You’re standing in a dealership, wallet ready, staring at two electric hatchbacks separated by a mere $100 in price. The BYD Dolphin Dynamic sits at $38,890 AUD while the MG4 51kWh Excite costs $38,990 AUD. Your heart races because this decision matters. These aren’t just cars. They’re your ticket to slashing fuel costs, cutting emissions, and joining the electric revolution without emptying your savings account.
Keynote: BYD Dolphin vs MG4 EV
BYD Dolphin delivers premium tech and comfort for city driving with LFP battery chemistry and feature-rich interiors. MG4 EV excels through rear-wheel drive dynamics, 140kW fast charging, and versatile performance across all trims, making it the superior all-rounder for Australian buyers.
Two Electric Hatchbacks That Changed Everything
The affordable EV market just exploded with possibility. Chinese automakers BYD and SAIC Motor dropped two game-changing electric hatchbacks that finally make going electric feel reachable for everyday families. Both cars deliver real-world range above 300 kilometers, safety scores that shame pricier rivals, and tech features once reserved for luxury brands.
But here’s the tension keeping you awake at night. These C-segment hatchbacks look similar on paper yet drive like completely different animals. One prioritizes your daily comfort and weekend serenity. The other wakes up the driving enthusiast you thought vanished with your last petrol hot hatch.
You’re Standing Between Two Game-Changing EVs
I get why you’re torn. These aren’t just cars, they’re the moment electric finally feels reachable. The sparkly Dolphin with its ocean vibes or the zippy MG4 with its corner-carving confidence? Industry experts note the MG4’s rear-wheel drive platform is rare at this price point, delivering dynamics typically found in vehicles costing $20,000 more.
Forget spec-sheet battles. I’ll translate what these numbers mean for your Monday commute and weekend escapes. You’ll walk away knowing which one makes your heart and wallet sing.
The Money Reality: What Your Bank Account Actually Feels
Starting Prices That Don’t Sting
The MG4 lineup in the UK starts around £27,000 while the Dolphin Surf dips under £20,000. Yes, you read that right. Both cars dance around the same ballpark once you compare similar battery capacities and feature sets. The extended-range Dolphin Premium sits at roughly £31,000, matching the MG4 Long Range territory.
Government rebates shift the math depending on where you call home. Australian buyers historically accessed federal incentives that knocked thousands off the sticker price. Your local council might sweeten the deal further with registration discounts or free charging network access.
| Trim Level | BYD Dolphin | MG4 EV |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Model | £19,990 (Surf) | £27,495 (SE) |
| Mid-Range | £26,490 (Dynamic) | £29,995 (Trophy) |
| Long Range | £31,490 (Premium) | £32,995 (Trophy Long Range) |
| Performance | N/A | £36,995 (XPower) |
The Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions
MG4’s seven-year unlimited kilometer warranty versus Dolphin’s six-year 150,000 kilometer coverage makes a real difference. That extra year of peace protects you from unexpected repair bills when the novelty wears off and real life kicks in.
Service intervals matter more than most buyers realize. MG4 needs attention every two years or 40,000 kilometers. Dolphin demands annual checkups or every 20,000 kilometers. Over five years of ownership, you’re looking at two MG services versus five Dolphin visits. Add £150 per service and suddenly the Dolphin’s lower sticker price looks less compelling.
Insurance groups rate both cars similarly, typically landing between £400 and £600 annually. Tire replacement costs vary wildly. Dolphin rolls on budget-friendly LingLong rubber while MG4 wears Continental treads, meaning you’ll pay roughly 30% more when those MG tires wear out at 40,000 kilometers.
Range and Charging: The Numbers You’ll Actually Live With
Real-World Miles That Match Your Life
The MG4 Long Range with its 61.7 kWh usable battery delivers around 225 honest miles in mixed driving. Dolphin’s 60.4 kWh battery manages roughly 215 miles in the same conditions. These figures come from independent testing, not marketing departments spinning WLTP fairy tales.
