is marginally more efficient: consuming 15.9 kWh/100km compared to 16.8 kWh/100km for the Tesla Model S. That’s a difference of about 0.9 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Tesla Model S offers considerably more range – reaching up to 744 km, about 317 km more than the BYD Dolphin.

Model S

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Tesla Model S offers significantly more power – delivering 1,020 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 816 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Tesla Model S is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 2.1 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 4.9 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the Tesla Model S is significantly faster – reaching 322 km/h, while the BYD Dolphin tops out at 160 km/h. The difference is around 162 km/h.

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 2,092 kg. The difference is around 434 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Tesla Model S offers significantly more boot space – 799 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 454 L.

For maximum load capacity, the Tesla Model S offers visibly more capacity – up to 1,828 L, about 518 L more than the BYD Dolphin.

When it comes to payload, the Tesla Model S carries very slightly more – 442 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 32 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Tesla Model S 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 £94,300
Model S

Tesla Model S

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 670 - 1,020 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 16.8 - 18 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 611 - 744 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
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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
Tesla Model S

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

Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S glides like a luxury sedan from the future, delivering instant shove and serene highway composure that make it feel equally at home on a rush-hour commute or a long-distance cruise. Inside, its minimalist cabin and gadget-forward interface turn every drive into a tech demo, making it as much a statement piece as a practical choice — and one that still manages to feel a little bit magical.

details
0x0-ModelS_01
0x0-ModelS_04
0x0-ModelS_03
0x0-ModelS_17
0x0-ModelS_07
0x0-ModelSPlaid-2
0x0-ModelS_16

Reviews Tesla Model S

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
jp Breugem
16 Dec 2025, 09:38:32

Reliable — now with nearly 400,000 km on the Model S, I’ve experienced few to no problems. Still using free Supercharging, it delivers a dependable, luxurious driving experience. Average consumption about 16 kWh/100 km.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin
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VW ID.3
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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
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BYD Dolphin
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BYD Dolphin
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BYD Dolphin
Dacia Spring
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BYD Dolphin
Tesla Model S

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
94,300 - 102,800 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.8 - 18 kWh/100km
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
611 - 744 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
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Curb weight
2,092 - 2,197 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
799 L
Length
4,290 mm
Length
5,021 mm
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,987 mm
Height
1,570 mm
Height
1,431 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,310 L
Max trunk capacity
1,828 L
Payload
410 kg
Payload
432 - 442 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
670 - 1,020 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
2.1 - 3.2 s
Max Speed
160 km/h
Max Speed
240 - 322 km/h
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
493 - 750 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,023
Model Year
2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BYD
Brand
Tesla
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.