BYD Dolphin vs MINI Cooper
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks 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 MINI Cooper opens at $41,990. That makes the BYD Dolphin the more affordable entry point by $12,000.
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 $46,189 respectively.
The BYD Dolphin qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The MINI Cooper, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Dolphin and MINI Cooper hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Dolphin and 89% for the MINI Cooper.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The MINI Cooper packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the BYD Dolphin.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the BYD Dolphin and 9 in the MINI Cooper.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Dolphin features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the MINI Cooper gets a 9.4-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Dolphin stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the MINI Cooper. The MINI Cooper counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging and ambient lighting. 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 10.5 seconds.
The MINI Cooper responds with a Petrol Turbo making 115kW and 230Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The MINI Cooper has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 70kW. In the real-world sprint, the MINI Cooper is 2.6s 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, 414mm longer than the MINI Cooper at 3,876mm (2,495mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Dolphin generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 308L in the BYD Dolphin and 210L in the MINI Cooper, giving the BYD Dolphin a 98L advantage. The BYD Dolphin seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.7m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.7m 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 5 years / 999,999km (MINI Cooper). 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 MINI Cooper if: You prioritise performance, or prefer MINI's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BYD Dolphin and MINI Cooper trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the BYD Dolphin has a clear edge. 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 MINI Cooper?
The BYD Dolphin is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MINI Cooper by $12,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MINI Cooper uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Dolphin and MINI Cooper 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 308L.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Dolphin has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The MINI Cooper makes the most power at 115kW. The MINI Cooper is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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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