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BYD Dolphin vs Volvo EX40 comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 442 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 45,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or Volvo EX40?

BYD Dolphin vs Volvo EX40: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • marginally more efficient
  • markedly lighter
details

Volvo EX40

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • markedly more electric range
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • slightly 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:

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

BYD Dolphin is considerably cheaper – starting at 29,700 £ , while the Volvo EX40 costs 45,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 15,557 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the BYD Dolphin is marginally more efficient: consuming 15.9 kWh/100km compared to 16.6 kWh/100km for the Volvo EX40. That’s a difference of about 0.7 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Volvo EX40 offers markedly more range – reaching up to 576 km, about 149 km more than the BYD Dolphin.

EX40

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 Volvo EX40 offers considerably more power – delivering 442 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 238 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo EX40 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.6 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 2.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo EX40 delivers clearly more torque with 670 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 360 Nm more.

Dolphin

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 terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin is markedly lighter – 1,658 kg compared to 2,040 kg. The difference is around 382 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Volvo EX40 offers slightly more boot space – 410 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 65 L.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo EX40 carries moderately more – 480 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 70 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo EX40 is decisively ahead 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 £45,200
EX40

Volvo EX40

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 238 - 442 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 16.6 - 17.6 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 477 - 576 km
details

Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin
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The BYD Dolphin and BYD Atto 2 represent two distinct EV choices from BYD: the Dolphin is a compact, city-oriented hatchback focused on efficiency and nimble urban driving, while the Atto 2 is a compact crossover offering more space, a higher driving position and richer tech. Choose the Dolphin for …
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BYD Dolphin
Volvo EX40

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
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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

Volvo EX40

The Volvo EX40 is a compact electric SUV that blends Scandinavian minimalism with a comfortable, high-quality interior suited to daily driving and longer trips. It prioritizes safety and intuitive technology, delivering a calm, refined experience that feels mature and easy to live with.

details
311247_XC40_Recharge
311246_XC40_Recharge
308521_Rear-wheel_drive_more_range_and_faster_charging_for_fully_electric_Volvo

Reviews Volvo EX40

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate
Marco
24 Jun 2026, 10:14:05

I find them to be two models that aren't comparable,
the Model Y is much longer and wider.
I would choose the Model Y if it were within 4.50 meters in length.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Bent
16 May 2026, 19:14:01

Stable car and generally good build quality — but I hate the Google and infotainment systems, which both seem designed to irritate the user as much as possible.
I'm looking at a Toyota B4ZX AWD when the lease on my EX40 expires. I need to be able to tow 1,500 kg, but without going broke.

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

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BYD Dolphin
Volvo EX40

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
45,200 - 56,000 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.6 - 17.6 kWh/100km
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
477 - 576 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
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Curb weight
2,040 - 2,170 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
410 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 kg
Payload
430 - 480 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
238 - 442 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.3 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
420 - 670 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
175 - 325 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2023
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BYD
Brand
Volvo
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.