BYD Dolphin vs Mazda 6e
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.
Data checked: specs 30 Sep 2026, price 4 Nov 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$29,990RRP
- cannot be matched: Wireless Phone Charging and Panoramic Roof not offered
$49,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the BYD Dolphin & Mazda 6e
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Price Breakdown
The BYD Dolphin starts from $29,990 before on-road costs, while the Mazda 6e opens at $49,990. That makes the BYD Dolphin the more affordable entry point by $20,000.
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. Estimated driveaway prices sit around $28,888 for the BYD Dolphin and $52,990 for the Mazda 6e.
Both models currently qualify for the electric-vehicle Fringe Benefits Tax exemption (battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold; battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold), a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP lists the BYD Dolphin at 5 stars (2023) and the Mazda 6e 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 93% for the Mazda 6e, under different test years.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.
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 9 in the Mazda 6e.
Recalls on our record
BYD Dolphin
None open on our record
Mazda 6e
None open 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 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
78kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 194kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC, 194kW 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 Mazda 6e gets a 14.6-inch display. 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 Mazda 6e. The Mazda 6e counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, ventilated seats and power tailgate. 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 Mazda 6e responds with a Electric making 190kW and 290Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels.
The Mazda 6e has the clear power advantage at 190kW vs 70kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 44.9kWh (BYD Dolphin) vs 78kWh (Mazda 6e), giving WLTP ranges of 340km and 560km. DC fast charging peaks at 60kW (BYD Dolphin) vs 194kW (Mazda 6e).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Dolphin measures 4,290mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 631mm shorter than the Mazda 6e at 4,921mm (2,895mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda 6e generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 345L in the BYD Dolphin and 337L in the Mazda 6e, giving the BYD Dolphin a 8L 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
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 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda 6e). 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 Mazda 6e if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mazda 6e: Top CarSorted Score, 80 vs 75, but the BYD Dolphin is $20,000 cheaper
The Mazda 6e comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (80 vs 75), taking 6 of 9 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: performance (Mazda 6e ahead by 23), practicality (Mazda 6e ahead by 10), technology (Mazda 6e ahead by 8). 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 Mazda 6e?
The BYD Dolphin is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda 6e by $20,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Mazda 6e has the most range at 560km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Mazda 6e accepts the highest DC charging at up to 194kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
BYD Dolphin holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2023) and Mazda 6e holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 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. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Dolphin has the largest boot at 345L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda 6e has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Dolphin has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150,000 km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda 6e makes the most power at 190kW.
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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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