BYD Dolphin vs BYD Atto 1
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.
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Price Breakdown
The BYD Dolphin starts from $29,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Atto 1 opens at $23,990. That makes the BYD Atto 1 the more affordable entry point by $6,000.
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 $26,389 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
Both the BYD Dolphin and BYD Atto 1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Dolphin and 82% for the BYD Atto 1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Dolphin packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the BYD Atto 1.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the BYD Dolphin and 6 in the BYD Atto 1.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
44.9kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 60kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7kW AC, 60kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
30kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 65kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7kW AC, 65kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Dolphin features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 5-inch digital dash, while the BYD Atto 1 gets a 10.1-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
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 12.3 seconds.
The BYD Atto 1 responds with a Electric making 65kW and 175Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.1 seconds.
The BYD Dolphin has the clear power advantage at 70kW vs 65kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Atto 1 is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 44.9kWh (BYD Dolphin) vs 30.1kWh (BYD Atto 1), giving WLTP ranges of 340km and 220km. DC fast charging peaks at 60kW (BYD Dolphin) vs 65kW (BYD Atto 1).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Dolphin measures 4,290mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 300mm longer than the BYD Atto 1 at 3,990mm (2,500mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Dolphin generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 345L in the BYD Dolphin and 308L in the BYD Atto 1, giving the BYD Dolphin a 37L advantage. The BYD Dolphin seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m 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 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
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 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Atto 1). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Dolphin if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Atto 1 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Dolphin takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BYD Dolphin has a clear edge. 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 BYD Atto 1?
The BYD Atto 1 is the cheapest at $23,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Dolphin by $6,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The BYD Dolphin has the most range at 340km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BYD Atto 1 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 65kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Dolphin and BYD Atto 1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Dolphin has the largest boot at 345L.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Dolphin makes the most power at 70kW. The BYD Atto 1 is quickest to 100km/h in 11.1s.
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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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