BYD Dolphin vs MG4 (2026): UK Price, Range & Boot Space Compared
Picking your first electric car can feel overwhelming. The BYD Dolphin and MG4 stand out as two of the most attractive, affordable EVs on sale in the UK in 2026 — which creates a real battle for your hard-earned money.
Quick verdict: Choose the MG4 if you want the keener driver's car, the bigger boot (363 litres) and faster charging (135 kW). Choose the BYD Dolphin if you want the comfier ride, the plusher cabin and more standard kit.
On price they are line-ball: the MG4 SE starts from about £26,995, the Dolphin Active from about £26,195. Real-world range is close too — roughly 220–240 miles (MG4) versus 210–230 miles (Dolphin).
This guide breaks down price, real-world range, charging, performance and practicality in detail, so you can decide which of these excellent budget EVs suits you perfectly. The "best" car is simply the one that matches your needs.
BYD Dolphin vs MG4: Specs at a Glance
Here is a quick comparison of the key specifications for the entry-level, long-range versions of both cars — an immediate overview on paper.
| Feature | BYD Dolphin (Design) | MG4 EV (SE Long Range) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ~£31,695 | ~£29,495 |
| Battery Size | 60.4 kWh | 64 kWh |
| WLTP Range | 265 miles | 281 miles |
| 0–62 mph | 7.0 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Max DC Charging | 88 kW | 135 kW |
| Boot Space | 345 litres | 363 litres |
| Euro NCAP | 5 Stars (2023) | 5 Stars (2022) |
Price and Value
For budget-conscious buyers, the price tag is often where you start. Both the BYD Dolphin and MG4 make incredibly strong cases here, though their value propositions differ across trim levels.
How do the base models compare?
The price battle is extremely close. The MG4 SE Standard Range typically starts from around £26,995, while the entry BYD Dolphin Active is priced competitively from £26,195.
At this level the BYD Dolphin Active comes impressively equipped, with the signature 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen and a full suite of driver aids. The MG4 SE responds with a more minimalist 10.25-inch screen, including essentials like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and focusing on core functionality.
What about higher trims?
Moving up the trim ladder gives you more range and features. The MG4 Trophy Long Range adds a larger battery, heated seats, a 360-degree camera and a wireless phone charger.
The BYD Dolphin in Comfort or Design trim offers similar upgrades. The top-spec Design model includes a panoramic glass roof, wireless charging and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, which lets you power external devices from the car's battery.
For many people, the MG4 SE Long Range hits the sweet spot — the biggest battery for the lowest price. If you want more creature comforts as standard, the BYD Dolphin Design trim feels exceptionally well-equipped for its cost.
Range and Charging
Range anxiety is a major concern for new EV buyers, so we will go beyond the official figures to give you a realistic look at what to expect from the BYD Dolphin and MG4 day-to-day.
WLTP Range vs Reality
On paper, the MG4 SE Long Range has a slight edge, offering an official WLTP range of 281 miles from its 64 kWh battery. The comparable BYD Dolphin Design provides a WLTP figure of 265 miles from its 60.4 kWh battery.
Real-world mileage is always lower. Based on mixed driving in temperate weather, you can realistically expect around 220–240 miles from the MG4 Long Range. The BYD Dolphin is not far behind, typically delivering 210–230 miles under similar conditions. Both are more than enough for the average weekly commute.
Which charges faster?
This is where a key difference emerges. The MG4 boasts a faster maximum DC charging speed of up to 135 kW, while the BYD Dolphin peaks at a more modest 88 kW.
In practical terms, a 10–80% fast charge in the MG4 can take as little as 35 minutes. The same charge in the Dolphin is closer to 45 minutes — a 10-minute difference that could be crucial on a long journey with multiple charging stops.
For home charging, both cars use a standard Type 2 connector and will charge overnight on a 7 kW wallbox without any issues.
Driving: Fun vs Comfort
How a car feels on the road is deeply personal. The BYD Dolphin and MG4 offer two distinctly different driving experiences, catering to different priorities.
The MG4: A Driver's Car
The MG4 is built on a rear-wheel-drive platform — a layout traditionally favoured in sports cars for better handling balance. This translates to a genuinely fun and engaging drive: the steering is sharp and responsive, giving you confidence through corners.
The ride is on the firmer side, so you feel more connected to the road. It is an agile and entertaining car that appeals to those who enjoy the act of driving itself.
The Dolphin: A Comfort Cruiser
The BYD Dolphin uses a front-wheel-drive setup by contrast, tuned explicitly for comfort. Its softer suspension excels at soaking up bumps and imperfections, making it serene on rough city streets and relaxed on the motorway.
The steering is light and effortless, prioritising ease of use over sporty feedback. The overall experience is one of relaxation and quiet refinement — perfect for a stress-free commute. The choice is clear: engaging fun or relaxed comfort.
Interior Space and Quality
A car's cabin is where you spend your time, so practicality, space and material quality are critical. Here is how the BYD Dolphin and MG4 stack up for everyday usability.
Is the BYD Dolphin bigger inside?
Inside, the philosophies diverge again. The BYD Dolphin presents a more vibrant and arguably more premium-feeling cabin, with a wave-inspired dashboard and widespread use of soft-touch, vegan leather materials.
The MG4's interior is more minimalist and functional. While solidly built, it features more hard plastics that can feel less premium than the Dolphin's cabin. In the back, the Dolphin's completely flat floor gives it a slight advantage for carrying three passengers, with more foot space for the middle-seat passenger.
Boot Space and Storage
When it comes to practicality, every litre counts. Here is how they compare on storage:
- BYD Dolphin: 345-litre boot, expanding to 1,310 litres with the seats down. Numerous clever cubby holes and large door bins make the cabin feel very versatile for small items.
- MG4: 363-litre boot, expanding to 1,177 litres. A more conventional layout, but with a very useful under-floor area for storing charging cables.
The MG4 has the larger boot on paper. However, the Dolphin's clever cabin storage may make it feel more practical for families who need to stash away everyday items.
Tech and Smart Cockpit
Screens: Size vs Usability
The BYD Dolphin's party piece is its 12.8-inch rotating central screen — a visual showstopper that switches between portrait and landscape. The MG4 uses a more conventional fixed 10.25-inch landscape screen. Both include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some entry MG4 models may require a wired connection.
The user experience differs, however. As noted by owners on forums such as the MG-Rover.org forums, the Dolphin's software can sometimes feel less intuitive, with certain functions buried in menus. The MG4's system is simpler but has drawn criticism for occasional lag, and it places essential climate controls within the touchscreen, which can be fiddly to use on the move.
Safety and Long-Term Ownership
How safe are they?
Both vehicles have earned top marks for safety. The BYD Dolphin and the MG4 were both awarded a full 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, a testament to their modern safety structures and features.
Standard equipment on both includes critical technologies like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Keep Assist. Higher trims add more: the MG4 Trophy and BYD Dolphin Design both include Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert for an extra layer of protection.
Warranty and Reliability
Warranty is a strong indicator of a manufacturer's confidence, and both BYD and MG offer competitive packages — typically a comprehensive vehicle warranty plus a separate, longer warranty for the high-voltage battery.
On brand reliability, recent data is encouraging. According to the 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, MG as a brand has shown significant improvement, placing in the top half of all manufacturers surveyed — a positive signal for the long-term prospects of the MG4.
Keeping either EV in top shape: proper maintenance protects range and resale value. Whichever way you go, you can find custom-fit accessories and components — all-weather floor liners, boot liners and protective upgrades — for the BYD Dolphin (BYD parts) and the MG4 (MG parts) at EVparts4x4, so your new EV stays tidy and efficient for years.
The Verdict: Your Perfect Match
After comparing every aspect, there is no single winner — the best car is the one that aligns with your priorities. These simple buyer profiles should help you decide.
Choose the BYD Dolphin if…
- You prioritise a comfortable, plush ride over sporty handling
- You value a premium-feeling cabin with more standard kit
- You drive mostly in the city, where light controls help
Choose the MG4 if…
- You enjoy driving and want engaging, rear-wheel-drive dynamics
- You need the larger boot and faster charging for long trips
- You prefer a simpler, more minimalist interior
Both the BYD Dolphin and the MG4 represent a turning point for electric vehicles. They prove you no longer have to pay a premium for a capable, practical, well-equipped EV. Your choice simply comes down to a preference for comfort or for fun.
BYD Dolphin vs MG4: FAQ
Is the MG4 or BYD Dolphin better value in the UK in 2026?
They are very close on price (MG4 SE from ~£26,995; Dolphin Active from ~£26,195). The MG4 SE Long Range offers the most range for the money, while the Dolphin Design gives you more standard kit and a plusher cabin for a similar outlay.
Which has more boot space, the BYD Dolphin or MG4?
The MG4 has the larger boot at 363 litres versus the Dolphin's 345 litres. However, the Dolphin offers a bigger maximum load space (1,310 litres seats-down vs 1,177) and cleverer cabin storage.
Which charges faster, the MG4 or the BYD Dolphin?
The MG4 charges faster, peaking at 135 kW for a 10–80% top-up in about 35 minutes. The BYD Dolphin peaks at 88 kW, taking closer to 45 minutes.
What is the real-world range of the BYD Dolphin vs MG4?
In mixed temperate driving, expect roughly 220–240 miles from the MG4 Long Range (281-mile WLTP) and 210–230 miles from the BYD Dolphin (265-mile WLTP).
What is the difference between the BYD Dolphin and the Dolphin Surf?
The BYD Dolphin in this comparison is the larger hatchback (from about £26,000). The BYD Dolphin Surf is a smaller, cheaper city car (from roughly £18,000) that sits below the Dolphin, so it competes with smaller rivals rather than the MG4 long-range models compared here.
