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BMW i3 (94Ah) vs BYD Dolphin
Selected trim94Ah · 2016-18158 mi · 33.2 kWh · £33,070
Selected trimComfortChange trim265 mi · 60.4 kWh · £30,195
At a glance
In this comparison, BMW i3 leads on running costs and city driving, while the BYD Dolphin leads on value for money, motorway range and family practicality.
Which should you choose?
Choose the BMW i3 (94Ah) if...
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 1.9p per mile on off-peak electricity
- you drive in the city - it's compact with an excellent turning circle
Choose the BYD Dolphin if...
- you want the most for your money - best overall spec per pound
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you need the most family-friendly option with good safety and space
- you need the fastest charging of these options
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The BYD Dolphin leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
ValueBYD
BMW
3.5
BYD
6.7
Motorway RangeBYD
BMW
3.3
BYD
5.5
FamilyBYD
BMW
4.9
BYD
7.9
ChargingBYD
BMW
3.5
BYD
7.7
Cost Per MileBMW
BMW
8.1
BYD
7.2
City DrivingBMW
BMW
9.1
BYD
8.5
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
BYD Dolphin
Comfort
- £2,875 cheaper
- 106 miles more WLTP range
- 104 litres more boot space
- 60 kW faster rapid charging
- 0.5 m tighter turning circle
- 1 more seat
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | BMW i394Ah | BYD DolphinComfort |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £33,070 | £30,195 (better) |
| Official range | 158 miles | 265 miles (better) |
| Boot space | 260 L | 364 L (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 28 min | Not available |
| 0-62 mph | 7.3 sec | 7 sec (better) |
Size Comparison
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BMW i3
BYD Dolphin
Length
BMW i34,006mm-284mm
BYD Dolphin4,290mm
Width
BMW i31,775mm
BYD Dolphin1,770mm-5mm
Height
BMW i31,598mm
BYD Dolphin1,570mm-28mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | BMW i394Ah | BYD DolphinComfort |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,006 mm | 4,290 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,775 mm | 1,770 mm (better) |
| Width with mirrors out | 1,999 mm (better) | 2,012 mm |
| Height | 1,598 mm | 1,570 mm |
| Turning circle | 9.9 m | 9.4 m (better) |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 625 mm spare | 630 mm spare (better) |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | BMW i394Ah | BYD DolphinComfort |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 | 5 (better) |
| ISOFIX child-seat points | 2 | 3 (better) |
| Boot space (seats up) | 260 L | 364 L (better) |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1100 L | 1329 L (better) |
| Towing capacity (braked) | Not available | 750 kg |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
BMW i3
Not enough peers to make confident percentile claims.
BYD Dolphin
- 265 mile WLTP range, longer than 90% of hatchback EVs we track.
- Peak DC charging of 110 kW, faster than 85% of hatchback EVs in our catalogue.
- One of 33 of 233 UK EVs in our catalogue with V2L (vehicle-to-load) support.
Full specifications
| Specification |  BMW i3 94Ah |  BYD Dolphin Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.01m | 4.29m+284mm |
| Width | 1.77m | 1.77m-5mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.00m | 2.01m+13mm |
| Height | 1.60m | 1.57m-28mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.57m | 2.70m+130mm |
| Ground Clearance | 160mm | Not available |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 260L | 364L (better) |
| Boot (seats down) | 1100L | 1329L (better) |
| Seats | 4 | 5 (better) |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 9.9m | 9.4m (better) |
| Kerb Weight | 1,300kg (better) | 1,658kg |
| Towing Capacity | Not available | 750kg |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 33.2kWh | 60.4kWh (better) |
| Range (WLTP) | 158 mi | 265 mi (better) |
| Max DC Charge | 50kW | 110kW (better) |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £33,070 | £30,195 (better) |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Available | 2016–2018 | 2023+ |
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | BMW i394Ah | BYD DolphinComfort |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 158 miles | 265 miles (better) |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 104 miles | 221 miles (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 28 min | Not available |
| Max rapid charge rate | 50 kW | 110 kW (better) |
| Home AC charging | 7.4 kW | 11 kW (better) |
| Energy consumption | 136 Wh/km | Not available |
| Usable battery capacity | 27.2 kWh | 60.4 kWh (better) |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | LFP |
| Battery architecture | 400V | 400V |
| Heat pump | Not standard | Standard (better) |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | BMW i394Ah | BYD DolphinComfort |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 7.3 sec | 7 sec (better) |
| Power | 125 kW | 150 kW (better) |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 310 Nm (better) |
| Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests. One car has more review coverage than the other - we show that rather than guessing.
BMW i3
94Ah
No critic reviews gathered yet for this car.
BYD Dolphin
Comfort
7.2/10
average across 6 reviews
- Auto Express4/5
- Electrifying.com8/10
- DrivingElectric4/5
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
BMW i3
All 3 videos
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
New and used prices
Current pricing and recent used-market behaviour.
| Measure | BMW i394Ah | BYD DolphinComfort |
|---|---|---|
| Used market price from | £8,610 | £17,646 |
| Average used price | £9,740 | £18,844 |
Used prices are indicative figures gathered from independent UK dealer listings and change frequently.