Winter steals 20 to 30 percent from both cars. That’s physics, not preference. Cold weather thickens battery chemistry and forces your heater to work overtime. Your daily 40-mile round trip? Either one laughs it off, leaving you with range to spare even on frosty January mornings.
| Battery Size | BYD Dolphin | MG4 EV |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Range | 44.9 kWh / 340 km | 50.8 kWh / 350 km |
| Long Range | 60.4 kWh / 427 km | 61.7 kWh / 435-450 km |
| Real-World (Mild) | 295-400 km | 305-415 km |
| Real-World (Cold) | 235-320 km | 245-330 km |
Charging Speed Drama
MG4 charges faster at 140 kW peak power, meaning 25-minute coffee breaks on road trips restore 10 to 80 percent battery. Dolphin’s 88 kW maximum takes 40 minutes but stays consistent throughout the charging curve without dramatic drop-offs.
Home charging overnight on a 7 kW wallbox? Both fill up while you dream, ready for morning. You’ll spend roughly 3 pence per mile charging at home versus 15 pence using public rapid chargers. That’s where the real savings pile up over petrol equivalents.
The charging speed gap becomes critical if you’re a high-mileage driver. Saving 15 minutes per charging stop sounds trivial until you’re doing it twice weekly on your 300-mile commute route. Those minutes compound into hours of your life reclaimed annually.
The Battery Chemistry Secret
Dolphin’s LFP Blade battery loves daily charging to 100 percent without degradation worry. This lithium iron phosphate chemistry passes the nail penetration test, famously demonstrating superior thermal stability and safety. You can maximize every electron without guilt or long-term anxiety.
MG4’s strategy splits between LFP in base models and NMC chemistry in Long Range trims. That NMC battery prefers the 20 to 80 percent dance for longevity. Charging to 100 percent daily accelerates capacity loss over years. Save full charges for road trips.
Both promise 8-plus years of battery warranty coverage. Sleep easy knowing your most expensive component carries protection that outlasts most car ownership cycles.
How They Drive: Your Daily Dose of Joy (or Calm)
MG4: The One That Makes You Grin
Rear-wheel drive transforms boring roundabouts into mini adventures you actually anticipate rather than endure. That instant electric torque pushes you back into supportive seats. The 125 kW motor in base models rockets you to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds, feeling quicker thanks to zero lag.
Steering talks to you through curves. Corners become conversations, not chores. The 50:50 weight distribution and low center of gravity create planted confidence that invites spirited driving. You’ll find yourself taking the long way home just for another set of bends.
| Drive Layout | BYD Dolphin | MG4 EV |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Base Power | 70 kW (94 hp) | 125 kW (168 hp) |
| Top Power | 150 kW (201 hp) | 320 kW (429 hp XPower) |
| 0-100 km/h (Base) | 12.3 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| 0-100 km/h (Top) | 7.0 seconds | 3.8 seconds (XPower) |
Dolphin: The Smooth Operator
Front-wheel drive feels familiar, like your old hatchback but whisper-quiet and infinitely smoother. Suspension soaks up potholes like a luxury sedan absorbs road imperfections. Your coffee stays in the cup through broken pavement that would spill drinks in firmer-riding rivals.
Light steering makes parallel parking feel effortless, even on tired Tuesday evenings when your spatial awareness fades. The ride prioritizes your comfort over dynamic excitement. It’s built for the city slickers who value serenity over adrenaline.
The 150 kW Dolphin Premium does introduce noticeable torque steer under hard acceleration. The steering wheel tugs in your hands as front tires struggle to put power down while simultaneously directing the car. It’s not dangerous but it reminds you this platform wasn’t engineered for performance thrills.
Living With It: Space, Screens, and Sanity
The Cabin Experience
Dolphin’s rotating 12.8-inch touchscreen is both party trick and genuinely useful tool. Portrait mode suits navigation apps while landscape orientation works better for media playback. The system responds instantly to inputs without the lag plaguing cheaper infotainment setups. Over-the-air updates mean your software improves over time, adding features and fixing annoyances remotely.
MG4 keeps things simple with physical climate buttons that let you adjust temperature without menu diving at 70 mph. The 10.25-inch screen lags noticeably, frustrating drivers accustomed to smartphone responsiveness. No OTA updates means the software you buy today stays frozen forever.
