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BYD Dolphin vs VW Golf comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 333 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 25,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or VW Golf?

BYD Dolphin vs VW Golf: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more electric range

VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • slightly cheaper
  • noticeably more power
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • visibly lighter
  • marginally 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 key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

VW Golf is slightly cheaper – starting at 25,200 £ , while the BYD Dolphin costs 29,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4,496 £.

As for electric range, the BYD Dolphin offers clearly more range – reaching up to 427 km, about 284 km more than the VW Golf.

Golf

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf offers noticeably more power – delivering 333 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 129 HP more horsepower.

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

Looking at top speed, the VW Golf is substantially faster – reaching 270 km/h, while the BYD Dolphin tops out at 160 km/h. The difference is around 110 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Golf delivers markedly more torque with 420 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 110 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, VW Golf is visibly lighter – 1,307 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 351 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Golf offers marginally more boot space – 381 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 36 L.

For maximum load capacity, the BYD Dolphin offers very slightly more capacity – up to 1,310 L, about 73 L more than the VW Golf.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf carries slightly more – 508 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 98 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf 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 £25,200
Golf

VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 8.1 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 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
VW Golf

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

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

VW Golf

The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.

details
DB2019AU02117_medium
DB2019AU02116_medium
DB2019AU02120_medium
DB2019AU02082_medium
DB2019AU02081_medium
DB2019AU02087_medium
DB2019AU02105_medium

Reviews VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

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BYD Dolphin
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BYD Dolphin
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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 …
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BYD Dolphin
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
25,200 - 47,600 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.7 kWh
co2
0 g/km
co2
25 - 184 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Curb weight
1,307 - 1,662 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
4,290 mm
Length
4,282 - 4,296 mm
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
1,570 mm
Height
1,454 - 1,483 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,310 L
Max trunk capacity
1,129 - 1,237 L
Payload
410 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
160 km/h
Max Speed
203 - 270 km/h
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2,023
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
Brand
BYD
Brand
VW
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.