A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
BMW 1 Series vs BYD DOLPHIN SURF: the short answer
1 Series has a modest catalogue-index lead, while DOLPHIN SURF remains close.
DOLPHIN SURF starts ZAR 363,100 cheaper1 Series from ZAR 705,000 · DOLPHIN SURF from ZAR 341,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
1 Series
DOLPHIN SURF
Maximum Power
1 Series233 kW
DOLPHIN SURF55 kW
Maximum Torque
1 Series400 Nm @ 2000-4500 rpm
DOLPHIN SURF135 Nm
Engine Size
1 Series1998 cc
DOLPHIN SURFNot Applicable
Combined Fuel Economy
1 Series12.5 km/l
DOLPHIN SURFNot Applicable
Ground Clearance
1 Series140 mm
DOLPHIN SURF155 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
BMW 1 Series
M135 xDrive
Hagalu editorial rating
4.1/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
1 Series
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
DOLPHIN SURF
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
1 Series
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
DOLPHIN SURF
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
1 Series
DOLPHIN SURF
Model Introduced Year
2024
2025
Generation
Fourth-generation F70 BMW 1 Series, configured for South Africa as a five-door hatchback.
First South African DOLPHIN SURF generation
Facelift History
F70 is the current fourth-generation South African launch version; no local facelift has been announced.
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Hatchback
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
Active
Segment
Premium Hatchback
City Hatchback
Vehicle Type
Car
Passenger vehicle
Spec
1 Series
DOLPHIN SURF
Length
4361 mm
3925 mm
Width
1800 mm
1720 mm
Height
1459 mm
1590 mm
Wheelbase
2670 mm
2500 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
155 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
120 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
0 l
Boot/Cargo Space
380 l
230 l
Kerb Weight
1550 kg
1280 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2100 kg
1690 kg
Payload Capacity
550 kg
410 kg
Towing Capacity
750 kg
0 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
4.95 m
Front Headroom
985 mm
980 mm
Rear Headroom
958 mm
920 mm
Front Legroom
1041 mm
1060 mm
Rear Legroom
896 mm
690 mm
Spec
1 Series
DOLPHIN SURF
Engine
BMW turbocharged engine
Single-motor battery-electric powertrain
Engine Code
B48
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Petrol
Electric
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
Not Applicable
Cylinders
4
Not Applicable
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Applicable
Valves
16
Not Applicable
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Applicable
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Not Applicable
Fuel System
Direct injection
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
Not Applicable
Bore
82.0 mm
Not Applicable
Stroke
94.6 mm
Not Applicable
Maximum Power
233 kW
55 kW
Maximum Torque
400 Nm @ 2000-4500 rpm
135 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
1
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Front
Drive Type
AWD
FWD
Transmission
7-Speed Automatic
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Top Speed
250 km/h
130 km/h
0-100 km/h
4.9 sec
15.5 sec
Quarter Mile
12.2 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
7000 rpm
Not Applicable
Power-to-Weight Ratio
100 kW/tonne
43.0 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
105.5 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
38.88 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
LFP
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
Not Applicable
295 km (WLTP)
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
6.6 kW
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
40 kW
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Yes
Spec
1 Series
DOLPHIN SURF
Gearbox
7-Speed Automatic
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Drivetrain Layout
All-wheel drive
Front motor, front-wheel drive
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Available
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Yes
10.45
Number of Gears
7
1
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Standard
Gear Shift Type
Automatic selector
Instrument switch group gear selector
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Single-speed reduction gear
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Yes
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
7
1
Spec
1 Series
DOLPHIN SURF
Claimed Mileage
12.5 km/l
Not Applicable
City Mileage
10.5 km/l
Not Applicable
Highway Mileage
15.0 km/l
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
Not Applicable
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
12.5 km/l
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Charging Type
Not Applicable
AC and DC
Fuel Tank Litres
49
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
295 km (WLTP)
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
13.4 kWh/100 km (measured)
Range Real World Highway
360 km
245 km
Range Real World Mixed
420 km
288 km
Spec
1 Series
DOLPHIN SURF
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Applicable
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
AEB
Yes
Not Available
BA
Standard
Standard
Brake Override System
Yes
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Applicable
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Standard
Side Airbags
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
1 Series
DOLPHIN SURF
Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Yes
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Park Assist
Standard
Standard
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Not Available
Spec
1 Series
DOLPHIN SURF
Seat Material
Leather/Sensatec
Synthetic leather
Heated Seats
Yes
Standard
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
Yes
Imitation leather
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Not Available
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
6-way electric
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
4-way manual
Seat Trim
M Sport Seats
Synthetic leather
Spec
1 Series
DOLPHIN SURF
Climate Control
Standard
Electric air conditioner
Power Windows
Standard
Standard
Keyless Entry
Yes
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
Yes
Standard
Sunroof
Panoramic
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
No
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Standard
AC Type
Standard
Electric air conditioner
Spec
1 Series
DOLPHIN SURF
Infotainment System
Yes
10.1-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
4
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3
7-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
2
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen
14.9
10.1
Touchscreen
14.9
10.1
Spec
1 Series
DOLPHIN SURF
LED Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED
Fog Lamps
Yes
Rear fog lamp
Roof Rails
Yes
Not Applicable
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple manufacturer colours
Lime Green, Cream White, Cosmos Black, Ice Blue
Headlights
Yes
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Not Available
Spec
1 Series
DOLPHIN SURF
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
15 deg
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
25 deg
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Available
4WD System Type
All-wheel drive
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
1 Series
DOLPHIN SURF
Tyre Size
Runflat tyres
185/55 R16
Front Brake Type
M Sport brake, dark blue metallic
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
M Sport brake, dark blue metallic
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size
18"M light alloy wheels Y spoke style 975 M Bicolour with runflat tyres
16
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electronic parking brake
Spec
1 Series
DOLPHIN SURF
Front Suspension
Adaptive M Suspension
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Adaptive M Suspension
Torsion beam
Spec
1 Series
DOLPHIN SURF
CO2 Emissions
177 g/km
0 g/km
Spec
1 Series
DOLPHIN SURF
Service Plan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
4 years/2 services service plan
Spec
1 Series
DOLPHIN SURF
Ownership Role
Private and enthusiast
longer-range city derivative
Price Zar
975000 ZAR
395900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current recommended retail price
longer-range city derivative
Starting Price
975000
395900
Starting Price Zar
975000
395900
Spec
1 Series
DOLPHIN SURF
Warranty
Yes
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
In depth: how these cars differ
This 1 Series and DOLPHIN SURF comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: 1 Series 91 vs DOLPHIN SURF 25.
Efficiency index: 1 Series 50 vs DOLPHIN SURF 90.
Safety-equipment index: 1 Series 92 vs DOLPHIN SURF 87.
Practicality index: 1 Series 53 vs DOLPHIN SURF 51.
Ownership-cover index: 1 Series not separately scored vs DOLPHIN SURF not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
1 Series and DOLPHIN SURF image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
1 Series leads by 12 points
1 Series has a modest catalogue-index lead, while DOLPHIN SURF remains close.
Performance
1 Series +66
Efficiency
DOLPHIN SURF +40
Safety
1 Series +5
Practicality
1 Series +2
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
1 Series
Performance
91/100
Efficiency
50/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
53/100
DOLPHIN SURF
Performance
25/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
51/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBMW 1 Series
leads the specification evidence index with 73 pts
vs 61 pts for DOLPHIN SURF
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, 1 Series leads. However, DOLPHIN SURF may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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