BYD Dolphin vs Mitsubishi Xpander
Verdict
This is a near-price tie with very different answers: the BYD Dolphin costs RM100,530, just RM550 more than the RM99,980 Mitsubishi Xpander. The Dolphin is the cleaner tech play, with a 44.9 kWh battery, 340 km EV range, six airbags, AEB and RM50 road tax. The Xpander is the family tool, with seven seats, a 495-litre boot, a taller cabin and a 45-litre petrol tank. For a Malaysian buyer, the question is charging access versus carrying people.
Pick the BYD Dolphin if you want a five-seat electric hatchback with 340 km range, six airbags and AEB.
Pick the Mitsubishi Xpander if you need seven seats, a bigger 495-litre boot and petrol refuelling.
Key differences
- Price: BYD Dolphin RM100,530; Mitsubishi Xpander RM99,980
- Seats: BYD Dolphin 5; Mitsubishi Xpander 7
- Boot space: BYD Dolphin 345 litres; Mitsubishi Xpander 495 litres
- Power: BYD Dolphin 94 hp; Mitsubishi Xpander 104 hp
- Length: BYD Dolphin 4,290 mm; Mitsubishi Xpander 4,475 mm
- Road tax: BYD Dolphin RM50/year; Mitsubishi Xpander RM120/year
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 100,530 | RM 99,980✓ |
| Body type | Hatchback | MPV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Engine | Single motor | 1,499 cc |
| Power | 94 hp | 104 hp✓ |
| Torque | — | 141 Nm |
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 12.3 s | — |
| Efficiency | ||
| Battery | 44.9 kWh | — |
| EV range | 340 km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,290 mm | 4,475 mm |
| Width | 1,770 mm | 1,750 mm |
| Height | 1,570 mm | 1,720 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm | 2,775 mm |
| Boot space | 345 L | 495 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | — | 45 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6✓ | 2 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 6✓ | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 50✓ | RM 120 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Dolphin
- 340 km EV range
- Six airbags and AEB
- Lower RM50 yearly road tax
- Only five seats
- Smaller 345-litre boot
- Needs charging access
Xpander
- Seven-seat cabin
- Larger 495-litre boot
- Longer 2,775 mm wheelbase
- Only two airbags
- No AEB listed
- Higher RM120 yearly road tax
Dolphin vs Xpander FAQ
Is the BYD Dolphin or Mitsubishi Xpander better?
The BYD Dolphin is better for EV running, safety kit and lower road tax. The Mitsubishi Xpander is better if you need seven seats and more boot space. They solve different Malaysian family needs.
What is the price difference?
The BYD Dolphin is RM550 more expensive than the Mitsubishi Xpander, so price should not decide this comparison. Charging access, seat count and boot space matter more.
Which has more space?
The Mitsubishi Xpander has more passenger and luggage capacity, with seven seats and a 495-litre boot. The BYD Dolphin seats five and has 345 litres of boot space.