Both get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, letting you bypass native systems entirely. Dolphin’s interface responds faster but MG4’s physical controls mean you’ll rely less on touchscreen navigation for common tasks.
Room for Life’s Stuff
MG4’s boot holds 363 liters, fitting the weekly shop plus sports gear with space remaining. The wider opening and optional adjustable-height floor on higher trims make loading bulky items straightforward. Fold the rear seats and capacity expands to 1,177 liters for flat-pack furniture runs.
Dolphin’s boot measures 345 liters but the shape feels oddly constrained despite decent numbers. Tall items fit well yet wide boxes struggle. Parents report frustration fitting prams alongside grocery bags. Rear seats fold to create 1,310 liters, though the space feels less usable than raw figures suggest.
| Interior Space | BYD Dolphin | MG4 EV |
|---|---|---|
| Boot Capacity | 345L / 1,310L folded | 363L / 1,177L folded |
| Rear Legroom | Excellent (China-market priority) | Very Good |
| Rear Headroom | Very Good | Good (slightly limited) |
| Frunk | None | None |
| Towing Capacity | 0-500 kg | 500 kg |
Rear seats in both fit actual adults without origami contortions. Dolphin prioritizes rear passenger space, reflecting its Chinese market origins where chauffeur-driven use remains common. Door pockets hold water bottles, cup holders live where you expect them, and USB ports appear in sensible locations.
The Tech That Matters Daily
Dolphin’s 360-degree camera makes tight parking spots stress-free, stitching multiple views into a clear overhead perspective. The high-resolution system outperforms the optional camera package on higher-spec MG4 models.
MG4’s simpler setup means fewer things to potentially annoy you. The learning curve remains gentle for technophobes transitioning from older vehicles. Less complexity often means higher reliability long-term.
Vehicle-to-load capability in both cars lets you power camping fridges, construction tools, or emergency home backup during outages. Dolphin delivers 3.3 kW output versus MG4’s 2.2 kW, making it the better mobile generator for power-hungry appliances.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Both Score Five Stars But Different Strengths
Euro NCAP awarded maximum five-star ratings to both vehicles, demolishing outdated stereotypes about Chinese car safety. Testing under 2023’s stricter protocols, the Dolphin achieved 89 percent adult occupant protection and 87 percent child occupant scores. The passenger compartment remained impressively stable during frontal impacts.
MG4 scored 83 percent adult occupant and 80 percent child occupant protection under 2022 protocols. Dolphin’s higher vulnerable road user score of 85 percent versus MG4’s 75 percent reflects newer pedestrian detection algorithms and active bonnet technology.
Dolphin’s standard heated seats and wireless charging pad feel premium at this price point. MG4’s driver assists prove less intrusive in daily use, delivering fewer false alerts and unnecessary beeps. Both cars pack identical safety tech including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and autonomous emergency braking.
The Ownership Journey: Years Down the Road
Warranty Math That Matters
MG4 delivers 7 years or 80,000 miles vehicle coverage plus 8 years or 100,000 miles battery protection. That unlimited-kilometer vehicle warranty removes anxiety for high-mileage drivers racking up annual distances that would void competitor coverage.
Dolphin offers 6 years or 150,000 kilometers vehicle warranty with 8 years or 200,000 kilometers battery coverage. Some markets sweeten this with 5 years of free scheduled servicing, offsetting the more frequent maintenance intervals.
| Warranty Coverage | BYD Dolphin | MG4 EV |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Warranty | 6 years / 150,000 km | 7 years / unlimited km |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years / 200,000 km | 8 years / 100,000 km |
| Service Interval | 12 months / 20,000 km | 24 months / 40,000 km |
| Free Servicing | 5 years (some markets) | No |
Depreciation curves for both cars remain strong, defying initial predictions that Chinese EVs would crater in value. Limited used supply and growing brand recognition keep residual values surprisingly robust. Early data suggests both hold roughly 60 to 65 percent of original value after three years.
Living Costs Reality Check
Charging costs determine your actual running expenses. Home charging at average UK electricity rates costs roughly 3 pence per mile. Public rapid charging jumps to 15 pence per mile, still undercutting petrol equivalents by 50 percent.
