Global EV Comparison: BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah vs BYD Dolphin Comfort/Design
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General Info
The BYD Dolphin Comfort/Design (2023-…) is currently produced, it has a starting price of €32990. The BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) has been discontinued. You can find it for as low as €17590 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 Europe (New) | - Price Europe (New) | €32990 |
| Price Europe (Used) | €17590 | €27449 |
| 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) | 246 km | - Range (EPA) |
| Range (WLTP) | 308 km | 427 km |
| Range (GCC) | 255 km | 363 km |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 42.2 kWh | 62 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 37.9 kWh | 60.4 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 km | 14.9 kWh/100 km | 16.6 kWh/100 km |
| Efficiency per kWh | 6.73 km/kWh | 6.01 km/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 2 | 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 100 km/h.
| 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 | 250 Nm | 310 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 7.3 s | 7 s |
| Top Speed | 150 km/h | 160 km/h |
| 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 | 4011 mm | 4290 mm |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 2039 mm | 2012 mm |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 1775 mm | 1770 mm |
| Height | 1598 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2570 mm | 2700 mm |
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 in the EU.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | BYD Dolphin Comfort/Design |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 1345 kg | 1658 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 | 4.3 | 4.4 |
