Head-to-head
BYD Dolphin vs GWM Ora
The BYD Dolphin starts $4,000 (12%) below the GWM Ora. Here's how that price gap plays out across 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 · Hatch
GWM Ora
Retro-styled small hatch from Great Wall Motor, the Ora targets style-led city buyers. Its distinctive face and round headlights have earned it the unofficial nickname 'electric VW Beetle'.
- From
- $33,990
- Range
- 310 km
- Battery
- 48 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin goes 117 km further on a charge (427 vs 310 km WLTP).
- 2
Battery · advantage BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin carries a 12.5 kWh larger battery (60.5 vs 48 kWh).
- 3
Boot · advantage BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin swallows 117 L more cargo with the rear seats up (345 vs 228 L).
- 4
Price · advantage BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin undercuts the GWM Ora by $4,000 (12%) on starting price.
- 5
DC charging · advantage BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin accepts 21 kW more DC peak charging (88 vs 67 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 $4,000
- ▸ 117 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (7s vs 8.5s)
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (88 kW vs 67 kW)
Where the GWM Ora wins
- ▸ Longer warranty (7 years)
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
GWM Ora
What we like
- ✓ Distinctive retro styling
- ✓ Generous standard equipment
- ✓ 7-year vehicle warranty
What we don't
- ✕ Small boot limits practicality
- ✕ Range trails newer rivals
- ✕ Driver assistance is over-eager
Frequently asked: BYD Dolphin vs GWM Ora
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the BYD Dolphin or the GWM Ora?
- The BYD Dolphin is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $29,990 versus $33,990 for the GWM Ora, a $4,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The BYD Dolphin has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 427 km, 117 km further than the GWM Ora's 310 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 Dolphin accepts a peak DC charging rate of 88 kW versus 67 kW for the GWM Ora. 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 Dolphin does 0–100 km/h in 7.0 seconds — 1.5 s quicker than the GWM Ora's 8.5 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 GWM Ora?
- On paper the BYD Dolphin is $4,000 cheaper AND beats the GWM Ora on most of the headline specs we measure — meaning by spec-sheet logic it's the stronger value play. What a spec sheet can't capture: brand prestige, dealer network depth, build feel, software polish, and likely resale.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
BYD Dolphin
if…
- ✓ you want to save $4,000 on the sticker
- ✓ maximum range matters (117 km further per charge)
- ✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
- ✓ you regularly load it up (117 L more boot)
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.