Road tax sits at zero for pure EVs. Congestion charges vanish in cities penalizing internal combustion. That London daily charge of £15 becomes £0, saving regular commuters £3,900 annually. Your smile? Priceless.
Insurance premiums typically land between £400 and £600 yearly, matching comparable petrol hatchbacks. Repair costs favor the simpler MG4 mechanically while Dolphin’s complex rotating screen could prove expensive if damaged outside warranty.
Real Owner Grumbles (The Stuff Brochures Skip)
Dolphin Quirks to Know
Driver assist beeps reach genuinely loud volumes, startling passengers and annoying drivers. You’ll hunt through touchscreen menus to disable lane departure warnings at every startup. The system lacks memory, resetting preferences each drive.
Some early 2023 models suffered random alarm triggers in parking lots, waking owners at 3am with phantom intrusion alerts. Software updates mostly resolved this but occasional false alarms persist. Check build dates and confirm latest software before buying used examples.
VESS pedestrian warning systems emit synthetic sounds below 20 km/h for safety but the volume inside the cabin feels excessive. It’s like driving with a constant electronic hum that some drivers find grating after extended periods.
MG4 Niggles
Hill-start rollback catches newbies off guard during the first week of ownership. The car creeps backward momentarily before traction control engages. Practice on quiet inclines before attempting rush-hour hill starts at traffic lights.
Four-speaker sound systems in base trims won’t satisfy audiophiles. Upgrading speakers represents the most common owner modification. Higher trims add more speakers but the improvement remains incremental rather than transformative.
Climate control runs aggressively hot or cold with limited middle ground. Finding the comfortable sweet spot requires constant fiddling. Owners report frustration during spring and autumn when outside temperatures fluctuate dramatically throughout single journeys.
Your Perfect Match: Decision Time
Choose the Dolphin If You…
Want maximum features without haggling because it’s all there already from the factory. The rotating touchscreen, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and premium materials arrive standard or on accessible trim levels. You don’t need to option-hunt through complicated configurators.
Prize comfort and calm over corner-carving thrills. The plush suspension and serene cabin create a mobile sanctuary during stressful commutes. Your blood pressure drops rather than spikes during rush hour.
Love quirky design that sparks conversations at school pickup. The ocean aesthetics and playful interior details broadcast personality. Neighbors will ask about your car rather than overlooking it.
Need vehicle-to-load capability for weekend adventures or power outages. That 3.3 kW output runs camping equipment, power tools, or emergency home appliances during blackouts. It’s genuinely useful beyond marketing gimmicks.
Go MG4 If You…
Miss the fun of driving and want your daily commute to feel alive rather than mundane. The rear-wheel drive platform and balanced chassis transform ordinary journeys into occasions you anticipate. Traffic lights become drag strip launch opportunities.
Prefer understated looks that age gracefully without polarizing design elements. The conventional hatchback proportions blend seamlessly into any environment. It won’t date as quickly as more experimental styling approaches.
Value longer warranty coverage and proven tire brands for peace of mind. Continental rubber outlasts budget alternatives while that unlimited-kilometer vehicle warranty protects high-mileage lifestyles. Less frequent service intervals save time and hassle.
Want the quickest charging for regular long trips. Adding 200 kilometers of range during a 25-minute coffee stop makes weekend getaways and family visits genuinely convenient rather than anxiety-inducing endurance tests.
Still Torn? Here’s Your Answer
Test both cars on the same route during the same day if dealers allow consecutive appointments. Bring your regular passengers and let them feel the difference in rear seat comfort and road noise. Their preferences matter too.
Load your typical cargo during test drives. Bring grocery bags, sports equipment, or whatever you regularly transport. See which boot shape accommodates your actual life rather than theoretical specifications.
Your gut feeling after 20 minutes of driving tells you everything statistics can’t quantify. One car will feel right. Trust that instinct.
The Bottom Line: Your Life, Your Roads, Your Choice
City warrior who values comfort? Dolphin wins with its plush ride, superior tech, and feature-packed interior that makes daily driving feel premium rather than pedestrian.
Driving enthusiast with highway miles? MG4 takes it decisively with engaging dynamics, rapid charging, and versatile performance that handles any journey type without compromise.
