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.
BYD DOLPHIN SURF vs Mercedes-Benz GLA: the short answer
GLA has a modest catalogue-index lead, while DOLPHIN SURF remains close.
DOLPHIN SURF starts ZAR 559,987 cheaperDOLPHIN SURF from ZAR 341,900 · GLA from ZAR 901,887
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
DOLPHIN SURF
GLA
Maximum Power
DOLPHIN SURF55 kW
GLA120 kW
Maximum Torque
DOLPHIN SURF135 Nm
GLA270 Nm
Engine Size
DOLPHIN SURFNot Applicable
GLA1332 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
DOLPHIN SURFNot Applicable
GLA15.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
DOLPHIN SURF155 mm
GLA143 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.
BYD DOLPHIN SURF
Dynamic EV
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
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)
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
Specification evidence leader
GLA
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
DOLPHIN SURF
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
GLA
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
GLA
Model Introduced Year
2025
2026
Generation
First South African DOLPHIN SURF generation
Current South African GLA generation represented by derivative GLA 200
Facelift History
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Current South African model cycle
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Suv
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
Current South African retail range
Segment
City Hatchback
Premium SUV
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
SUV
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
GLA
Length
3925 mm
4412 mm
Width
1720 mm
1834 mm
Height
1590 mm
1616 mm
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2729 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
143 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
220 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
0 l
43 l
Boot/Cargo Space
230 l
435 l
Kerb Weight
1280 kg
1650 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1690 kg
2000 kg
Payload Capacity
410 kg
550 kg
Towing Capacity
0 kg
2000 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
4.95 m
5.7 m
Front Headroom
980 mm
960 mm
Rear Headroom
920 mm
960 mm
Front Legroom
1060 mm
900 mm
Rear Legroom
690 mm
900 mm
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
GLA
Engine
Single-motor battery-electric powertrain
1332/L4
Engine Code
Not Applicable
M282
Fuel Type
Electric
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
48V Mild Hybrid
Engine Displacement
Not Applicable
1332 cc
Cylinders
Not Applicable
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Inline
Valves
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable
4
Aspiration
Not Applicable
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
10.6:1
Bore
Not Applicable
72.2 mm
Stroke
Not Applicable
81.4 mm
Maximum Power
55 kW
120 kW
Maximum Torque
135 Nm
270 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
120 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
270 Nm
Motor Type
Permanent Magnet Synchronous
48 V integrated starter-generator
Number of Motors
1
1
Motor Location
Front
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
8-Speed DCT
Top Speed
130 km/h
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
15.5 sec
8.9 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
15.0 sec
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Applicable
6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
43.0 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
105.5 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
38.88 kWh
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
LFP
0
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
295 km (WLTP)
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
6.6 kW
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
40 kW
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Yes
No
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
GLA
Gearbox
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
8-Speed DCT
Drivetrain Layout
Front motor, front-wheel drive
FWD
LSD Available
Not Available
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Available
No
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
10.45
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Number of Gears
1
8
Transmission Type
Automatic
8-Speed DCT
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Dual-clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Instrument switch group gear selector
Automatic with manual shift mode
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
No
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
No
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Yes
Front Differential Lock
Not Available
No
Gearbox Type
Single-speed reduction gear
8-Speed DCT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
0
Low Range
Not Applicable
0
Axle Layout
4x2
Driven axle configuration: FWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Transmission Speeds
1
8
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
GLA
Claimed Mileage
Not Applicable
15.2 km/l
City Mileage
Not Applicable
15.2 km/l
Highway Mileage
Not Applicable
15.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
66 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
0 l
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Yes
Real-world Mileage
Not Applicable
15.2 km/l
Charging Port Type
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Not Applicable
Charging Type
AC and DC
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
Not Applicable
66
Combined Driving Range
295 km (WLTP)
0
Electric Consumption
13.4 kWh/100 km (measured)
0
Range Real World Highway
245 km
0 km
Range Real World Mixed
288 km
0 km
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
GLA
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Applicable
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Ventilated disc brakes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front and rear
AEB
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
BA
Standard
Yes
Brake Override System
Standard
Ventilated disc brakes
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Yes
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Not Applicable
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Side Airbags
Standard
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
TCS
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Yes
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
GLA
Cruise Control
Standard
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Standard
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Standard
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Park Assist
Standard
Yes
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Yes
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
GLA
Seat Material
Synthetic leather
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Heated Seats
Standard
Front heated seats
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Model/option dependent
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
64-colour ambient lighting
Steering Wheel Material
Imitation leather
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
60 40 Split Seat
Not Available
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way electric
Electric adjustment with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-way manual
Electric adjustment with memory
Seat Trim
Synthetic leather
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
GLA
Climate Control
Electric air conditioner
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
Standard
Yes
Keyless Entry
Standard
KEYLESS-GO
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
Yes
Sunroof
Not Available
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
AC Type
Electric air conditioner
Automatic climate control
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
GLA
Infotainment System
10.1-inch touchscreen
MBUX multimedia system
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
4
13
Digital Instrument Cluster
7-inch digital instrument display
12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen
10.1
MBUX multimedia system
Touchscreen
10.1
MBUX multimedia system
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
GLA
LED Headlamps
Standard
LED High Performance headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED daytime running lights
Fog Lamps
Rear fog lamp
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Roof Rails
Not Applicable
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Lime Green, Cream White, Cosmos Black, Ice Blue
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Headlights
Standard
LED High Performance headlamps
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
GLA
Approach Angle
15 deg
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
25 deg
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Off-road mode
Locking Differential
Not Available
No
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
No
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
GLA
Tyre Size
185/55 R16
255/45 R20
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
20-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Rim Size
16
20
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Ventilated disc brakes
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
GLA
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Independent multi-link suspension
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Independent multi-link suspension
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
GLA
CO2 Emissions
0 g/km
165 g/km
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
GLA
Service Plan
4 years/2 services service plan
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
GLA
Ownership Role
longer-range city derivative
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Price Zar
395900 ZAR
901887 ZAR
Pricing Role
longer-range city derivative
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
395900
1050000
Starting Price Zar
395900
1050000
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
GLA
Warranty
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
5 Years / 100000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This DOLPHIN SURF and GLA 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: DOLPHIN SURF 25 vs GLA 54.
Efficiency index: DOLPHIN SURF 90 vs GLA 63.
Safety-equipment index: DOLPHIN SURF 87 vs GLA 99.
Practicality index: DOLPHIN SURF 51 vs GLA 62.
Ownership-cover index: DOLPHIN SURF not separately scored vs GLA 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
DOLPHIN SURF and GLA 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
GLA leads by 9 points
GLA has a modest catalogue-index lead, while DOLPHIN SURF remains close.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
GLA
Performance
54/100
Efficiency
63/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
62/100
DOLPHIN SURF
Performance
25/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
51/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz GLA
leads the specification evidence index with 70 pts
vs 61 pts for DOLPHIN SURF
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, GLA 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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