BYD Dolphin vs Geely EX5

Price and cost per week

On the rated figures, the BYD Dolphin leads on standard features per $10,000: 5.3 per $10,000 on RRP (16 of 19 standard) for the BYD Dolphin; 4.5 per $10,000 on RRP (19 of 19 standard) for the Geely EX5. Price per km of range: level ($88 per km of range on RRP for the BYD Dolphin; $88 per km of range on RRP for the Geely EX5). On the rated figures, the Geely EX5 leads on price per kw: $428 per kW on RRP for the BYD Dolphin; $262 per kW on RRP for the Geely EX5. 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; $139 per litre of boot on RRP for the Geely EX5. These ratios are not part of the CarSorted Score.

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the BYD Dolphin at 5 stars (2023) and the Geely EX5 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 86% for the Geely EX5, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Geely EX5, 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 Geely EX5.

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 Geely EX5 gets a 15.4-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BYD Dolphin stands out with Apple CarPlay: features our data doesn't list for the Geely EX5. The Geely EX5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and heated front seats. 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 12.3 seconds.

The Geely EX5 counters with its electric setup making 160kW and 320Nm, paired to its gearbox driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds.

The Geely EX5 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 70kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Geely EX5 is 4.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 44.9kWh (BYD Dolphin) vs 68.4kWh (Geely EX5), giving WLTP ranges of 340km and 475km. DC fast charging peaks at 60kW (BYD Dolphin) vs 100kW (Geely EX5).

Space & Comfort

The BYD Dolphin measures 4,290mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 325mm shorter than the Geely EX5 at 4,615mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Geely EX5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 345L in the BYD Dolphin and 302L in the Geely EX5, giving the BYD Dolphin a 43L 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 0.4 m tighter, 10.4 m against 10.8 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 Geely EX5 about $720 a year (16 kWh/100km, at $0.30/kWh electricity). That is $36 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 7 years / unlimited km (Geely EX5).

Where each one leads

The BYD Dolphin: the lower starting price ($29,990 against $41,990), the bigger boot with the seats up (345L against 302L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($684 a year against $720).

The Geely EX5: more power (160kW against 70kW) and the longer warranty (7 years against 6).

The Verdict

BYD Dolphin scores higher, 76 vs 72

The BYD Dolphin scores 76 to the Geely EX5's 72 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 9 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Geely EX5 ahead by 31 points), reliability (BYD Dolphin ahead by 14 points), safety (BYD Dolphin ahead by 9 points). At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the BYD Dolphin costs about $36 less (15.8 kWh/100km against 16 kWh/100km, at $0.30/kWh electricity). Boot space with the seats up: 345L in the BYD Dolphin, 302L in the Geely EX5. Warranty: 6 years on the BYD Dolphin, 7 on the Geely EX5.

Common questions