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smart #1 vs BYD Dolphin comparison

Compare performance (428 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (31,700 £ vs 29,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – smart #1 or BYD Dolphin?

smart #1 vs BYD Dolphin: Key differences

smart #1

  • clearly more power
  • marginally more electric range
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h

BYD Dolphin

3.7 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • marginally cheaper
  • very slightly more efficient
  • very slightly lighter
  • very 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.

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

#1

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

BYD Dolphin is marginally cheaper – starting at 29,700 £ , while the smart #1 costs 31,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2,014 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the BYD Dolphin is very slightly more efficient: consuming 15.9 kWh/100km compared to 16.8 kWh/100km for the smart #1. That’s a difference of about 0.9 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the smart #1 offers marginally more range – reaching up to 440 km, about 13 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 smart #1 offers clearly more power – delivering 428 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 224 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the smart #1 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.9 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 3.1 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the smart #1 is moderately faster – 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: the smart #1 delivers considerably more torque with 584 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 274 Nm more.

#1

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 very slightly lighter – 1,658 kg compared to 1,780 kg. The difference is around 122 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BYD Dolphin offers very slightly more boot space – 345 L compared to 323 L. That’s a difference of about 22 L.

For maximum load capacity, the BYD Dolphin offers clearly more capacity – up to 1,310 L, about 324 L more than the smart #1.

When it comes to payload, the smart #1 carries somewhat more – 470 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 60 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The smart #1 stands well ahead of its rival 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 £31,700
#1

smart #1

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 272 - 428 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 16.8 - 18.2 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 310 - 440 km
details

Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin
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BYD Dolphin

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

smart #1

The Smart #1 feels like a breath of fresh air in the compact EV world, pairing playful styling with usable space and a cabin that punches above its size. It skips the fuss and delivers an easygoing, city-friendly driving experience with clever features that make it a sensible, slightly cheeky choice for everyday motoring.

details
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Limbo_Edition1_EXT_09_White_Gold_Powered_Tailgate
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Reviews smart #1

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.

details
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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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Costs and Consumption
Price
31,700 - 45,000 £
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.8 - 18.2 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Electric Range
310 - 440 km
Electric Range
427 km
Battery Capacity
47 - 62 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,780 - 1,900 kg
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Trunk capacity
313 - 323 L
Trunk capacity
345 L
Length
4,270 - 4,300 mm
Length
4,290 mm
Width
1,822 mm
Width
1,770 mm
Height
1,636 mm
Height
1,570 mm
Max trunk capacity
976 - 986 L
Max trunk capacity
1,310 L
Payload
425 - 470 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
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
272 - 428 HP
Power HP
204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.9 - 6.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
160 km/h
Torque
343 - 584 Nm
Torque
310 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
200 - 315 kW
Power kW
150 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,023 - 2,024
Model Year
2,023
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
smart
Brand
BYD
What drive types are available for the smart #1?

The smart #1 is available as Rear-Wheel Drive or 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.