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Lotus Emira vs BYD Dolphin Surf comparison

Compare performance (406 HP vs 156 HP), boot space and price (83,600 £ vs 19,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Lotus Emira or BYD Dolphin Surf?

Lotus Emira vs BYD Dolphin Surf: Key differences

Lotus Emira

  • substantially more power
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
details

BYD Dolphin Surf

4.4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • a bit lighter
  • substantially more trunk space
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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

Emira

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 Surf is considerably cheaper – starting at 19,700 £ , while the Lotus Emira costs 83,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 63,866 £.

Dolphin Surf

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 Lotus Emira offers substantially more power – delivering 406 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 250 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Lotus Emira is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 4 s, while the BYD Dolphin Surf takes 9.1 s. That’s about 5.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Lotus Emira delivers significantly more torque with 480 Nm compared to 220 Nm. That’s about 260 Nm more.

Emira

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: BYD Dolphin Surf offers more seats – 4 vs 2.

In terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin Surf is a bit lighter – 1,294 kg compared to 1,521 kg. The difference is around 227 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BYD Dolphin Surf offers substantially more boot space – 308 L compared to 151 L. That’s a difference of about 157 L.

When it comes to payload, the BYD Dolphin Surf carries markedly more – 344 kg compared to 230 kg. That’s a difference of about 114 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BYD Dolphin Surf holds a decisive overall lead 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 £19,700
Dolphin Surf

BYD Dolphin Surf

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 88 - 156 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 15.5 - 16 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 220 - 322 km
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Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin Surf
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The BYD Dolphin Surf and the MG4 Urban are compact electric hatchbacks that target buyers who want a practical, tech-rich EV without blowing the budget. This comparison focuses on range, performance, interior space, and value to help you pick the better fit for daily driving and city life.
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Renault Twingo
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We pit the cheeky BYD Dolphin Surf against the compact Renault Twingo to find out which small car deserves your city-driving crown. The Dolphin Surf brings electric refinement and modern tech to the party, while the Twingo trades on nimble handling and fuss-free simplicity — your choice depends on …
Lotus Emira
BYD Dolphin Surf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Lotus Emira

The Lotus Emira is a supremely alive sports coupe that blends razor‑sharp handling with enough everyday comfort to make it usable beyond the track. It looks gorgeous, sounds eager and delivers a focused, smile-inducing drive that will seduce enthusiasts and tempt sensible buyers alike.

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Reviews Lotus Emira

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

BYD Dolphin Surf

The BYD Dolphin Surf is an intriguing model that combines sleek design with modern electric technology, making it an appealing choice for urban commuters seeking sustainability and style. Its dynamic exterior design is complemented by an interior that prioritizes comfort and functionality, reflecting the brand's commitment to innovation. The model also offers impressive handling and a smooth driving experience, embodying the shift towards eco-friendly transportation.

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Reviews BYD Dolphin Surf

4.4 (1 Reviews)
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Dieter Schönrock
9 Jun 2026, 07:04:54

The Dolphin Surf is especially appealing because of the entry height and the low step-in. The amount of space is very good. It's a pity it has no towing capacity — around 500–600 kg would be great. The Dolphin Surf is better suited for older people than the R5.

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

Frequently compared as well

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BYD Dolphin Surf
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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 …
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Lotus Emira
BYD Dolphin Surf

Costs and Consumption
Price
83,600 - 107,600 £
Price
19,700 - 26,600 £
Consumption L/100km
9.2 - 11.3 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 - 16 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
220 - 322 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
208 - 245 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Coupe
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
2
Seats
4
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,521 - 1,533 kg
Curb weight
1,294 - 1,390 kg
Trunk capacity
151 L
Trunk capacity
308 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,895 mm
Width
1,720 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
213 - 230 kg
Payload
344 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
365 - 406 HP
Power HP
88 - 156 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 - 4.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 12.1 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
420 - 480 Nm
Torque
175 - 220 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
268 - 298 kW
Power kW
65 - 115 kW
Engine capacity
1,991 - 3,456 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,023 - 2,025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Lotus
Brand
BYD
What drivetrain options does the Lotus Emira have?

The Lotus Emira is offered with Rear-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.