BYD Dolphin Surf vs GWM Ora 03
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The GWM Ora 03 wins on money kept: 54% retained after three years vs 48%, worth about R 178 529 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Dolphin Surf | Ora 03 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 341 900 | R 629 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 5 976/m | R 11 010/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 69% | 73% |
| Retained after 3 years | 48% | 54% |
| Value after 3 years | R 162 409 | R 340 938 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 179 491 | R 288 962 |
| Value after 5 years | R 110 540 | R 244 592 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Chinese (established) |
BYD Dolphin Surf →
At R339,900 on launch in late 2025, the Dolphin Surf undercut every other new EV in SA by a wide margin. By March 2026 it was the country's best-selling electric car. Claimed range is modest at 232km to 295km depending on battery size, which suits it to city driving.
Known for: south africa's cheapest new ev
GWM Ora 03 →
GWM's retro-styled electric hatch went on sale in late 2023 and has sold in tiny numbers, with fewer than 100 units registered in its first three years. Launch pricing near R687k has been discounted to move stock. GWM plans to reboot the Ora line locally with the cheaper Ora 5, so the 03's future is uncertain.
Known for: retro styling and very slow sales
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BYD Dolphin Surf or the GWM Ora 03?
The GWM Ora 03. It keeps about 54% of its price after three years against 48% for the BYD Dolphin Surf, a gap of 7 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The BYD Dolphin Surf loses about R 179 491 over three years and the GWM Ora 03 loses about R 288 962. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the BYD Dolphin Surf runs about R 5 976 per month and the GWM Ora 03 about R 11 010, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.