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.
LX holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over DOLPHIN SURF.
DOLPHIN SURF starts ZAR 2,345,600 cheaperDOLPHIN SURF from ZAR 341,900 · LX from ZAR 2,687,500
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
DOLPHIN SURF
LX
Maximum Power
DOLPHIN SURF55 kW
LX225 kW @ 4000 rpm
Maximum Torque
DOLPHIN SURF135 Nm
LX700 Nm
Engine Size
DOLPHIN SURFNot Applicable
LX3300 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
DOLPHIN SURFNot Applicable
LX11.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
DOLPHIN SURF155 mm
LX205 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
LX
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
LX
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
LX
Model Introduced Year
2025
2022
Generation
First South African DOLPHIN SURF generation
Fourth-generation Lexus LX flagship body-on-frame SUV
Facelift History
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Current range adds LX 700h hybrid and Overtrail grades while retaining LX 500d diesel choices
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Current range adds LX 700h hybrid and Overtrail grades while retaining LX 500d diesel choices
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current South African specification checked 2026-07-17
Body Style
Hatchback
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
published
Segment
City Hatchback
Luxury SUV
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
-
2670 kg
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
LX
Length
3925 mm
5090 mm
Width
1720 mm
1990 mm
Height
1590 mm
1895 mm
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2850 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
205 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
0 l
110 l
Boot/Cargo Space
230 l
1109 l
Kerb Weight
1280 kg
2670 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1690 kg
3280 kg
Payload Capacity
410 kg
610 kg
Towing Capacity
0 kg
3500 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
4.95 m
6 m
Front Headroom
980 mm
-
Rear Headroom
920 mm
-
Front Legroom
1060 mm
-
Rear Legroom
690 mm
-
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
LX
Engine
Single-motor battery-electric powertrain
3.3-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Electric
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
Not Applicable
3300 cc
Cylinders
Not Applicable
6
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Not Applicable
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
55 kW
225 kW @ 4000 rpm
Maximum Torque
135 Nm
700 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
1
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Front
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
AWD
Transmission
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
10-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
130 km/h
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
15.5 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow
Standard Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport S+, Comfort, Custom
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
43.0 kW/tonne
84.3 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
105.5 Nm/tonne
262.2 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
38.88 kWh
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
LFP
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
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
Not Applicable
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
LX
Gearbox
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Automatic 10-speed
Drivetrain Layout
Front motor, front-wheel drive
AWD
LSD Available
Not Available
-
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Available
Centre and Rear Torsen LSD
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
10.45
-
Number of Gears
1
10
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic 10-speed
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
-
Gear Shift Type
Instrument switch group gear selector
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Permanent all-wheel drive
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Standard
Front Differential Lock
Not Available
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Single-speed reduction gear
Automatic 10-speed
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
AWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
1
10
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
LX
Claimed Mileage
Not Applicable
11.9 km/l
City Mileage
Not Applicable
9.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
Not Applicable
13.9 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
110 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
-
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
-
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Standard
Real-world Mileage
Not Applicable
11.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Not Applicable
Charging Type
AC and DC
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
Not Applicable
110
Combined Driving Range
295 km (WLTP)
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
13.4 kWh/100 km (measured)
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
245 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
288 km
Not Applicable
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
LX
Airbags
6
Side,Knee,Curtain,Driver,Passenger
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard,, Active Traction Control (ATRC)
Hill Descent Control
Not Applicable
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard Rear door
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard 2
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Fingerprint,Ultra-Wide Band
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Front + Rear
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard Front + Rear,Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
AEB
Not Available
Standard
BA
Standard
Standard
Brake Override System
Standard
-
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Applicable
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Fingerprint,Ultra-Wide Band
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
-
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
ELR,Pretensioner,Force Limiter,Tension Reducer -
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Front + Rear
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard,, Active Traction Control (ATRC)
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Standard
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Alarm System
-
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Fingerprint,Ultra-Wide Band
Anti Theft Alarm
-
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Fingerprint,Ultra-Wide Band
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
LX
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Standard Safe Exit Assist
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
-
Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard Front + Rear,Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Rear View Camera
Standard
EMV// Multi Terrain Monitor,Panoramic View Monitor
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
EMV// Multi Terrain Monitor,Panoramic View Monitor
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Standard
Auto Wipers
Standard
Intermittent,Auto,Rainsensing
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard Front + Rear,Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Reverse Camera
Standard
EMV// Multi Terrain Monitor,Panoramic View Monitor
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Park Assist
Standard
-
Around View Monitor
Not Available
EMV// Multi Terrain Monitor,Panoramic View Monitor
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Standard Safe Exit Assist
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Standard
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
LX
Seat Material
Synthetic leather
Semi-Aniline Leather
Heated Seats
Standard
Standard Driver and Passenger only,Rear Row 1
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Standard Front + Rear Row 1
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Standard
Steering Wheel Material
Imitation leather
4 Spoke/ Leather + Heated
60 40 Split Seat
Not Available
40:20:40 -
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way electric
Driver + Passenger Power
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-way manual
Driver + Passenger Power
Seat Trim
Synthetic leather
Semi-Aniline Leather
Seat Adjustment
-
Driver + Passenger Power
Folding Rear Seats
-
40:20:40 -
Rear Armrest
-
Standard
Cup Holders
-
Standard 8
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Standard TFT,Full Digital,12.3-inch
Driver Lumbar Support
-
Driver 4-way,Power/ Passenger 4-way
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
LX
Climate Control
Electric air conditioner
Auto 4-Zone,Air purifier
Power Windows
Standard
All/ All One Touch
Keyless Entry
Standard
Standard Smart Entry + Panic
Push Button Start
Standard
Push Start + fingerprint
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard Front x1
Sunroof
Not Available
Moonroof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Standard Power and Handsfree
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
AC Type
Electric air conditioner
Auto 4-Zone,Air purifier
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Heads Up Display
-
Standard
Air Conditioning
Electric air conditioner
Auto 4-Zone,Air purifier
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
LX
Infotainment System
10.1-inch touchscreen
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
Apple CarPlay
Standard
-
Android Auto
Standard
-
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
4
Standard 25
Digital Instrument Cluster
7-inch digital instrument display
Standard TFT,Full Digital,12.3-inch
USB Ports
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
Standard 3PCs
Infotainment Screen
10.1
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
Touchscreen
10.1
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
Navigation System
-
Standard/ Touch Screen,EMV
Infotainment Screen Size
10.1
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
Audio Speakers
4
Standard 25
Audio System
-
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
-
Standard 3PCs
Connected Services
-
Standard
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
LX
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Standard LED
Fog Lamps
Rear fog lamp
-
Roof Rails
Not Applicable
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
Lime Green, Cream White, Cosmos Black, Ice Blue
White Nova, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black GF, Manganese Luster, Terrane Khaki
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
LX
Approach Angle
15 deg
21.0 deg
Departure Angle
25 deg
22.0 deg
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
-
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Standard
Locking Differential
Not Available
Centre and Rear Torsen LSD
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Permanent all-wheel drive
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
-
Approach Angle Deg
-
21.0 deg
Departure Angle Deg
-
22.0 deg
Ground Clearance Max
-
205 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
205 mm
Crawl Control
-
Standard
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
LX
Tyre Size
185/55 R16
F:265-50 R22 Aluminium F SPORT / R:265-50 R22 Aluminium F SPORT
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Full 265-50R22 AluminiumFSPORT
Wheel Rim Size
16
22
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Electric
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
LX
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Double Wishbone with Active Height Control -
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Multilink with Active Height Control -
Front Track Width
-
1675 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1675 mm
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
LX
CO2 Emissions
0 g/km
222 g/km
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
LX
Service Plan
4 years/2 services service plan
-
Service Interval
-
12 months / 10,000km
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
LX
Ownership Role
longer-range city derivative
Private luxury, family and business
Price Zar
395900 ZAR
2687500 ZAR
Pricing Role
longer-range city derivative
Flagship
Starting Price
395900
2687500
Starting Price Zar
395900
2687500
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
LX
Warranty
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
7 years / 100,000km
In depth: how these cars differ
This DOLPHIN SURF and LX 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 LX 98.
Efficiency index: DOLPHIN SURF 90 vs LX 47.
Safety-equipment index: DOLPHIN SURF 87 vs LX 93.
Practicality index: DOLPHIN SURF 51 vs LX 84.
Ownership-cover index: DOLPHIN SURF not separately scored vs LX 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 LX 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
LX leads by 22 points
LX holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over DOLPHIN SURF.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
LX
Performance
98/100
Efficiency
47/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
84/100
DOLPHIN SURF
Performance
25/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
51/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexLexus LX
leads the specification evidence index with 83 pts
vs 61 pts for DOLPHIN SURF
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, LX 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.
Compare
Request dealer offers
Let's discuss your next car
Share your interest so Hagalu can follow up about quotations and available discounts. The dealer confirms stock, price and terms.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
Your enquiry has reached Hagalu for follow-up. Any dealer offer will be confirmed separately by the seller.