USA EV Comparison: BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah vs BYD Dolphin Active
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General Info
While the BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) is currently produced, it is not offered for sale in the United States. The BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah (2017-2018) has been discontinued. You can find it for as low as $8989 on the used car market.
The two vehicles share the same body style: Hatchback.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah | BYD Dolphin Active |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2017-2018 | 2024-… |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Produced |
| Country of Manufacture | Germany | China |
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU |
| Price USA (Used) | $8989 | - Price USA (Used) |
| GCC Score | 5.1 | 4.8 |
Range and Efficiency
While the BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) offers a longer real-world range and a bigger battery, it is less energy-efficient than the BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah (2017-2018).
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah | BYD Dolphin Active |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 114 mi | - Range (EPA) |
| Range (WLTP) | - Range (WLTP) | 211 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 124 mi | 180 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 33.2 kWh | 46 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 27.2 kWh | 44.9 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 21.9 kWh/100 mi | 24.9 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 4.56 mi/kWh | 4.01 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 6.2 | 6.3 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
The BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) offers faster charging speeds at DC stations, reaching up to 65 kW, while the BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah (2017-2018) maxes out at 50 kW.
The BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah (2017-2018) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 7.4 kW, whereas the BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) is limited to 7 kW.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah | BYD Dolphin Active |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 7.4 kW | 7 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 50 kW | 65 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CCS Type 1 | CCS Type 2 |
| Charging Score | 4 | 3.9 |
Performance
The BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah (2017-2018) is rear-wheel drive, while the BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) offers a front-wheel drive system.
The BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah (2017-2018) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah | BYD Dolphin Active |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | RWD | FWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM | PMSM |
| Motor Power (kW) | 125 kW | 70 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 168 hp | 94 hp |
| Motor Torque | 184 lb-ft | 133 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 7.2 s | 11.8 s |
| Top Speed | 93 mph | 93 mph |
| Performance Score | 3.2 | 2 |
Dimensions
The BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) is longer, but has a similar width and height to the BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah (2017-2018).
The BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah | BYD Dolphin Active |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 157.9 in | 168.9 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 80.3 in | 79.2 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 69.9 in | 69.7 in |
| Height | 62.9 in | 61.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 in | 106.3 in |
Cargo and Towing
The BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) provides more cargo capacity, featuring both a larger trunk and more space with the rear seats folded.
Neither car is equipped with a frunk (front trunk).
Neither vehicle is officially rated for towing in the US.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah | BYD Dolphin Active |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 2961 lb | 3320 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 9.2 ft3 | 12.2 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 38.8 ft3 | 46.3 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 4.3 | 4.4 |
