@ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
VS

BYD Dolphin vs VW ID.4 – Which car suits you better?

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: BYD Dolphin or VW ID.4?

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Dolphin @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

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 has a a bit advantage in terms of price – it starts at 29700 £, while the VW ID.4 costs 34600 £. That’s a price difference of around 4881 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the advantage goes to the VW ID.4: with 15.60 kWh per 100 km, it’s barely noticeable more efficient than the BYD Dolphin with 15.90 kWh. That’s a difference of about 0.30 kWh.

As for range, the VW ID.4 performs evident better – achieving up to 569 km, about 142 km more than the BYD Dolphin.

ID.4 @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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 ID.4 has a clearly perceptible edge – offering 340 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 136 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW ID.4 is clearly perceptible quicker – completing the sprint in 5.40 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 1.60 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW ID.4 performs a bit better – reaching 180 km/h, while the BYD Dolphin tops out at 160 km/h. The difference is around 20 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW ID.4 pulls convincingly stronger with 679 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 369 Nm difference.

Dolphin @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

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 curb weight, BYD Dolphin is a bit lighter – 1658 kg compared to 1975 kg. The difference is around 317 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW ID.4 offers evident more room – 543 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 198 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW ID.4 performs slightly better – up to 1575 L, which is about 265 L more than the BYD Dolphin.

When it comes to payload, VW ID.4 distinct takes the win – 551 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 141 kg.

Who wins the race?

The VW ID.4 proves to be dominates this comparison and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
VW ID.4 is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £34,600
ID.4 @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW ID.4

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 170 - 340 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 15.6 - 17 kWh
  • Electric Range : 356 - 569 km

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

VW ID.4

4.5 (2)
rate

The VW ID.4 is a calm, roomy electric SUV that turns everyday driving into a quietly confident experience, its practical packaging and smooth manners tailored perfectly for family life. Volkswagen's solid build and intuitive interior tech mean you get electric practicality without the sci‑fi theatrics, making the ID.4 a sensible, surprisingly likable choice for most buyers.

details
BYD Dolphin
VW ID.4
Dolphin @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media
ID.4 @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
29700 - 31400 £
Price
34600 - 47200 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.90 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
15.6 - 17 kWh
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
356 - 569 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
52 - 77 kWh
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
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1658 kg
Curb weight
1975 - 2248 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
543 L
Length
4290 mm
Length
4582 - 4584 mm
Width
1770 mm
Width
1852 mm
Height
1570 mm
Height
1619 - 1634 mm
Max trunk capacity
1310 L
Max trunk capacity
1575 L
Payload
410 kg
Payload
511 - 551 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
170 - 340 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 9 s
Max Speed
160 km/h
Max Speed
160 - 180 km/h
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
310 - 679 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
125 - 250 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2023
Model Year
2023 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BYD
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the BYD Dolphin have?

The BYD Dolphin is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.