BYD Dolphin vs Abarth 500e
Two electric Hatchbacks go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BYD Dolphin starts from $29,990 before on-road costs, while the Abarth 500e opens at $60,500. That makes the BYD Dolphin the more affordable entry point by $30,510.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $32,989 and $66,550 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
The BYD Dolphin holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Abarth 500e.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 1 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the BYD Dolphin and 6 in the Abarth 500e.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Dolphin features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the Abarth 500e gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Dolphin stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Abarth 500e. The Abarth 500e counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and JBL audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BYD Dolphin uses a Electric producing 70kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 seconds.
The Abarth 500e responds with a Electric making 113kW and 235Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.
The Abarth 500e has the clear power advantage at 113kW vs 70kW. In the real-world sprint, the Abarth 500e is 3.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 44.9kWh (BYD Dolphin) vs 42kWh (Abarth 500e), giving WLTP ranges of 340km and 253km. DC fast charging peaks at 60kW (BYD Dolphin) vs 85kW (Abarth 500e).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Dolphin measures 4,290mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 617mm longer than the Abarth 500e at 3,673mm (2,322mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Dolphin generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 308L in the BYD Dolphin and 185L in the Abarth 500e, giving the BYD Dolphin a 123L advantage. The BYD Dolphin seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 10.4m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Dolphin) vs 3 years / 150,000km (Abarth 500e). The BYD Dolphin has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Dolphin if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Abarth 500e if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Abarth's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Dolphin takes 6 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the BYD Dolphin has a clear edge. The BYD Dolphin adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Dolphin and Abarth 500e?
The BYD Dolphin is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Abarth 500e by $30,510.
Which has the longest driving range?
The BYD Dolphin has the most range at 427km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Abarth 500e accepts the highest DC charging at up to 85kW.
Which is safest?
The BYD Dolphin has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Dolphin has the largest boot at 308L.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Dolphin has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Abarth 500e makes the most power at 113kW. The Abarth 500e is quickest to 100km/h in 7s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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