USA EV Comparison: BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah vs BYD Dolphin Comfort/Design
Struggling to Decide? Let AI Help!
Your AI Summary Is Ready!
General Info
While the BYD Dolphin Comfort/Design (2023-…) is currently produced, it is not offered for sale in the United States. The BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) has been discontinued. You can find it for as low as $14174 on the used car market.
The two vehicles share the same body style: Hatchback.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | BYD Dolphin Comfort/Design |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2018-2022 | 2023-… |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Produced |
| Country of Manufacture | Germany | China |
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU |
| Price USA (Used) | $14174 | - Price USA (Used) |
| GCC Score | 5.3 | 5.7 |
Range and Efficiency
While the BYD Dolphin Comfort/Design (2023-…) offers a longer real-world range and a bigger battery, it is less energy-efficient than the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022).
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | BYD Dolphin Comfort/Design |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 153 mi | - Range (EPA) |
| Range (WLTP) | 191 mi | 265 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 158 mi | 226 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 42.2 kWh | 62 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 37.9 kWh | 60.4 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 24 kWh/100 mi | 26.7 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 4.17 mi/kWh | 3.74 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 6.1 | 6.7 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
The BYD Dolphin Comfort/Design (2023-…) offers faster charging speeds at DC stations, reaching up to 88 kW, while the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) maxes out at 50 kW.
Both vehicles are equipped with the same on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 11 kW.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | BYD Dolphin Comfort/Design |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 50 kW | 88 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CCS Type 1 | CCS Type 2 |
| Charging Score | 5.2 | 5.6 |
Performance
The BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) is rear-wheel drive, while the BYD Dolphin Comfort/Design (2023-…) offers a front-wheel drive system.
The BYD Dolphin Comfort/Design (2023-…) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | BYD Dolphin Comfort/Design |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | RWD | FWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM | PMSM |
| Motor Power (kW) | 135 kW | 150 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 181 hp | 201 hp |
| Motor Torque | 184 lb-ft | 229 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 7.2 s | 6.7 s |
| Top Speed | 93 mph | 99 mph |
| Performance Score | 3.3 | 3.6 |
Dimensions
The BYD Dolphin Comfort/Design (2023-…) is longer, but has a similar width and height to the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022).
The BYD Dolphin Comfort/Design (2023-…) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | BYD Dolphin Comfort/Design |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Comfort/Design (2023-…) 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 120 Ah | BYD Dolphin Comfort/Design |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 2972 lb | 3655 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 |
