Head-to-head
BYD Dolphin vs BYD Seal
At $29,990 the BYD Dolphin undercuts the BYD Seal by $17,000 (36%) — but does the premium deliver enough of an edge to justify itself? Here's how the two compare on price, range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · Hatch
BYD Dolphin
The Dolphin is one of Australia's cheapest new EVs and one of the best small-car bargains, full stop. With a Blade LFP battery, full ADAS suite, and 5-star ANCAP rating, it punches well above its sticker price.
- From
- $29,990
- Range
- 427 km
- Battery
- 60.5 kWh
Option B · Sedan
BYD Seal
BYD's answer to the Tesla Model 3, the Seal pairs a Cell-to-Body Blade battery with rear- or all-wheel drive and serious performance — all from under $50,000 in base trim.
- From
- $46,990
- Range
- 570 km
- Battery
- 82.5 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the BYD Dolphin and BYD Seal, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage BYD Seal
The BYD Seal goes 143 km further on a charge (570 vs 427 km WLTP).
- 2
Battery · advantage BYD Seal
The BYD Seal carries a 22.0 kWh larger battery (82.5 vs 60.5 kWh).
- 3
Price · advantage BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin undercuts the BYD Seal by $17,000 (36%) on starting price.
- 4
Power · advantage BYD Seal
The BYD Seal puts down 100 kW more (230 vs 130 kW).
- 5
DC charging · advantage BYD Seal
The BYD Seal accepts 62 kW more DC peak charging (150 vs 88 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the BYD Dolphin wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $17,000
Where the BYD Seal wins
- ▸ 143 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (5.9s vs 7s)
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (150 kW vs 88 kW)
BYD Dolphin
What we like
- ✓ Among the cheapest EVs on sale in Australia
- ✓ Surprisingly long range from the Premium variant
- ✓ Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability standard
What we don't
- ✕ Funky styling won't suit everyone
- ✕ Rear seat space tighter than the Atto 3
- ✕ Limited dealer network outside capital cities
BYD Seal
What we like
- ✓ Genuine Model 3 competitor for thousands less
- ✓ Powerful AWD Performance variant available
- ✓ Generous standard equipment list
What we don't
- ✕ Software lacks the polish of Tesla's
- ✕ Boot opening is sedan-shaped (no hatch)
- ✕ Resale value yet to establish
Frequently asked: BYD Dolphin vs BYD Seal
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the BYD Dolphin or the BYD Seal?
- The BYD Dolphin is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $29,990 versus $46,990 for the BYD Seal, a $17,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The BYD Seal has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 570 km, 143 km further than the BYD Dolphin's 427 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The BYD Seal accepts a peak DC charging rate of 150 kW versus 88 kW for the BYD Dolphin. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The BYD Seal does 0–100 km/h in 5.9 seconds — 1.1 s quicker than the BYD Dolphin's 7.0 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Is the BYD Dolphin better value than the BYD Seal?
- On paper the BYD Dolphin is $17,000 cheaper, but trails the BYD Seal on the core measurable specs. The saving might still be worth it if you don't need the extra range, power or charging speed — but the BYD Seal is the spec-sheet winner.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
BYD Dolphin
if…
- ✓ you want to save $17,000 on the sticker
- ✓ you match the profile: city commuters
Choose the
BYD Seal
if…
- ✓ maximum range matters (143 km further per charge)
- ✓ you regularly do long road trips (faster DC peak)
- ✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.