BYD Dolphin vs Chery C5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
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 Chery C5 opens at $29,990. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
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 $32,989 respectively.
The BYD Dolphin qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Chery C5, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Dolphin and Chery C5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Dolphin and 87% for the Chery C5.
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 7 in the Chery C5.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Dolphin features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the Chery C5 gets a 10.3-inch display. 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 Chery C5 responds with a Petrol making 108kW and 210Nm, paired to a 6-speed dual clutch driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Chery C5 has the clear power advantage at 108kW vs 70kW. In the real-world sprint, the Chery C5 is 3.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Dolphin measures 4,290mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 61mm shorter than the Chery C5 at 4,351mm (2,610mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Dolphin generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 308L in the BYD Dolphin and 340L in the Chery C5, giving the Chery C5 a 32L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.2m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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 7 years / 999,999km (Chery C5). The Chery C5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Dolphin if: You or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Chery C5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Chery C5 takes 4 of 4 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Chery C5 has a clear edge. The Chery C5 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-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 Chery C5?
The BYD Dolphin is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Chery C5 uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Dolphin and Chery C5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Chery C5 has the largest boot at 340L.
Which has the best warranty?
The Chery C5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Chery C5 makes the most power at 108kW. The Chery C5 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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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