VS
At a Glance
Power
145 kW
150 kW
Torque
400 Nm
310 Nm
Fuel
6.2 l/100km
—
Towing
2500 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
7.7 s
7.0 s
Engine
1995 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 145 kW while the BYD Dolphin produces 150 kW. Pricing starts at R1 254 417 for the X3 and R602 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 X3Xdrive 20d Rugged (g45) 2025 - From R1 254 417
BYD DolphinExtended 2024 - From R602 900
Performance
Power Output
145 kW
150 kW
Torque
400 Nm
310 Nm
0-100 kph
7.7 s
7.0 s
Top Speed
215 Km/h
159 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1995 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
diesel
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
-
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.2 l/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
60.5 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
163 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
1890 DIN / 1965 EU Kg
1658 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
570-1700 l
345-1310 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 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
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
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
BYD Dolphin
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Dolphin
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Dolphin
Practicality
X3
Pros & Cons
BMW X3
Well-rounded specification
Less power than rival (145 kW vs 150 kW)
Higher starting price
BYD Dolphin
More powerful engine (150 kW)
Lower starting price (R602 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.0 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the X3 or Dolphin?
The X3 produces 145 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the Dolphin delivers 150 kW and 310 Nm of torque. The Dolphin is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X3 and Dolphin?
The X3 starts from R1 254 417 and the Dolphin from R602 900. The Dolphin is cheaper by R651 517 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 2500 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.