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Volvo EC40 vs BYD Dolphin Surf comparison

Compare performance (442 HP vs 156 HP), boot space and price (46,500 £ vs 19,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Volvo EC40 or BYD Dolphin Surf?

Volvo EC40 vs BYD Dolphin Surf: Key differences

Volvo EC40

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • clearly more electric range
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly more trunk space
details

BYD Dolphin Surf

4.4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • very slightly more efficient
  • significantly lighter
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

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

EC40

Costs and Efficiency:

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

BYD Dolphin Surf is clearly cheaper – starting at 19,700 £ , while the Volvo EC40 costs 46,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 26,829 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the BYD Dolphin Surf is very slightly more efficient: consuming 15.5 kWh/100km compared to 16.2 kWh/100km for the Volvo EC40. That’s a difference of about 0.7 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Volvo EC40 offers clearly more range – reaching up to 585 km, about 263 km more than the BYD Dolphin Surf.

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 Volvo EC40 offers considerably more power – delivering 442 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 286 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo EC40 is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.6 s, while the BYD Dolphin Surf takes 9.1 s. That’s about 4.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo EC40 delivers considerably more torque with 670 Nm compared to 220 Nm. That’s about 450 Nm more.

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.

Seats: Volvo EC40 offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin Surf is significantly lighter – 1,294 kg compared to 2,065 kg. The difference is around 771 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Volvo EC40 offers markedly more boot space – 404 L compared to 308 L. That’s a difference of about 96 L.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo EC40 carries noticeably more – 435 kg compared to 344 kg. That’s a difference of about 91 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo EC40 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 £46,500
EC40

Volvo EC40

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 238 - 442 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 16.2 - 17.3 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 486 - 585 km
details

Frequently compared as well

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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 …
Volvo EC40
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Volvo EC40

The Volvo EC40 feels like a polished slice of Scandinavian calm on wheels, blending minimalist design with a cocoon-like interior that makes everyday driving surprisingly serene. It’s an electric compact that puts safety and comfort front and center, while still injecting enough personality and tech-savvy charm to keep city buyers smiling.

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310887_Volvo_C40_Recharge_Pure_Electric

Reviews Volvo EC40

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate

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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BYD_Dolphin_Surf__251_UK05BYD
BYD_Dolphin_Surf__205-1
BYD_Dolphin_Surf__195

Reviews BYD Dolphin Surf

4.4 (1 Reviews)
rate
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

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Costs and Consumption
Price
46,500 - 56,800 £
Price
19,700 - 26,600 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.2 - 17.3 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 - 16 kWh/100km
Electric Range
486 - 585 km
Electric Range
220 - 322 km
Battery Capacity
-
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
4
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
2,065 - 2,185 kg
Curb weight
1,294 - 1,390 kg
Trunk capacity
404 L
Trunk capacity
308 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,873 mm
Width
1,720 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
395 - 435 kg
Payload
344 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
238 - 442 HP
Power HP
88 - 156 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.3 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 12.1 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
420 - 670 Nm
Torque
175 - 220 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
175 - 325 kW
Power kW
65 - 115 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Volvo
Brand
BYD
Is the Volvo EC40 offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include 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.