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - BMW i3 94Ah
Tested 2013
Adult Occupant86%
Child Occupant82%
Vulnerable Road Users57%
Safety Assist55%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - BYD Dolphin Comfort
Tested 2023
Adult Occupant89%
Child Occupant87%
Vulnerable Road Users85%
Safety Assist79%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | BMW i394Ah | BYD DolphinComfort |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km | 250,000 km (better) |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
Shared watch-outs for both cars
Owners of every car here flag real-world range, dealer & service support. Worth checking on a test drive whichever you choose.
BMW i3
94Ah
Owners love
- Excellent efficiency and range for a compact EV, with owners achieving 115-143 miles on electric power and 250+ miles combined with Range Extender
- Innovative, well-engineered design with lightweight carbon fiber construction and clever packaging that feels spacious inside despite compact exterior
- Fun, responsive driving dynamics with excellent handling, strong regenerative braking enabling one-pedal driving, and rear-wheel-drive traction
Watch out for
- Winter heating system significantly reduces real-world range by 20-25%, making 60Ah models marginal for UK winter commuting
- Range Extender adds weight causing tail-heavy handling, reduces overall efficiency to ~36mpg, makes unpleasant engine noise, and requires regular fuel use for engine maintenance
- High-voltage component failures (EME/inverter) reported in some cases with extremely expensive repairs (£10,000+) unavailable outside BMW dealers
Owner tips
- Choose 94Ah battery over 60Ah for significantly better winter range and usability; target 2016+ model year for improved reliability, ideally 2018+ for LED headlights
- Install home 7kW charging and use smart tariffs like Octopus Go for cost-effective daily charging; use InstaVolt or Osprey for reliable public rapid charging
BYD Dolphin
Comfort
Owners love
- Owners praise the ride, which suits UK roads, and the surprisingly composed handling for a small car.
- There is plenty of rear legroom for the car's size, and the 360-degree cameras make parking easy.
- The cabin feels well made and well equipped for the money, with V2L and generous standard kit.
Watch out for
- Early cars came on LingLong tyres that owners rate poorly in the wet and cold, with some reporting early punctures; many replaced them.
- The small driver display is hard to read, there is no seat memory, and regenerative braking is weak.
- The pedestrian-warning sound and alert chimes were loud and intrusive until updates; the musical alerts can be switched to a standard sound.
Owner tips
- Check which tyres the car is on and budget to replace LingLongs if fitted.
- Make sure all software updates are installed, and switch the alert sounds from 'Brand' to 'Standard'.
Buying options
Get a quote
BMW i3
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
BYD Dolphin
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW i3 worth the extra £2,875 over the BYD Dolphin?
The BMW i3 costs £2,875 more than the BYD Dolphin. On the headline specs that premium buys little measurable advantage - the two are closely matched on range, charging and space. The BYD Dolphin is not just cheaper - it also offers 106 miles more WLTP range, 60 kW faster peak rapid charging and 104 litres more boot space. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the BYD Dolphin comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the BMW i3 or the BYD Dolphin?
The BYD Dolphin is £2,875 cheaper to buy. Running costs are almost identical - about £152 a year either way, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the BYD Dolphin comes out roughly £2,875 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the BMW i3 and BYD Dolphin like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 104 miles for the BMW i3 and 221 miles for the BYD Dolphin - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The BYD Dolphin goes roughly 117 miles further between charging stops.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the BMW i3 or the BYD Dolphin?
The two are within 5 mm on width, so neither is meaningfully easier to thread into a tight space. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 630 mm of total clearance for the BYD Dolphin and about 625 mm of total clearance for the BMW i3. The BYD Dolphin also turns in a 0.5 m tighter circle, which helps with U-turns and multi-storey ramps.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the BMW i3 or the BYD Dolphin?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 87% battery health for the BMW i3 and 90% for the BYD Dolphin. That gives the BYD Dolphin a modest edge in retained real-world range. The BYD Dolphin's LFP-type pack tolerates daily 100% charging, while the BMW i3's NMC-type pack lasts longest kept to about 80% for everyday use. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More BMW i3 comparisons
More BYD Dolphin comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the BMW i3 and BYD Dolphin rank among EVs under £40,000Where the BMW i3 and BYD Dolphin rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the BMW i3 and BYD Dolphin rank among the best city EVsWhere the BMW i3 and BYD Dolphin rank among the cheapest EVs to runWhere the BMW i3 and BYD Dolphin rank among EVs with the biggest bootsWhere the BMW i3 and BYD Dolphin rank among Best Used Electric Cars Under £10,000 (UK)
If neither is quite right
Explore other verified electric cars that may better suit the priorities this pair does not meet.
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
GuideBuying a Used BMW i3 (2013-2022): 60Ah vs 94Ah vs 120Ah, REx, Warranty & What to Check
A used BMW i3 buyer’s guide: the three battery sizes, i3 vs i3s, the range extender explained, battery warranty left, the motor electronics fault to ask about, real-world range, what to pay and a printable checklist.
GuideBuying a Used BYD Dolphin (2023 on): 44.9 vs 60.4 kWh & What to Pay
A used BYD Dolphin buyer’s guide: the 60.4 kWh Comfort and Design, the later 44.9 kWh Active and Boost, BYD’s 8-year battery warranty, slow rapid charging, real-world range, what owners report and a printable checklist.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .