Head-to-head
BYD Dolphin vs MG 4
Just $1,000 separates the BYD Dolphin and MG 4 on starting price, but the BYD Dolphin goes 77 km further on a charge. Here's where the rest of the spec sheets pull apart.
Option A · Hatch
BYD Dolphin
The Dolphin is one of Australia's cheapest new EVs and one of the best small-car bargains, full stop. With a Blade LFP battery, full ADAS suite, and 5-star ANCAP rating, it punches well above its sticker price.
- From
- $29,990
- Range
- 427 km
- Battery
- 60.5 kWh
Option B · Hatch
MG 4
Rear-wheel-drive small hatch from China's SAIC that consistently undercuts every European rival. The 10-year/250,000 km warranty is unmatched in the segment.
- From
- $30,990
- Range
- 350 km
- Battery
- 51 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the BYD Dolphin and MG 4, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin goes 77 km further on a charge (427 vs 350 km WLTP).
- 2
Warranty · advantage MG 4
The MG 4 covers the vehicle for 4 more years (10 vs 6 yrs).
- 3
Battery · advantage BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin carries a 9.5 kWh larger battery (60.5 vs 51 kWh).
- 4
DC charging · advantage MG 4
The MG 4 accepts 29 kW more DC peak charging (117 vs 88 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
- 5
0–100 km/h · advantage BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin is 0.7 s quicker to 100 km/h (7 s vs 7.7 s).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the BYD Dolphin wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $1,000
- ▸ 77 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (7s vs 7.7s)
Where the MG 4 wins
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (117 kW vs 88 kW)
- ▸ Longer warranty (10 years)
BYD Dolphin
What we like
- ✓ Among the cheapest EVs on sale in Australia
- ✓ Surprisingly long range from the Premium variant
- ✓ Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability standard
What we don't
- ✕ Funky styling won't suit everyone
- ✕ Rear seat space tighter than the Atto 3
- ✕ Limited dealer network outside capital cities
MG 4
What we like
- ✓ 10-year vehicle warranty is class-leading
- ✓ Rear-wheel drive gives it real chassis balance
- ✓ Excellent value at sub-$31,000
What we don't
- ✕ Base 51 kWh battery range trails Dolphin
- ✕ Cabin materials are clearly cost-engineered
- ✕ Software lags behind competitors
Frequently asked: BYD Dolphin vs MG 4
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the BYD Dolphin or the MG 4?
- The BYD Dolphin is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $29,990 versus $30,990 for the MG 4, a $1,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The BYD Dolphin has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 427 km, 77 km further than the MG 4's 350 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The MG 4 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 117 kW versus 88 kW for the BYD Dolphin. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The BYD Dolphin does 0–100 km/h in 7.0 seconds — 0.7 s quicker than the MG 4's 7.7 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Which has the longer warranty?
- The MG 4 is covered by a 10-year vehicle warranty, versus 6 years for the BYD Dolphin. Both also carry separate high-voltage battery warranties — check the manufacturer's site for the latest kilometre and condition limits.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
BYD Dolphin
if…
- ✓ maximum range matters (77 km further per charge)
- ✓ you match the profile: city commuters
Choose the
MG 4
if…
- ✓ peace-of-mind warranty matters (4 more years of cover)
- ✓ you match the profile: first-car buyers
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.