Global EV Comparison: BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah vs BYD Dolphin Active
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General Info
The BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) is currently produced, it has a starting price of €29990. The BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah (2013-2017) has been discontinued. You can find it for as low as €11200 on the used car market.
The two vehicles share the same body style: Hatchback.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah | BYD Dolphin Active |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2013-2017 | 2024-… |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Produced |
| Country of Manufacture | Germany | China |
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU |
| Price Europe (New) | - Price Europe (New) | €29990 |
| Price Europe (Used) | €11200 | - Price Europe (Used) |
| GCC Score | 4.9 | 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 60 Ah (2013-2017).
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah | BYD Dolphin Active |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 130 km | - Range (EPA) |
| Range (WLTP) | - Range (WLTP) | 340 km |
| Range (GCC) | 133 km | 289 km |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 21.6 kWh | 46 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 18.8 kWh | 44.9 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 km | 14.1 kWh/100 km | 15.5 kWh/100 km |
| Efficiency per kWh | 7.07 km/kWh | 6.44 km/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 5.7 | 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 60 Ah (2013-2017) maxes out at 50 kW.
The BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah (2013-2017) 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 60 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 2 | CCS Type 2 |
| Charging Score | 3.8 | 3.9 |
Performance
The BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah (2013-2017) is rear-wheel drive, while the BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) offers a front-wheel drive system.
The BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah (2013-2017) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 100 km/h.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 60 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 | 250 Nm | 180 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 7.2 s | 12.3 s |
| Top Speed | 150 km/h | 150 km/h |
| 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 60 Ah (2013-2017).
The BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah | BYD Dolphin Active |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3999 mm | 4290 mm |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 2039 mm | 2012 mm |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 1775 mm | 1770 mm |
| Height | 1578 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2570 mm | 2700 mm |
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 in the EU.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 60 Ah | BYD Dolphin Active |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 1270 kg | 1506 kg |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 260 l | 345 l |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 1100 l | 1310 l |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 4.2 | 4.4 |
