BYD Dolphin vs MG4: The Ultimate 2026 Electric Hatchback Showdown

Which Budget EV Reigns?

Picking your first electric car can feel overwhelming. The BYD Dolphin and MG4 stand out as two of the most attractive, affordable options available today. This creates a real battle for your hard-earned money.

Both cars promise affordable, zero-emission driving in a practical hatchback format. However, they achieve this in completely different ways.

This guide breaks down price, real-world range, performance, and practicality in detail. We’ll examine every important aspect to help you make the right choice.

The “best” car is simply the one that matches your specific needs. This article will help you figure out what those needs are and which of these excellent EVs suits you perfectly.

Specs at a Glance

Let’s start with a quick comparison of the key specifications for the entry-level, long-range versions of both cars. This gives you an immediate overview on paper.

Price and Value

For budget-conscious buyers, the price tag is often where you start looking. Both the BYD Dolphin and MG4 make incredibly strong cases here. Their value propositions differ across their trim levels though.

How do base models compare?

The price battle is extremely close. The MG4 SE Standard Range typically starts from around £26,995. The entry BYD Dolphin Active is priced competitively from £26,195.

At this level, the BYD Dolphin Active comes impressively equipped. You get 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. It includes essentials like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 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. This lets you power external devices from the car’s battery.

For many people, the MG4 SE Long Range hits the sweet spot. It offers 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. We’ll go beyond official figures to give you a realistic look at what you can 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. It offers an official WLTP range of 281 miles from its 64kWh battery. The comparable BYD Dolphin Design provides a WLTP figure of 265 miles from its 60.4kWh battery.

Real-world mileage is always lower though. Based on mixed driving in temperate weather, you can realistically expect around 220-240 miles from the MG4 Long Range.

The BYD Dolphin isn’t far behind. It typically delivers 210-230 miles under similar conditions. Both figures are more than enough for the average weekly commute.

Who charges faster?

This is where a key difference emerges. The MG4 boasts a faster maximum DC charging speed of up to 135kW.

The BYD Dolphin peaks at a more modest 88kW.

In practical terms, this means something important. 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. This 10-minute difference could be crucial on a long journey with multiple charging stops.

For home charging, both cars use a standard Type 2 connector. They’ll charge overnight on a 7kW 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. They cater to different priorities. This is where we draw on first-hand driving impressions.

The MG4: A Driver’s Car

The MG4 is built on a rear-wheel-drive platform. This layout is traditionally favored in sports cars for better handling balance.

This translates to a genuinely fun and engaging driving experience. The steering is sharp and responsive. It gives you confidence when navigating corners.

The ride is on the firmer side. This means you feel more connected to the road. It’s an agile and entertaining car to drive, appealing to those who enjoy the act of driving itself.

The Dolphin: A Comfort Cruiser

The BYD Dolphin uses a front-wheel-drive setup in contrast. It’s tuned explicitly for comfort.

Its softer suspension excels at soaking up bumps and imperfections. This makes it a serene car for navigating rough city streets and cruising on the motorway.

The steering is light and effortless. It prioritizes 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. Practicality, space, and material quality are critical factors. We’ll assess how the BYD Dolphin and MG4 stack up in terms of 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. It features 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. These can feel less premium compared to the Dolphin’s cabin.

In the back, the Dolphin’s completely flat floor gives it a slight advantage for carrying three passengers. It offers more foot space for the person in the middle seat.

Boot Space and Storage

When it comes to practicality, every litre counts. Here’s how they compare on storage solutions.

• BYD Dolphin:

– Boot Space: 345 litres, expanding to 1,310 litres with seats down.

– Extra Storage: Numerous clever cubby holes and large door bins make the cabin feel very versatile for small items.

• MG4:

– Boot Space: 363 litres, expanding to 1,177 litres.

– Extra Storage: A more conventional layout but includes 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 might make it feel more practical for families who need to stash away everyday items.

Tech and Smart Cockpit

In-car technology is no longer a luxury. It’s a core part of the driving experience. We’ll look beyond screen size to compare the software and user-friendliness of these two smart cockpits.

Screens: Size vs. Usability

The BYD Dolphin’s party piece is its 12.8-inch rotating central screen. It’s a visual showstopper that can be switched between portrait and landscape orientation.

The MG4 uses a more conventional fixed 10.25-inch landscape screen. Both systems include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Some entry MG4 models may require it though.

The user experience differs however. As noted by users on forums like the MG-Rover.org forums, the Dolphin’s software can sometimes feel less intuitive. Certain functions get buried in menus.

The MG4’s system is simpler but has drawn criticism for occasional lag. It also places essential climate controls within the touchscreen, which can be fiddly to use on the move.

Safety and Long-Term Ownership

Safety ratings and long-term reliability are crucial for peace of mind. Here we cover the official safety credentials and what you can expect from owning these cars for the long haul.

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. This is 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 advanced systems. For instance, the MG4 Trophy and BYD Dolphin Design both include Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. These provide an extra layer of protection.

Warranty and Reliability

Warranty is a strong indicator of a manufacturer’s confidence. Both BYD and MG offer competitive packages. These typically include a comprehensive vehicle warranty and a separate, longer warranty for the high-voltage battery.

In terms of brand reliability, recent data is encouraging. According to the 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, MG as a brand has shown significant improvement. It places in the top half of all manufacturers surveyed. This is a positive signal for the long-term prospects of the MG4.

Proper maintenance is key with any vehicle. For those looking to keep their vehicle in prime condition, sourcing the right components is essential. Specialized suppliers can provide a range of genuine BYD parts and other EV components. This ensures your Dolphin continues to run smoothly for years to come.

The Verdict: Your Perfect Match

After comparing every aspect, it’s clear there is no single winner. The best car is the one that aligns with your priorities. We’ve created simple buyer profiles to help you make a final decision.

Choose the BYD Dolphin if:

• You prioritize a comfortable, plush ride over sporty handling.

• You value a premium-feeling cabin with more standard equipment.

• Your driving is mostly in the city, where light controls are a benefit.

Choose the MG4 if:

• You enjoy driving and want a car with engaging, rear-wheel-drive dynamics.

• You need the largest possible boot and faster charging for frequent long trips.

• You prefer a simpler, more minimalist interior design.

Both the BYD Dolphin and the MG4 represent a turning point for electric vehicles. They prove that you no longer have to pay a premium for a capable, practical, and well-equipped EV. Your choice simply comes down to a preference for comfort or for fun.