VS
At a Glance
Power
148 kW
70 kW
Torque
310 Nm
180 Nm
Fuel
7.5 l/100km
—
Towing
1800 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
8.5 s
12.3 s
Engine
1998 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the BMW X3 and the BYD Dolphin is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW X3 delivers 148 kW while the BYD Dolphin produces 70 kW. Pricing starts at R1 132 260 for the X3 and R539 900 for the Dolphin. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
BMW X3Sdrive 20 M-Sport (g45) 2025 - From R1 132 260
BYD Dolphin(std) 2024 - From R539 900
Performance
Power Output
148 kW
70 kW
Torque
310 Nm
180 Nm
0-100 kph
8.5 s
12.3 s
Top Speed
218 Km/h
150 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
petrol
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
-
Drive Wheels
rear
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.5 l/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 l
44.9 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
171 g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
4755 mm
4290 mm
Width
1920-2132 mm
1770-2012 mm
Height
1660 mm
1570 mm
Wheelbase
2865 mm
2700 mm
Kerb Weight
1805 DIN / 1880 EU Kg
1506 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
570-1700 l
345-1310 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800 Kg
—
Load Capacity
645 lkg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
3 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW X3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X3
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Dolphin
Practicality
X3
Pros & Cons
BMW X3
More powerful engine (148 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.5 ss)
Higher starting price
BYD Dolphin
Lower starting price (R539 900)
Less power than rival (70 kW vs 148 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the X3 or Dolphin?
The X3 produces 148 kW and 310 Nm of torque while the Dolphin delivers 70 kW and 180 Nm of torque. The X3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X3 and Dolphin?
The X3 starts from R1 132 260 and the Dolphin from R539 900. The Dolphin is cheaper by R592 360 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X3 or Dolphin?
The X3 has a braked towing capacity of 1800 Kg and the Dolphin can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X3 or the Dolphin?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.