USA EV Comparison: Mini Cooper SE vs BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort
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General Info
While the BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort (2025-…) is currently produced, it is not offered for sale in the United States. The Mini Cooper SE (2020-2021) has been discontinued. You can find it for as low as $16850 on the used car market.
The two vehicles share the same body style: Hatchback.
| Property | Mini Cooper SE | BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2020-2021 | 2025-… |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Produced |
| Country of Manufacture | - Country of Manufacture | China |
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU |
| Price USA (Used) | $16850 | - Price USA (Used) |
| GCC Score | 4.8 | 5.1 |
Range and Efficiency
While the BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort (2025-…) offers a longer real-world range and a bigger battery, it is less energy-efficient than the Mini Cooper SE (2020-2021).
| Property | Mini Cooper SE | BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 110 mi | - Range (EPA) |
| Range (WLTP) | 145 mi | 193 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 114 mi | 164 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 32.6 kWh | 46 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 28.9 kWh | 43.2 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 25.4 kWh/100 mi | 26.3 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 3.94 mi/kWh | 3.8 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 5.4 | 5.7 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
The BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort (2025-…) offers faster charging speeds at DC stations, reaching up to 85 kW, while the Mini Cooper SE (2020-2021) maxes out at 49 kW.
The BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort (2025-…) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 11 kW, whereas the Mini Cooper SE (2020-2021) is limited to 7.4 kW.
| Property | Mini Cooper SE | BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 7.4 kW | 11 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 49 kW | 85 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CCS Type 1 | CCS Type 2 |
| Charging Score | 4.5 | 5.3 |
Performance
Both vehicles are front-wheel drive.
The Mini Cooper SE (2020-2021) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | Mini Cooper SE | BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | FWD | FWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM | PMSM |
| Motor Power (kW) | 135 kW | 115 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 181 hp | 154 hp |
| Motor Torque | 199 lb-ft | 162 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 7 s | 8.7 s |
| Top Speed | 93 mph | 93 mph |
| Performance Score | 3.3 | 2.8 |
Dimensions
The BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort (2025-…) is longer and taller, but about the same width as the Mini Cooper SE (2020-2021).
Both models have similar wheelbase lengths.
| Property | Mini Cooper SE | BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 151.4 in | 157.1 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 77.4 in | 77.6 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 68 in | 67.7 in |
| Height | 56.4 in | 62.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 98.2 in | 98.4 in |
Cargo and Towing
The BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort (2025-…) 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 | Mini Cooper SE | BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Curb Weight | 3153 lb | 3064 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 7.5 ft3 | 10.9 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 25.8 ft3 | 36.6 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 3.5 | 4.2 |
