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 BAIC X55 Plus: the short answer
DOLPHIN SURF and X55 Plus are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
DOLPHIN SURF starts ZAR 88,000 cheaperDOLPHIN SURF from ZAR 341,900 · X55 Plus from ZAR 429,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
DOLPHIN SURF
X55 Plus
Maximum Power
DOLPHIN SURF55 kW
X55 Plus138 kW
Maximum Torque
DOLPHIN SURF135 Nm
X55 Plus305 Nm
Engine Size
DOLPHIN SURFNot Applicable
X55 Plus1498 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
DOLPHIN SURFNot Applicable
X55 Plus12.99 km/l
Ground Clearance
DOLPHIN SURF155 mm
X55 PlusNot Officially Disclosed
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
X55 Plus
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
X55 Plus
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
X55 Plus
Model Introduced Year
2025
2024
Generation
First South African DOLPHIN SURF generation
Current upgraded X55 Plus generation for South Africa, mechanically based around BAIC's Magic Core 1.5T engine, DCT380 seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive.
Facelift History
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
The original X55 arrived locally in 2022. BAIC launched the upgraded X55 Plus in August 2024 with revised exterior details, a full-black interior, updated wheel and exhaust treatment, and additional connectivity features.
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2024
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Five-door compact SUV
Model Year
2026
2024
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
City Hatchback
Compact SUV
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
SUV
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
X55 Plus
Length
3925 mm
4620 mm
Width
1720 mm
1886 mm
Height
1590 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2735 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
160 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
0 l
53 l
Boot/Cargo Space
230 l
350 l
Kerb Weight
1280 kg
1480 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1690 kg
1970 kg
Payload Capacity
410 kg
490 kg
Towing Capacity
0 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
4.95 m
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Headroom
980 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
920 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
1060 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
690 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
X55 Plus
Engine
Single-motor battery-electric powertrain
1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine
Engine Code
Not Applicable
A156T2H
Fuel Type
Electric
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
Not Applicable
1498 cc
Cylinders
Not Applicable
4
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
138 kW
Maximum Torque
135 Nm
305 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
FWD
Transmission
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
7-Speed DCT
Top Speed
130 km/h
200 km/h
0-100 km/h
15.5 sec
7.7 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow
Eco, Sport, Comfort, Smart
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
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 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
X55 Plus
Gearbox
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
7DCT
Drivetrain Layout
Front motor, front-wheel drive
FWD
LSD Available
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Final Drive Ratio
10.45
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
1
7
Transmission Type
Automatic
7-speed dual-clutch transmission
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Gear Shift Type
Instrument switch group gear selector
Not Officially Disclosed
Drivetrain
FWD
Front-wheel drive
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
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Differential Lock
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Gearbox Type
Single-speed reduction gear
Dual-clutch
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission Speeds
1
7
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
X55 Plus
Claimed Mileage
Not Applicable
12.99 km/l
City Mileage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Highway Mileage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
53 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Euro VI
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Real-world Mileage
Not Applicable
12.99 km/l
Charging Port Type
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Not Officially Disclosed
Charging Type
AC and DC
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Litres
Not Applicable
53
Combined Driving Range
295 km (WLTP)
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Consumption
13.4 kWh/100 km (measured)
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Highway
245 km
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Mixed
288 km
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
X55 Plus
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Applicable
Standard
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
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Standard
Standard
Brake Override System
Standard
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Applicable
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
X55 Plus
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Wipers
Standard
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
X55 Plus
Seat Material
Synthetic leather
Leather
Heated Seats
Standard
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
Imitation leather
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Not Available
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way electric
6-way manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-way manual
6-way manual
Seat Trim
Synthetic leather
Leather
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
X55 Plus
Climate Control
Electric air conditioner
Air conditioning
Power Windows
Standard
Standard
Keyless Entry
Standard
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
AC Type
Electric air conditioner
Air conditioning
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
X55 Plus
Infotainment System
10.1-inch touchscreen
BAIC DA head unit with radio, Bluetooth and smartphone connection
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
4
4
Digital Instrument Cluster
7-inch digital instrument display
10.25-inch LCD instrument screen
USB Ports
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
Front USB, rear USB and Type-C charging
Infotainment Screen
10.1
10.1-inch central touchscreen
Touchscreen
10.1
10.1-inch central touchscreen
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
X55 Plus
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Standard
Fog Lamps
Rear fog lamp
Standard
Roof Rails
Not Applicable
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Lime Green, Cream White, Cosmos Black, Ice Blue
Electric Yellow, Metallic Grey, Scarlet Red, Krypton Grey, Polar White, Turquoise Blue
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
X55 Plus
Approach Angle
15 deg
Not Officially Disclosed
Departure Angle
25 deg
Not Officially Disclosed
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Locking Differential
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
X55 Plus
Tyre Size
185/55 R16
225/60 R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Space-saver spare wheel
Wheel Rim Size
16
18-inch
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Electric parking brake
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
X55 Plus
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
MacPherson independent suspension
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Multi-link independent suspension
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
X55 Plus
CO2 Emissions
0 g/km
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
X55 Plus
Service Plan
4 years/2 services service plan
5 Years / 60 000 km
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
X55 Plus
Ownership Role
longer-range city derivative
Private buyer ownership with BAIC South Africa warranty and service support
Price Zar
395900 ZAR
429900 ZAR
Pricing Role
longer-range city derivative
Current ex-showroom price
Starting Price
395900
429900
Starting Price Zar
395900
429900
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
X55 Plus
Warranty
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
5 Years / 150 000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This DOLPHIN SURF and X55 Plus 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 X55 Plus 62.
Efficiency index: DOLPHIN SURF 90 vs X55 Plus 53.
Safety-equipment index: DOLPHIN SURF 87 vs X55 Plus 88.
Practicality index: DOLPHIN SURF 51 vs X55 Plus 55.
Ownership-cover index: DOLPHIN SURF not separately scored vs X55 Plus 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 X55 Plus 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
X55 Plus leads by 4 points
DOLPHIN SURF and X55 Plus are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
X55 Plus +37
Efficiency
DOLPHIN SURF +37
Safety
X55 Plus +1
Practicality
X55 Plus +4
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
X55 Plus
Performance
62/100
Efficiency
53/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
55/100
DOLPHIN SURF
Performance
25/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
51/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBAIC X55 Plus
leads the specification evidence index with 65 pts
vs 61 pts for DOLPHIN SURF
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, X55 Plus 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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