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BYD Dolphin vs VW ID.4 comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 299 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 34,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or VW ID.4?

BYD Dolphin vs VW ID.4: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • moderately cheaper
  • clearly lighter
details

VW ID.4

4.4 (9 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • barely more efficient
  • noticeably more electric range
  • slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
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

Video - VW ID.4

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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 moderately cheaper – starting at 29,700 £ , while the VW ID.4 costs 34,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,091 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the VW ID.4 is barely more efficient: consuming 15.4 kWh/100km compared to 15.9 kWh/100km for the BYD Dolphin. That’s a difference of about 0.5 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the VW ID.4 offers noticeably more range – reaching up to 570 km, about 143 km more than the BYD Dolphin.

ID.4

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 VW ID.4 offers clearly more power – delivering 299 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 95 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW ID.4 is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 6.1 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 0.9 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW ID.4 delivers significantly more torque with 545 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 235 Nm more.

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 clearly lighter – 1,658 kg compared to 2,065 kg. The difference is around 407 kg.

When it comes to payload, the VW ID.4 carries markedly more – 554 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 144 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW ID.4 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 £34,800
ID.4

VW ID.4

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 190 - 299 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 15.4 - 16.6 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 425 - 570 km
details

Frequently compared as well

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
BYD Atto 2
VS
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 …
BYD Dolphin
VW ID.4

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

VW ID.4

The VW ID.4 is a practical, family-friendly electric SUV that balances everyday usability with a calm, composed driving character. It pairs a roomy, well-finished cabin and easy-to-use tech with predictable handling and convenient charging options, making it a sensible choice for buyers switching to electric.

details
DB2021AU00579_medium
DB2020AU01904_medium
DB2020AU01882_medium
DB2021AU00580_medium
DB2021AU00578_medium
DB2020AU01904_medium
DB2020AU01577_medium
DB2020AU01391_medium

Reviews VW ID.4

4.4 (9 Reviews)
rate
Jan Hansen
10 Apr 2026, 21:40:06

It's a technologically advanced car, but somewhere along the way VW forgot the pleasant cabin and the comfortable ride. It IS a VW — and that redeems it.

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
Achim
7 Apr 2026, 15:55:42

The ID.4 is a bit pricey, but very pleasant to drive. Its winter range could be better — then again, that's a problem all EVs are facing right now.

Tore
1 Mar 2026, 23:15:24

An ID.4 with 340 hp is not comparable to the Aiways U5! The U5 only has 204 hp! The ID.4’s boot is too small, rear legroom is too tight, no frunk, and it’s a bit confusing…

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
Kenneth Kjeldsen
13 Dec 2025, 11:57:52

I have an ID.4 GTX and it drives like a dream — loads of extra power, sits well on the road, high seating position, quiet. I can see other cars have bigger screens, but mine works fine.

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

Frequently compared as well

VW ID.4
Skoda Elroq
VS
In the battle of electric SUVs, the VW ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq offer distinctive features that cater to different preferences. The ID.4 boasts a more refined interior and advanced tech options, while the Enyaq shines with its spaciousness and practicality. Ultimately, the choice between these two …
VW ID.4
VW ID.5
VS
The VW ID.4 and VW ID.5 are essentially twins under the skin—same motors, batteries and calm, quiet manners—but the ID.5 trades the ID.4’s family-friendly boxiness for a sleeker coupe roof and a tad more curbside drama. If you value rear headroom, visibility and a friendlier price, go ID.4; if …
BYD Dolphin
Renault R5
VS
If you want no-nonsense electric practicality and impressive value for daily miles, the BYD Dolphin delivers usable range, clever packaging and tech that actually matters without breaking the bank. The Renault 5, meanwhile, sacrifices a little practicality for irresistible retro charm and …
VW ID.4
Toyota C-HR+
VS
Comparing the VW ID.4 and the Toyota C-HR+ sets an electric compact SUV against a fuel-efficient compact crossover, so your decision comes down to whether you want a pure-EV experience or practical economy and distinctive styling. This quick comparison highlights the ID.4’s electric range, charging …
Ford Capri
VW ID.4
VS
The Ford Capri is a cheeky, analogue sweetheart—low-slung, rear‑drive and pure driving theatre that trades modern creature comforts for charisma and grin‑inducing character. Opposite it, the VW ID.4 is calm, clever and sensible—an electric, family‑friendly crossover that prioritises range, interior …
VW ID.3
VW ID.4
VS
Choosing between the VW ID.3 and VW ID.4 is really a question of priorities: the ID.3 trims the fat and fizzes through city streets with hatchback agility, while the ID.4 stretches out for SUV practicality and relaxed long-distance cruising. Pick the ID.3 if you crave compact punch and parking …
VW ID.4
VW ID.7 Touring
VS
Deciding between the VW ID.4 and the VW ID.7 Touring comes down to whether you want a compact, practical electric crossover or a larger, more aerodynamic electric estate built for long-distance comfort and efficiency. The ID.4 is aimed at everyday versatility and easy driving in town, while the …
Kia EV3
VW ID.4
VS
In the battle of compact electric SUVs, the cheeky, value-packed Kia EV3 punches above its class with clever packaging, a quirky, tech-forward cabin and a surprisingly brisk turn of pace, while the VW ID.4 answers with a calmer, more mature demeanour, composed ride and the reassurance of …
BYD Dolphin
VW ID.4

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
34,800 - 47,600 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.4 - 16.6 kWh/100km
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
425 - 570 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
2,065 - 2,219 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,852 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 kg
Payload
525 - 554 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
190 - 299 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.1 - 8.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
310 - 545 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
140 - 220 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

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