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.
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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. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $32,989 and $54,989 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
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
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 (11kW 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 and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Dolphin stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Mazda 6e. The Mazda 6e counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, power tailgate, V2L and Sony audio. 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 Motor 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
The Mazda 6e takes 7 of 10 key spec categories. 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.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Dolphin 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 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 / 150k 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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