VS

VW ID.3 vs BYD Dolphin comparison

Compare performance (231 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (29,100 £ vs 29,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – VW ID.3 or BYD Dolphin?

VW ID.3 vs BYD Dolphin: Key differences

VW ID.3

4.8 (6 Reviews)
rate
  • marginally cheaper
  • somewhat more power
  • somewhat more efficient
  • markedly more electric range
  • very slightly more trunk space
details

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • barely quicker 0–100 km/h
  • a bit 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

ID.3

BYD Dolphin vs VW ID.3: the compact EV choice

BYD Dolphin and VW ID.3 are two compact electric hatchbacks that approach the same daily problems with very different answers, and this BYD Dolphin VS VW ID.3 comparison looks at how those answers feel every day. The Dolphin leans into generous equipment and a soft, easy-going ride that makes town driving forgiving and family life simple. The ID.3 pushes refinement, quieter cruising and a more assured motorway demeanor, trading some of the Dolphin’s bargain‑packed charm for polish. Read on to see which real-world compromises matter for your routine and where the cars clearly diverge.

Dolphin

Character and driving feel

The BYD Dolphin feels relaxed and cosy: suspension that soaks up urban bumps, light steering and a soft overall demeanor that rewards stress‑free driving but never excites. The VW ID.3, by contrast, is quieter and more composed at speed with a firmer setup that gives the impression of greater control on fast roads. If you like a cushy city commuter that’s easy to hustle through traffic, the Dolphin’s temperament fits better; if you prefer a compact EV that instils confidence on motorways and feels grown-up, the ID.3 is the natural choice. Neither car aims to be a hot hatch—expect calm rather than sharp responses—but the ID.3’s poise makes longer, faster runs less tiring.

ID.3

Comfort and cabin quality

Inside, the BYD Dolphin punches above its price with lots of standard tech and a friendly, airy rear seat that passengers will thank you for on short journeys. The VW ID.3 shows the benefits of incremental refinement: materials feel more polished and the cabin is quieter, which creates a stronger sense of quality on long drives. BYD’s touchscreen-focused controls and some harder plastics keep the Dolphin feeling more value‑led, while the ID.3’s updated infotainment and tidier execution come across as a step up—though both cars still have fiddly control choices that demand a little patience. If tactile quality and low noise matter to you, the ID.3 will feel more premium; if equipment and rear‑seat comfort are higher priorities, the Dolphin will win daily smiles.

Dolphin

Practicality and everyday usability

The Dolphin makes a compelling case for family life with notably generous rear legroom and an accommodation-first interior that swallows car seats and daily cargo with ease, plus conveniences like vehicle‑to‑load capability that some will find genuinely useful. The ID.3 answers with a more usable boot layout and a flatter rear floor that makes positioning child seats and luggage tidier, and its overall packaging feels cleverer for longer trips. Where the Dolphin impresses is in interior volume and kit for the money; where the ID.3 scores is in the finesse of how that space is presented and accessed. In short: BYD maximizes usable cabin room, VW refines how you live with that space on repeated journeys.

ID.3

Long-distance behaviour and charging practicality

On longer runs the differences become more obvious: the ID.3’s calmer high‑speed manners and faster, more resilient charging profile make motorway travel less of a calculation. The Dolphin will handle occasional longer trips without drama, but its softer setup and slower public charging pace mean stops last longer and sustained high‑speed cruising feels more wearing. If you routinely do mixed commuting and long highway stints, the ID.3 reduces stress and downtime; if most miles are urban and weekend escapes, the Dolphin remains a very practical and economical choice. Navigation and assist systems in the ID.3 also tend to make route planning and hands‑on driving feel smoother on runs that stretch beyond the city.

Dolphin

Who should buy which car?

Choose the BYD Dolphin if you prioritise outright equipment, rear‑seat practicality and a forgiving, city‑friendly ride—it’s for buyers who want the most usable car for family errands and local commuting at an attractive price. Opt for the VW ID.3 if you value quieter long‑distance cruising, a slightly more premium cabin and quicker charging that keeps longer trips practical and less interrupted. Both cars suit urban households, but the Dolphin skews toward budget‑minded practicality while the ID.3 tilts toward refinement and trip‑to‑trip comfort. The technical comparison that follows will make those trade‑offs concrete by unpacking battery, charging behaviour and boot/layout details so you can match numbers to the driving priorities above.

Frequently compared as well

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 …
BYD Dolphin
BYD Atto 2
VS
The BYD Dolphin and BYD Atto 2 represent two distinct EV choices from BYD: the Dolphin is a compact, city-oriented hatchback focused on efficiency and nimble urban driving, while the Atto 2 is a compact crossover offering more space, a higher driving position and richer tech. Choose the Dolphin for …

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

ID.3

Costs and Efficiency:

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

VW ID.3 is marginally cheaper – starting at 29,100 £ , while the BYD Dolphin costs 29,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 553 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the VW ID.3 is somewhat more efficient: consuming 13.9 kWh/100km compared to 15.9 kWh/100km for the BYD Dolphin. That’s a difference of about 2 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the VW ID.3 offers markedly more range – reaching up to 629 km, about 202 km more than the BYD Dolphin.

