GWM ORA vs BYD Dolphin
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 Oct 2026
Track the GWM ORA & BYD Dolphin
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Price Breakdown
The GWM ORA starts from $31,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Dolphin opens at $29,990. That makes the BYD Dolphin the more affordable entry point by $2,000.
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 $34,990 for the GWM ORA and $28,888 for the BYD Dolphin.
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
Both the GWM ORA and BYD Dolphin hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the GWM ORA and 89% for the BYD Dolphin.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the GWM ORA, against 4 on the BYD Dolphin.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the GWM ORA and 7 in the BYD Dolphin.
Recalls on our record
GWM ORA
- REC-005843 · published 4 Dec 2023Due to a programming issue, if the operator removes the charging cable without cancelling the charge, an electrical arc between the charging plug and the vehicle may occur.Year range on the notice: 2023
BYD Dolphin
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
59kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 80kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (6.6kW AC, 80kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
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.
Feature Showdown
The GWM ORA features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the BYD Dolphin gets a 12.8-inch display and 5-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM ORA stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the BYD Dolphin. The BYD Dolphin counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The GWM ORA uses a Electric producing 126kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.4 seconds.
The BYD Dolphin responds with a Electric making 70kW and 180Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12.3 seconds.
The GWM ORA has the clear power advantage at 126kW vs 70kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the GWM ORA is 3.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 57.7kWh (GWM ORA) vs 44.9kWh (BYD Dolphin), giving WLTP ranges of 347km and 340km. DC fast charging peaks at 80kW (GWM ORA) vs 60kW (BYD Dolphin).
Space & Comfort
The GWM ORA measures 4,235mm long on a 2,650mm wheelbase, 55mm shorter than the BYD Dolphin at 4,290mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Dolphin generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 228L in the GWM ORA and 345L in the BYD Dolphin, giving the BYD Dolphin a 117L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m 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: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM ORA) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Dolphin). The GWM ORA has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM ORA if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Dolphin if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
GWM ORA: Top CarSorted Score, 66 vs 64, but the BYD Dolphin is $2,000 cheaper
The GWM ORA comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (66 vs 64), taking 6 of 8 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: performance (GWM ORA ahead by 21), technology (GWM ORA ahead by 15), safety (GWM ORA ahead by 8). If boot space matters, the BYD Dolphin has a clear edge. The GWM ORA adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, GWM ORA and BYD Dolphin?
The BYD Dolphin is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GWM ORA by $2,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The GWM ORA has the most range at 400km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The GWM ORA accepts the highest DC charging at up to 80kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: GWM ORA and 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 with the seats up.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM ORA has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The GWM ORA makes the most power at 126kW. The GWM ORA is quickest to 100km/h in 8.4s.
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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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