@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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VW ID.3 vs BYD Dolphin Surf – Which car suits you better?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether VW ID.3 or BYD Dolphin Surf fits your lifestyle better.

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

ID.3 @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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 has a clearly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 19700 £, while the VW ID.3 costs 28600 £. That’s a price difference of around 8863 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the advantage goes to the VW ID.3: with 14.50 kWh per 100 km, it’s minimal more efficient than the BYD Dolphin Surf with 15.50 kWh. That’s a difference of about 1 kWh.

As for range, the VW ID.3 performs clearly better – achieving up to 605 km, about 283 km more than the BYD Dolphin Surf.

ID.3 @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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 VW ID.3 has a clearly edge – offering 326 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 170 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW ID.3 is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.70 s, while the BYD Dolphin Surf takes 9.10 s. That’s about 3.40 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW ID.3 performs noticeable better – reaching 200 km/h, while the BYD Dolphin Surf tops out at 150 km/h. The difference is around 50 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW ID.3 pulls clearly stronger with 545 Nm compared to 220 Nm. That’s about 325 Nm difference.

ID.3 @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Seats: VW ID.3 offers somewhat more seating capacity – 5 vs 4.

In curb weight, BYD Dolphin Surf is evident lighter – 1294 kg compared to 1787 kg. The difference is around 493 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW ID.3 offers slightly more room – 385 L compared to 308 L. That’s a difference of about 77 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW ID.3 performs to a small extent better – up to 1267 L, which is about 230 L more than the BYD Dolphin Surf.

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

Who wins the race?

The VW ID.3 proves to be leaves the rival little chance and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
VW ID.3 is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £28,600
ID.3 @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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
  • Electric Range : 383 - 605 km

VW ID.3

5 (2)
rate

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.

details

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.

details
VW ID.3
BYD Dolphin Surf
ID.3 @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
28600 - 49300 £
Price
19700 - 26600 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.5 - 15.8 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 - 16 kWh
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
5
Curb weight
1787 - 1993 kg
Curb weight
1294 - 1390 kg
Trunk capacity
385 L
Trunk capacity
308 L
Length
4264 mm
Length
3990 mm
Width
1809 mm
Width
1720 mm
Height
1564 mm
Height
1590 mm
Max trunk capacity
1267 L
Max trunk capacity
1037 L
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
150 km/h
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
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
VW
Brand
BYD
Is the VW ID.3 offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include Rear-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.