BYD Dolphin vs MINI Cooper Electric
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| BYDDolphin | MINICooper Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | 2023 | 2024 |
| Performance | ||
| Powertrain | Electric | Electric |
| Power | 201 bhp | 181–255 bhp (better) |
| 0–62 mph | 7 s | 5.9–7.3 s (better) |
| Top speed | 99 mph | 99–124 mph (better) |
| Engine or motors | Front permanent-magnet synchronous motor, 150 kW (204 PS); bhp converted from BYD's kW figure. The Design trim has the same powertrain; the 44.9 kWh Active and Boost versions are no longer listed on BYD's UK site | Front motor: 135 kW (184 hp) Cooper E, 160 kW (218 hp) Cooper SE, 190 kW (258 hp) JCW Electric; bhp converted from MINI's kW figures |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 290 Nm (E), 330 Nm (SE), 350 Nm (JCW) |
| Gearbox | Single-speed automatic | Single-speed automatic |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Range and charging | ||
| Zero-emission range (WLTP) | 265 miles (better) | 185–250 miles |
| Battery | 60.4 kWh (better) | 36.6–49.2 kWh |
| Fastest charging | 110 kW (better) | 75–95 kW |
| Range detail | WLTP combined 265 miles; city 347 miles | WLTP 179–185 miles (E), 239–247 miles (SE), 226–250 miles (JCW) |
| Charging | 60.4 kWh LFP Blade Battery; DC up to 110 kW, 10–80% in 36 minutes (30–80% in 26 minutes); 11 kW AC, 0–100% in 6 hours 12 minutes; Vehicle-to-Load | Battery capacity 36.6 kWh (E) or 49.2 kWh (SE, JCW) as MINI lists it; DC up to 75 kW (10–80% in 28 minutes) for E or 95 kW (30 minutes) for SE and JCW. MINI's January 2026 UK charging table explicitly lists 75 kW for E and 95 kW for SE. 11 kW AC, 0–100% in 4 h 15 min or 5 h 15 min on MINI's live performance page |
| Efficiency | 3.90 miles/kWh (WLTP combined) | 4–4.5 miles/kWh (WLTP combined) |
| CO2 emissions | 0 g/km | 0 g/km |
| Practicality | ||
| Body | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 (better) | 4 |
| Boot | 364 litres (better) | 210 litres |
| Length | 4,290 mm | 3,858 mm |
| Width | 1,770 mm | 1,756 mm |
| Weight | From 1,658 kg | – |
| Boot | 364 litres, 1,329 litres with the rear seats folded | 210 litres, 800 litres with the rear seats folded |
| Size | 4,290 mm long, 1,770 mm wide (2,012 mm with mirrors), 1,570 mm high; 2,700 mm wheelbase; kerb weight 1,658 kg | 3,858 mm long, 1,756 mm wide (1,967 mm with mirrors), 1,460 mm high; 2,526 mm wheelbase; MINI UK's technical page lists 1,605 kg without driver |
| Tech and safety | ||
| Safety rating | Euro NCAP 5 stars (2023); adult occupant 89%, child occupant 87%, vulnerable road users 85%, safety assist 79% | – |
| Warranty | 6 years or 93,750 miles; battery 8 years or 155,350 miles | – |