Dolphin

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the VW ID.3 offers somewhat more power – delivering 231 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 27 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BYD Dolphin is barely quicker – completing the sprint in 7 s, while the VW ID.3 takes 7.1 s. That’s about 0.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW ID.3 delivers a bit more torque with 350 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 40 Nm more.

ID.3

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin is a bit lighter – 1,658 kg compared to 1,885 kg. The difference is around 227 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW ID.3 offers very slightly more boot space – 383 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 38 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW ID.3 carries slightly more – 464 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 54 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW ID.3 is clearly superior 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 £29,100
ID.3

VW ID.3

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 170 - 231 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 13.9 - 14.4 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 410 - 629 km
details
VW ID.3
BYD Dolphin

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

VW ID.3

The VW ID.3 is Volkswagen’s compact electric hatch that prioritizes practical daily usability with a comfortable, modern interior. It delivers a smooth, quiet driving experience and intuitive tech that makes switching to electric straightforward.

details
DB2020AU01067_medium
DB2019AU01515_medium
DB2019AU01516_medium
DB2020AU01118_medium
DB2020AU01119_medium
DB2020AU01097_medium
DB2020AU01100_medium

Reviews VW ID.3

4.8 (6 Reviews)
rate
Pennings
6 May 2026, 08:03:27

ID.3 catches less wind. It's more pleasant, especially on the highway. Also: more economical, lighter and with the same step‑in height.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Mr C Blagdon
14 Jan 2026, 12:07:54

Great all rounder, surprisingly spacious cabin. Rapid and refined. Not quiet enough space in the boot for a bike, could use more ground clearance.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
Mark Kennedy
12 Apr 2026, 17:25:08

Absolute gem of a car, wonderfully smooth and powerful, along with being loaded with tech. By far the best car I've had. Would highly recommend

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
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

Frequently compared as well

Renault R5
VW ID.3
VS
Choosing between the retro-inspired Renault 5 and the practical VW ID.3 comes down to whether you value character and compact city agility or proven electric range and grown-up practicality. This comparison cuts through the marketing to show where each car shines and which one fits different kinds …
VW ID.3
VW Polo
VS
Comparing the ID.3 and the Polo pits Volkswagen's all-electric compact against its conventional small hatchback, highlighting a choice between emissions-free efficiency and traditional practicality. The ID.3 emphasizes electric range, advanced tech and a spacious cabin, while the Polo offers lower …
VW ID.3
Skoda Elroq
VS
Choosing between the VW ID.3 and the Skoda Elroq comes down to whether you want a nimble, hatchback-style EV focused on urban driving or a slightly more spacious, crossover-style model prioritizing practicality. This comparison looks at range, interior space, driving feel and overall value to help …
BYD Dolphin
Renault R5
VS
If you want no-nonsense electric practicality and impressive value for daily miles, the BYD Dolphin delivers usable range, clever packaging and tech that actually matters without breaking the bank. The Renault 5, meanwhile, sacrifices a little practicality for irresistible retro charm and …
VW ID.3
VW ID.4
VS
Choosing between the VW ID.3 and the VW ID.4 means deciding between a compact hatchback-style electric built for city driving and a roomier compact SUV that prioritizes cargo space and versatility. I’ll compare range, practicality, driving feel and running costs so you can see which one suits your …
Ford Puma
VW ID.3
VS
If you want a cheeky, petrol-powered crossover with nimble handling and clever storage, the Ford Puma punches above its class; if you prefer silent, techy electric motoring with a roomy, refined cabin, the VW ID.3 is the smarter, greener choice. Choose the Puma for personality and everyday …
Kia EV3
VW ID.3
VS
Pitted against each other, the Kia EV3 feels like the roomy, no-nonsense upstart — taller, more practical and geared toward families who want SUV style without the fuel bill — while the VW ID.3 is the sharper, more polished hatch that rewards drivers who prefer nimble handling and mature software. …
VW ID.3
VW ID.Polo
VS
The VW ID.3 and VW ID.Polo compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
VW ID.3
BYD Dolphin

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,100 - 40,800 £
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
13.9 - 14.4 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Electric Range
410 - 629 km
Electric Range
427 km
Battery Capacity
-
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
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,885 - 1,966 kg
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Trunk capacity
383 L
Trunk capacity
345 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,809 mm
Width
1,770 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
422 - 464 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
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
170 - 231 HP
Power HP
204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.1 - 8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
350 Nm
Torque
310 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
125 - 170 kW
Power kW
150 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2023
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
VW
Brand
BYD
What drivetrain options does the VW ID.3 have?

The VW ID.3 is offered with 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.