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BYD Dolphin vs Volvo XC40 comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 197 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 41,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or Volvo XC40?

BYD Dolphin vs Volvo XC40: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • very slightly more power
  • very slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely lighter
details

Volvo XC40

4.9 (8 Reviews)
rate
details

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:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

BYD Dolphin is clearly cheaper – starting at 29,700 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 41,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 12,214 £.

XC40

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 BYD Dolphin offers very slightly more power – delivering 204 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 7 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BYD Dolphin is very slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 7 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.6 s. That’s about 0.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BYD Dolphin delivers barely more torque with 310 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 10 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 barely lighter – 1,658 kg compared to 1,688 kg. The difference is around 30 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC40 carries visibly more – 532 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 122 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BYD Dolphin 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 £29,700
Dolphin

BYD Dolphin

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 204 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 15.9 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 427 km
details

Frequently compared as well

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BYD Dolphin
Volvo XC40

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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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 XC40

The Volvo XC40 blends Scandinavian design with practical versatility, offering a compact luxury crossover that feels composed and easy to live with. It’s refined and focused on safety with a high-quality interior, making it a smart choice for daily city driving and weekend escapes.

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223200_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior
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265600_XC40_AWD_R-Design_expression_in_Crystal_White_Pearl

Reviews Volvo XC40

4.9 (8 Reviews)
rate
Pim de Bruijn
15 Jun 2026, 14:27:59

After many new Volvos — including a V70 and an XC90 — I've now bought a lightly used XC40 from the dealer. In every respect it was the best choice.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Trentini Paolo
7 May 2026, 13:45:44

Delivered a few days ago — a radical change after 5 VW Golfs, most recently a T‑Roc.

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
S. M.
20 Apr 2026, 09:07:56

Excellent

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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The Hyundai Tucson turns heads with bold styling, generous kit and wallet-friendly practicality, while the Volvo XC40 answers with crisp Scandinavian design, a cosseting cabin and a premium badge that justifies the extra euros. If you want bang-for-buck family usability and lots of equipment go …
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The Mazda CX-5 and Volvo XC40 are two leading compact SUVs that blend style, comfort and day-to-day practicality for buyers who want a premium feel without stepping up to a large luxury brand. The CX-5 leans toward engaging driving dynamics and an upscale, tactile cabin, while the XC40 prioritizes …
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BYD Dolphin
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
148 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
1,688 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 kg
Payload
532 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3

General
Model Year
2023
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
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.