BYD Dolphin vs GAC Aion V

Price and cost per week

On the rated figures, the BYD Dolphin leads on standard features per $10,000: 5.0 per $10,000 on RRP (15 of 18 standard) for the BYD Dolphin; 4.2 per $10,000 on RRP (18 of 18 standard) for the GAC Aion V. On the rated figures, the GAC Aion V leads on price per km of range: $88 per km of range on RRP for the BYD Dolphin; $84 per km of range on RRP for the GAC Aion V. On the rated figures, the GAC Aion V leads on price per kw: $428 per kW on RRP for the BYD Dolphin; $284 per kW on RRP for the GAC Aion V. On the rated figures, the BYD Dolphin leads on price per litre of boot: $87 per litre of boot on RRP for the BYD Dolphin; $100 per litre of boot on RRP for the GAC Aion V. These ratios are not part of the CarSorted Score.

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the BYD Dolphin at 5 stars (2023) and the GAC Aion V at 5 stars (2025). ANCAP tested these in different years (2023 vs 2025). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Dolphin and 88% for the GAC Aion V, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the GAC Aion V, against 7 on the BYD Dolphin.

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 7 in the GAC Aion V.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging and range

The rated figures side by side: electric range and fuel use with the battery depleted for a plug-in hybrid or range extender, the km each battery-electric car adds overnight on its own onboard charger, and the DC time in the window each document prints.

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The BYD Dolphin features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 5-inch digital dash, while the GAC Aion V gets a 14.6-inch display and 8.9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The GAC Aion V counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BYD Dolphin gets synthetic leather upholstery while the GAC Aion V offers pvc.

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 GAC Aion V responds with a Electric making 150kW and 210Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.

The GAC Aion V has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 70kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the GAC Aion V is 3.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 44.9kWh (BYD Dolphin) vs 75.3kWh (GAC Aion V), giving WLTP ranges of 340km and 510km. DC fast charging peaks at 60kW (BYD Dolphin) vs 180kW (GAC Aion V).

Space & Comfort

The BYD Dolphin measures 4,290mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 315mm shorter than the GAC Aion V at 4,605mm (2,775mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GAC Aion V generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 345L in the BYD Dolphin and 427L in the GAC Aion V, giving the GAC Aion V a 82L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the BYD Dolphin's turning circle is 0.8 m tighter, 10.4 m against 11.2 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the BYD Dolphin costs about $684 a year (15.8 kWh/100km, at $0.30/kWh electricity) and electricity for the GAC Aion V about $752 a year (17 kWh/100km, at $0.30/kWh electricity). That is $68 a year less for the BYD Dolphin.

The weekly and 5-year figures in the price section above add repayments, rego, servicing and tyres to this; use our Fuel Cost Calculator for your own driving.

Warranty: 6 years / 150,000 km (BYD Dolphin) and 8 years / unlimited km (GAC Aion V).

Where each one leads

The BYD Dolphin: the lower starting price ($29,990 against $42,590) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($684 a year against $752).

The GAC Aion V: more power (150kW against 70kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (427L against 345L) and the longer warranty (8 years against 6).

The Verdict

Level at 76: here's what splits them

The BYD Dolphin and GAC Aion V are level on the CarSorted Score at 76 each, so neither takes the overall call. What splits them: performance (GAC Aion V ahead by 19 points), energy efficiency (BYD Dolphin ahead by 8 points), technology (GAC Aion V ahead by 8 points). At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the BYD Dolphin costs about $68 less (15.8 kWh/100km against 17 kWh/100km, at $0.30/kWh electricity). Boot space with the seats up: 345L in the BYD Dolphin, 427L in the GAC Aion V. Warranty: 6 years on the BYD Dolphin, 8 on the GAC Aion V.

Common questions