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NIO ET5 vs BYD Dolphin comparison

Compare performance (490 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (40,700 £ vs 29,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – NIO ET5 or BYD Dolphin?

NIO ET5 vs BYD Dolphin: Key differences

NIO ET5

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • clearly more electric range
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • moderately more trunk space

BYD Dolphin

3.7 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • moderately more efficient
  • clearly lighter

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

ET5

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 clearly cheaper – starting at 29,700 £ , while the NIO ET5 costs 40,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,023 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the BYD Dolphin is moderately more efficient: consuming 15.9 kWh/100km compared to 18.6 kWh/100km for the NIO ET5. That’s a difference of about 2.7 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the NIO ET5 offers clearly more range – reaching up to 590 km, about 163 km more than the BYD Dolphin.

Dolphin

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 NIO ET5 offers clearly more power – delivering 490 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 286 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the NIO ET5 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 3 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the NIO ET5 is a bit faster – reaching 200 km/h, while the BYD Dolphin tops out at 160 km/h. The difference is around 40 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the NIO ET5 delivers significantly more torque with 700 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 390 Nm more.

ET5

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 clearly lighter – 1,658 kg compared to 2,215 kg. The difference is around 557 kg.

Looking at boot space, the NIO ET5 offers moderately more boot space – 386 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 41 L.

For maximum load capacity, the BYD Dolphin offers somewhat more capacity – up to 1,310 L, about 175 L more than the NIO ET5.

When it comes to payload, the NIO ET5 carries slightly more – 475 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 65 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The NIO ET5 is far ahead overall 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 £40,700
ET5

NIO ET5

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 490 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 18.6 - 18.9 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 456 - 590 km
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

NIO ET5

NIO ET5 arrives with sleek, minimalist lines and a cabin that feels more like a calm lounge than a dashboard, delivering a composed drive that keeps motorway monotony at bay. Tech is smart rather than showy, and the brand’s novel ownership options make it an appealing choice for buyers who want electric convenience without the usual headaches — plus it brings enough personality to make charging stops less boring.

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Reviews NIO ET5

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

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.

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Reviews BYD Dolphin

3.7 (3 Reviews)
rate
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

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NIO ET5
BYD Dolphin

Costs and Consumption
Price
40,700 - 58,700 £
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
18.6 - 18.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Electric Range
456 - 590 km
Electric Range
427 km
Battery Capacity
73.5 - 90 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
2,215 - 2,235 kg
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Trunk capacity
386 L
Trunk capacity
345 L
Length
4,790 mm
Length
4,290 mm
Width
1,960 mm
Width
1,770 mm
Height
1,499 mm
Height
1,570 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,135 L
Max trunk capacity
1,310 L
Payload
455 - 475 kg
Payload
410 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
490 HP
Power HP
204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Max Speed
200 km/h
Max Speed
160 km/h
Torque
700 Nm
Torque
310 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
360 kW
Power kW
150 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,023
Model Year
2,023
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
NIO
Brand
BYD
Is the NIO ET5 offered with different drivetrains?

The NIO ET5 is offered with All-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.