First EV and nervous about the transition? Dolphin’s familiarity eases you in gently. The conventional operation and LFP battery charging flexibility remove common EV anxieties.
Want to feel something when you drive beyond mere transportation? MG4 delivers that emotional connection missing from most affordable EVs.
My Final Nudge
You can’t lose here. Both cars redefine what affordable electric means, crushing the myth that EVs remain toys for wealthy early adopters. Either choice saves you money on fuel, cuts your emissions dramatically, and brings daily delight through effortless acceleration and whisper-quiet refinement.
Stop reading reviews, even mine, and book those test drives today. That flutter in your chest when you press the accelerator for the first time? That’s your answer screaming through the silence.
MG4 EV vs BYD Dolphin (FAQs)
Which is cheaper, BYD Dolphin or MG4?
The BYD Dolphin typically undercuts the MG4 by small margins at entry level. The Dolphin Dynamic costs $38,890 AUD versus the MG4 51kWh Excite at $38,990 AUD. However, aggressive manufacturer promotions frequently flip this advantage. Compare current offers in your market before deciding, as $100 price differences vanish quickly through dealer incentives and government rebates. The Dolphin delivers more standard features at lower prices while the MG4 provides superior performance and charging speeds even in base specifications.
Is the MG4 faster than BYD Dolphin?
Yes, significantly faster across all comparable trim levels. The base MG4 with 125 kW reaches 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds compared to the base Dolphin’s leisurely 12.3 seconds with its 70 kW motor. Even the top-spec Dolphin Premium at 150 kW completes the sprint in 7.0 seconds, merely matching mid-range MG4 performance. The MG4 XPower dominates with 320 kW and a supercar-like 3.8-second time. The rear-wheel-drive platform also delivers more engaging acceleration feel and handling dynamics.
What is the cargo space difference between Dolphin and MG4?
The MG4 offers 363 liters versus the Dolphin’s 345 liters with seats up. More importantly, the MG4’s boot shape proves more practical for real-world loading. The wider opening and optional adjustable floor accommodate bulky items like prams that struggle in the Dolphin despite its adequate volume. Owners consistently report the MG4 feels more spacious during actual use. With seats folded, the Dolphin technically expands to 1,310 liters versus the MG4’s 1,177 liters, though the MG4’s flatter load floor remains more versatile.
Does BYD Dolphin have a better warranty than MG4?
No, the MG4’s warranty proves more comprehensive. MG offers 7 years or unlimited kilometers for the vehicle versus BYD’s 6 years or 150,000 kilometers. The MG4’s unlimited mileage coverage particularly benefits high-distance drivers. Battery warranties favor the Dolphin slightly at 8 years or 200,000 kilometers compared to MG4’s 8 years or 100,000 kilometers. However, the MG4’s less frequent servicing intervals of 24 months versus the Dolphin’s annual requirements make it more convenient and potentially cheaper to maintain over typical ownership periods.
Which has longer range, BYD Dolphin or MG4 EV?
The MG4 Long Range edges ahead with 435 to 450 kilometers WLTP versus the Dolphin Premium’s 427 kilometers, despite similar 60-61 kWh usable battery capacities. Real-world testing shows the MG4 achieving 305 to 415 kilometers in varied conditions compared to the Dolphin’s 295 to 400 kilometers. The difference remains marginal in daily use, with both losing 20 to 30 percent range in winter. However, the MG4’s dramatically faster DC charging at 140 kW versus the Dolphin’s 88 kW makes it far superior for long-distance travel, reducing charging stops from 40 minutes to just 25 minutes.
Can I charge BYD Dolphin to 100% daily without damaging the battery?
Yes, the Dolphin’s LFP Blade battery chemistry not only tolerates but actually benefits from regular charging to 100 percent. Lithium iron phosphate batteries don’t suffer the same degradation concerns as nickel-based chemistries when held at high states of charge. This means you can maximize your available range every single day without guilt or long-term anxiety about capacity loss. The MG4’s NMC battery in Long Range models requires more careful management, with experts recommending limiting daily charges to 80 percent and reserving 100 percent charges for occasional long trips.