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Volvo EX30 vs BYD Dolphin Surf comparison

Compare performance (428 HP vs 156 HP), boot space and price (30,000 £ vs 19,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Volvo EX30 or BYD Dolphin Surf?

Volvo EX30 vs BYD Dolphin Surf: Key differences

Volvo EX30

3.7 (10 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • markedly more electric range
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely more trunk space
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BYD Dolphin Surf

4.4 (1 Reviews)
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  • substantially cheaper
  • very slightly more efficient
  • considerably lighter
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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

EX30

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 substantially cheaper – starting at 19,700 £ , while the Volvo EX30 costs 30,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 10,286 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the BYD Dolphin Surf is very slightly more efficient: consuming 15.5 kWh/100km compared to 17 kWh/100km for the Volvo EX30. That’s a difference of about 1.5 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Volvo EX30 offers markedly more range – reaching up to 475 km, about 153 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 EX30 offers considerably more power – delivering 428 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 272 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo EX30 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.6 s, while the BYD Dolphin Surf takes 9.1 s. That’s about 5.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo EX30 delivers substantially more torque with 543 Nm compared to 220 Nm. That’s about 323 Nm more.

EX30

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 EX30 offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin Surf is considerably lighter – 1,294 kg compared to 1,840 kg. The difference is around 546 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Volvo EX30 offers barely more boot space – 318 L compared to 308 L. That’s a difference of about 10 L.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo EX30 carries slightly more – 390 kg compared to 344 kg. That’s a difference of about 46 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo EX30 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 £30,000
EX30

Volvo EX30

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 150 - 428 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 17 - 18.3 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 339 - 475 km
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Frequently compared as well

Volvo EX30
Kia EV2
VS
The Volvo EX30 and Kia EV2 are compact electric crossovers that balance urban-friendly size with modern tech, safety systems, and strong value propositions. This comparison focuses on range, performance, interior quality, and ownership costs to help you decide which suits your priorities.
BYD Dolphin Surf
MG MG4 Urban
VS
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.
Volvo EX30
BYD Dolphin Surf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Volvo EX30

The Volvo EX30 is a compact all-electric crossover that mixes Volvo's strong safety focus with clean Scandinavian design for a really city-friendly package. It feels lively and easy to live with, pairing a premium-feeling interior and modern connectivity with a practical footprint for urban driving.

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Reviews Volvo EX30

3.7 (10 Reviews)
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Burkhard Noltmann
28 Jun 2026, 22:00:46

Much cheaper and, as the twin, completely sufficient compared with the Ultra. The cockpit is a bit of an acquired taste.

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
V
8 Jun 2026, 10:03:34

Very disappointing overall for a car that comes to €57,500 with options.
After 27,000 km in it over 2 years — so many disappointments...
Despite Volvo’s updates, many “small” problems that ruin daily life:

Mirrors that desynchronize and reset when you open the car.
With the keyless option the car sometimes unlocks when you’re at a distance but won’t open when you try the door.
Intrusive driver aids that become dangerous: they slam the brakes when detecting phantom vehicles while reversing (with a wall behind) or detect vehicles in the lane to our left as a “vehicle coming from the left” (same in roundabouts).
Same issue when overtaking: it lets you pass without problem but then abruptly pushes you back into oncoming traffic when you cross the line to move over.
Screen that stays black or frozen for several tens of seconds at startup.
Performance drops sharply once battery falls below 60%.

Handling is rather mixed: very good when it was new, after two years it develops body roll, tends to overreact in corners (it bounces), and loses grip at the front in roundabouts (for a rear-wheel-drive…).

The engine is overall pleasant and powerful, but the chassis does not at all match the 272 hp.

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
Maes Ivo
13 May 2026, 21:43:53

Volvo EX30 twin performance is een super handige compacte auto die vast op de weg ligt . Is pijlsnel en je zit iets hoger. Interieur went snel . Ik heb er zelf eentje en ben er verliefd op . Heb BMW G30 gehad . Fantastische auto , maar groot en onhandig . Geef mij maar de Volvo en we zijn maar met 2 .

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
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Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Michael
10 Feb 2026, 21:18:58

...the best electric car we've driven so far. Trouble-free, safe, tidy and easy to use.

The German predecessors (the Wolfsburg group) can be completely forgotten!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Julien B.
10 Feb 2026, 15:47:03

A car that could have been brilliant, ruined by technological dogmatism. Ninety‑five percent of this car’s problems are between the windshield and the steering wheel. The positives are undone by a botched implantation of technology at all costs. Basic functions are hard to access, buried in menus, and the constant, useless warnings and alerts make the experience frustrating and wreck the overall ergonomics. Add recurring issues with the door‑locking system that the dealer can’t fix after several visits, a range far below what’s promised, and a collision‑avoidance system that randomly takes dangerous initiatives, and I can say this is the worst car I’ve ever bought. After several months, I deeply regret this purchase.

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

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

BYD Dolphin Surf
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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 …
BYD Dolphin
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 …
Volvo EX30
Volvo EX40
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Volvo EX30
VW ID.3
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BYD Dolphin Surf
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The Renault 5 brings playful retro charm and clever city-sized packaging, while the Volvo EX30 feels like a pocket rocket from the future with serious EV range and safety tech. If you want personality and urban thrift go R5, but if you crave rapid electric shove, cutting-edge gadgets and …
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Volvo EX30
BYD Dolphin Surf

Costs and Consumption
Price
30,000 - 47,800 £
Price
19,700 - 26,600 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
17 - 18.3 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 - 16 kWh/100km
Electric Range
339 - 475 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
1,840 - 1,960 kg
Curb weight
1,294 - 1,390 kg
Trunk capacity
318 L
Trunk capacity
308 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,838 mm
Width
1,720 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
370 - 390 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
150 - 428 HP
Power HP
88 - 156 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.6 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 12.1 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
343 - 543 Nm
Torque
175 - 220 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
110 - 315 kW
Power kW
65 - 115 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Volvo
Brand
BYD
What drivetrain options does the Volvo EX30 have?

The Volvo EX30 is offered with 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.