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VW ID.3 vs BYD Dolphin Surf comparison

Compare performance (326 HP vs 156 HP), boot space and price (28,600 £ vs 19,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – VW ID.3 or BYD Dolphin Surf?

VW ID.3 vs BYD Dolphin Surf: Key differences

VW ID.3

4.9 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • marginally more efficient
  • substantially more electric range
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • moderately more trunk space
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BYD Dolphin Surf

  • clearly cheaper
  • noticeably 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

ID.3

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 clearly cheaper – starting at 19,700 £ , while the VW ID.3 costs 28,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8,863 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the VW ID.3 is marginally more efficient: consuming 14.5 kWh/100km compared to 15.5 kWh/100km for the BYD Dolphin Surf. That’s a difference of about 1 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the VW ID.3 offers substantially more range – reaching up to 605 km, about 283 km more than the BYD Dolphin Surf.

Dolphin Surf

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 significantly more power – delivering 326 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 170 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW ID.3 is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.7 s, while the BYD Dolphin Surf takes 9.1 s. That’s about 3.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW ID.3 delivers significantly more torque with 545 Nm compared to 220 Nm. That’s about 325 Nm more.

ID.3

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: VW ID.3 offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin Surf is noticeably lighter – 1,294 kg compared to 1,787 kg. The difference is around 493 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW ID.3 offers moderately more boot space – 385 L compared to 308 L. That’s a difference of about 77 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW ID.3 carries visibly more – 473 kg compared to 344 kg. That’s a difference of about 129 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW ID.3 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 £28,600
ID.3

VW ID.3

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 170 - 326 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 14.5 - 15.8 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 383 - 605 km
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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 …
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The Renault 5 arrives as a cheeky retro reboot — compact, full of personality and perfect for nimble city living — while the VW ID.3 plays the sensible electric family car, offering more range, room and that reassuringly German calm. If you want fun and style for town runs choose the Renault 5; if …
VW ID.3
BYD Dolphin Surf

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 a crisply styled electric hatch that masks serious practicality behind a friendly, modern face, making city runs and longer trips pleasantly fuss free. For buyers seeking a sensible, well-equipped EV that doesn't take itself too seriously, the ID.3 strikes a neat balance of comfort, tech and everyday usability with a cheeky smile.

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Reviews VW ID.3

4.9 (3 Reviews)
rate
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 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

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Choosing between the VW ID.3 and VW ID.4 is really a question of priorities: the ID.3 trims the fat and fizzes through city streets with hatchback agility, while the ID.4 stretches out for SUV practicality and relaxed long-distance cruising. Pick the ID.3 if you crave compact punch and parking …
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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. …
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VW ID.3
BYD Dolphin Surf

Costs and Consumption
Price
28,600 - 49,300 £
Price
19,700 - 26,600 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.5 - 15.8 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 - 16 kWh/100km
Electric Range
383 - 605 km
Electric Range
220 - 322 km
Battery Capacity
52 - 79 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
5
Seats
4
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,787 - 1,993 kg
Curb weight
1,294 - 1,390 kg
Trunk capacity
385 L
Trunk capacity
308 L
Length
4,264 mm
Length
-
Width
1,809 mm
Width
1,720 mm
Height
1,564 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,267 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
437 - 473 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
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
170 - 326 HP
Power HP
88 - 156 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.7 - 8.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 12.1 s
Max Speed
160 - 200 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
310 - 545 Nm
Torque
175 - 220 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
125 - 240 kW
Power kW
65 - 115 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2025
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.