Geely EX2 or BYD Dolphin Surf: which affordable Chinese EV to choose in Europe

Geely EX2 and BYD Dolphin Surf are the two cheapest Chinese electric cars you will be able to buy in Europe in 2026. The short answer: the EX2 is larger, five-seat, rear-wheel drive and has a bigger battery (up to 345 km WLTP), while the Dolphin Surf is more compact, cheaper at entry level, charges faster on AC and already has five Euro NCAP stars, but in the European version it is configured for four. Below is a comparison of dimensions, batteries, charging, safety and prices.

Contents

• What these cars are and where they come from
• Which one is bigger and more practical
• Which one has more range and faster charging
• Which one is safer and better equipped
• How much they cost in Europe
• Which one is right for whom
• What accessories both will need

What these cars are and where they come from

Geely EX2 is sold in China as the Geely Xingyuan and in 2025 became the country's best-selling electrified vehicle — more than 465 thousand cars. In Europe it launched in autumn 2026: in the UK as EX2, and in Germany, Italy and Spain as Geely E2. We covered the model in detail in the Geely EX2 review.

BYD Dolphin Surf is the European version of the Chinese BYD Seagull (see our separate review). In Europe it was presented in May 2025; the body was extended to 3 990 mm and 11 kW AC charging was added. Full breakdown — in our BYD Dolphin Surf 2026 review.

Which one is bigger and more practical

The EX2 is 145 mm longer, 85 mm wider and has a wheelbase 145 mm longer — you can feel it in the second row and in the trunk. Plus there is a 70 l front trunk, which is handy for storing the charging cable. The Dolphin Surf, by contrast, wins in the city: under 4 m long and with a shorter wheelbase, it's easier in tight courtyards. But in the European version there are only two seats in the back — for a family with three kids, that ends the discussion right away.

Which one has more range and faster charging

On range, the EX2 Max wins — 345 km versus 322 km for the best Surf. On performance, it's the Dolphin Surf Comfort: 115 kW and 9,1 s to 100 km/h, while the quickest EX2 takes 11,5 s. At a fast charger, both go from 30 to 80% in about 22–25 minutes. At home, though, there is a difference: the Dolphin Surf accepts 11 kW AC, while the UK EX2 is up to 6,6 kW, so overnight charging of the EX2 on a regular wallbox takes longer. On the plus side, the EX2 has V2L — powering external devices up to 3,3 kW.

Which one is safer and better equipped

The Dolphin Surf received five Euro NCAP stars in 2025: 82% for adult occupant protection, 86% for children, 76% for pedestrians, and 77% for safety assist. The Geely EX2 has not yet been tested by Euro NCAP; the manufacturer only states it was developed for five stars and fits seven airbags, including a central one between the front seats. So for now, the only confirmed rating is BYD's.

In terms of equipment, the EX2 is more generous already in the base trim: a 14,6-inch central screen, an 8,8-inch instrument panel, adaptive cruise control, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top Surf Comfort adds a 360-degree camera, LED headlights, seat heating and wireless phone charging; a similar set on the Geely comes with the Ultra version. Geely's warranty in the UK is 8 years or 125 thousand miles for the car and the battery.

How much they cost in Europe

Dolphin Surf prices often change due to promotions, so it's worth checking the current amount with your local dealer. On average, versions with the larger battery cost about the same, while in the base version the Surf is usually cheaper.

Which one is right for whom

• Geely EX2 — for a family of five, for those who often drive out of town and value a roomy trunk and longer range. Rear-wheel drive is noticeable on slippery roads: the car pulls away better with a load, but requires care on ice.
• BYD Dolphin Surf — for the city, short daily routes, and for those who want a confirmed safety rating, fast 11 kW home charging, and the lively Comfort version. The limitations are four seats and a smaller trunk.

There are other options in a similar class, such as the Renault 5 E-Tech. And on how to look after a Chinese EV after purchase, we wrote in the article about accessories for Chinese electric cars.

What accessories both will need

There are no model-specific accessories for either the EX2 or the Dolphin Surf in the catalog yet, so at the start it's worth choosing items that do not require an exact template:

• Mats with raised edges.Universal mats keep water and snow contained, and a trunk mat of the right size protects the flat floor in both cars.
• Mud flaps. On the EX2 the rear wheels sit right at the corners of the body; on the Surf the body is short — in both cases, dirt ends up on the bumpers and sills. Universal mud flaps will help.
• Window deflectors. They attach to the shape of a specific door, so there are no universal ones; the range for other models is in the window deflectors section, and for brands — Geely tuning and BYD tuning.

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