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Renault R5 vs BYD Dolphin comparison

Compare performance (540 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (23,900 £ vs 29,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Renault R5 or BYD Dolphin?

Renault R5 vs BYD Dolphin: Key differences

Renault R5

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • considerably more power
  • only slightly more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • somewhat lighter

BYD Dolphin

3.7 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • marginally more electric range
  • only slightly 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.

R5

City flirtations and first impressions

In town the two contenders announce very different personalities: the BYD Dolphin feels like the sensible neighbour with tidy manners, while the Renault R5 plays the cheeky retro charmer that draws glances at traffic lights. Both look at home in urban life but they aim for different buyers — one pragmatic and fresh, the other playful and style-conscious. For shoppers who love character, the R5 brings nostalgia; for those who prize understatement, the Dolphin is the quieter, confident choice.

Dolphin

When the road opens up

Behind the wheel the contrast continues — one car leans toward reassuring, composed progress, the other insists on sharper responses and a more extroverted temperament. Neither feels out of place on a long drive, but they ask for different driving styles: calm and steady versus brisk and engaged. That split will map closely to whether you enjoy relaxed cruising or want a bit more theatricality from the throttle and steering.

R5

Life inside: an honest appraisal

Cabin comfort is where real-life use shows its colours: both cabins are intelligently packaged, but their atmospheres differ — one prioritises simple practicality and airy space, the other trades some practicality for a distinctive, mood-setting interior. Fit and finish are generally pleasing, with user-friendly controls and surfaces that feel durable rather than precious. For daily commuting or school runs, each will do the job, but your affinity for layout and touchpoints will decide which feels more like yours.

Dolphin

Family hauls and weekend plans

Practicality is a thoughtful compromise in both cars: they swallow daily errands without fuss and can stretch for weekend escapes when needed, though neither is trying to be a van. Loading, visibility and the way the cars manage packing are all about usability rather than headline-grabbing capacity. Families will appreciate the straightforward ergonomics and handy storage solutions, while single drivers will enjoy the sense of a compact car that still works hard for everyday life.

R5

Style notes and curb appeal

Design is a clear dividing line: one model opts for cute, modern minimalism, the other revives a beloved silhouette with new-life charisma. Each makes a different cultural statement — practical modernity versus retro flamboyance — and that will be a major factor for buyers who care how their car reflects them. Paints, trim and little styling touches amplify personality, so pick the one that feels like an extension of your taste rather than a compromise.

Dolphin

Ownership realities and daily running

Beyond the test route, considerations like ease of use, charging routines and perceived running costs shape ownership happiness more than headline figures. Service networks, software experience and dealer support will influence the long-term relationship you have with either machine, and neither is a mystery once you factor in local support and habits. Prospective owners should weigh how each car will fit into their day-to-day life rather than get distracted by brief bursts of novelty.

Curious which one suits you best?

Both the BYD Dolphin and the Renault R5 bring strong, clearly different personalities to the same table, so your choice comes down to temperament as much as necessity. Keep reading — the DriveDuel Champion will be revealed afterwards and we’ll explain which buyer each car truly serves best.

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 …

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

R5

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Renault R5 is clearly cheaper – starting at 23,900 £ , while the BYD Dolphin costs 29,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,777 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Renault R5 is only slightly more efficient: consuming 14.8 kWh/100km compared to 15.9 kWh/100km for the BYD Dolphin. That’s a difference of about 1.1 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the BYD Dolphin offers marginally more range – reaching up to 427 km, about 22 km more than the Renault R5.

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 Renault R5 offers considerably more power – delivering 540 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 336 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Renault R5 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 3.5 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the Renault R5 is significantly 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 Renault R5 delivers substantially more torque with 4,800 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 4,490 Nm more.

R5

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Renault R5 is somewhat lighter – 1,447 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 211 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BYD Dolphin offers only slightly more boot space – 345 L compared to 326 L. That’s a difference of about 19 L.

For maximum load capacity, the BYD Dolphin offers moderately more capacity – up to 1,310 L, about 204 L more than the Renault R5.

When it comes to payload, the Renault R5 carries marginally more – 418 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 8 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Renault R5 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 £23,900
R5

Renault R5

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 122 - 540 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 14.8 - 15.2 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 307 - 405 km
details
Renault R5
BYD Dolphin

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Renault R5

The Renault 5 is a cheeky city car that marries retro charm with modern flair, its playful looks promising smiles before you even start the engine. Practical enough for daily life yet lively enough to make short trips feel like mini adventures, it’s an irresistible choice for buyers who prefer personality to bland practicality.

details
D9BB3E56-4B0D-4E48-A734-11A1714B92A5
79A3C149-BC71-4BE3-A149-986DD84D251C
DDEACB99-545B-4C72-B12C-AB35E7B77365

Reviews Renault R5

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
Walter
4 Nov 2025, 21:42:46

Practical, nimble, and fun to drive. For rather small drivers up to 1.75 m there's plenty of space even on the back seat. Useful driver-assist systems, and Android Auto works well. Very economical in summer. In winter a lot of energy is used in the first five minutes to bring the battery up to 20°C, which makes consumption on short winter trips very high.

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

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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VS
In a head-to-head comparison, the BYD Dolphin and VW ID.3 stand out in the rapidly evolving EV market, each offering unique strengths. The Dolphin impresses with its affordability and efficiency, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers looking for great range and technological …
Renault Clio
Renault R5
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The Clio is the sensible, all-weather hatch — efficient, tech-rich and practical for families and commuters who want a solid everyday car. The R5 is a cheeky retro reboot with electric city credentials and heaps of character — pick the Clio for logic and space, the R5 for style and smile-inducing …
Renault R5
BYD Dolphin

Costs and Consumption
Price
23,900 - 137,100 £
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.8 - 15.2 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Electric Range
307 - 405 km
Electric Range
427 km
Battery Capacity
40 - 52 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
2 - 5
Seats
5
Doors
3 - 5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,447 - 1,524 kg
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Trunk capacity
326 L
Trunk capacity
345 L
Length
3,922 - 4,080 mm
Length
4,290 mm
Width
1,744 - 2,030 mm
Width
1,770 mm
Height
1,380 - 1,498 mm
Height
1,570 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,106 L
Max trunk capacity
1,310 L
Payload
396 - 418 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
Front-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 540 HP
Power HP
204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Max Speed
150 - 270 km/h
Max Speed
160 km/h
Torque
225 - 4,800 Nm
Torque
310 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
90 - 397 kW
Power kW
150 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,027
Model Year
2,023
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Renault
Brand
BYD
What drivetrain options does the Renault R5 have?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive or 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.