MG MG4 vs BYD Dolphin: Budget EV Battle
The two cheapest EVs in Australia, which one makes more sense?
Data checked: specs 30 Sep 2026, price 4 Oct 2026
Comparison snapshot
Prices, scores and edges below update from our car data.
18L more boot, 55kW more power
Uses 3.2 kWh/100km less
Written 3 April 2026. The snapshot, tables, scores and verdict on this page update from our car data; figures quoted in the text are as at that date.
Price
$38,990 for the MG4 against $36,990 for the Dolphin, a $2,000 gap. Running costs are similar. Both cost ~$700/year in electricity. The real cost difference comes at resale: both are Chinese brands with uncertain long-term residual values, so depreciation is the biggest unknown for both.
Safety
Both 5-star ANCAP. Both have AEB, lane keep, blind spot monitoring. The MG4 has a slightly higher adult occupant score; the Dolphin has better pedestrian protection. In practice, both are very safe small cars.
Features
The Dolphin's interior is more playful. a rotating 12.8-inch screen, colourful trim options, and BYD's Blade Battery (one of the safest battery chemistries). The MG4 has a more conventional interior with a 10.25-inch screen, but offers a sportier driving position and better cargo space.
Drivetrain
Same power output (150kW), but different battery chemistry and drivetrain layout. The Dolphin's LFP Blade Battery is one of the safest in the industry, while the MG4's NMC pack offers higher energy density.
| Drivetrain Spec | MG4 Excite 64 | Dolphin Extended |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Layout | Single Motor RWD | Single Motor FWD |
| Power | 150kW | 150kW |
| Torque | 250Nm | 310Nm |
| Battery | 64 kWh (NMC) | 60.4 kWh (LFP Blade) |
| Efficiency | 16.2 kWh/100km | 13.8 kWh/100km |
| WLTP Range | 450km | 427km |
| Max DC Charge | 140kW | 88kW |
| Drag Coefficient | Cd 0.275 | Cd 0.311 |
| 0-100 km/h | 7.9s | 7.0s |
Battery chemistry matters: The Dolphin's LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) Blade Battery is safer in crash scenarios, handles full 100% charges without degradation, and has a longer cycle life (~3,000+ cycles). The MG4's NMC battery has higher energy density (hence more range from a larger pack) but should ideally be kept between 20-80% for longevity.
The Dolphin's better efficiency (13.8 vs 16.2 kWh/100km) is impressive given its worse aerodynamics. The FWD layout and lighter weight help. But the MG4's 140kW DC charging vs 88kW is the biggest practical difference on road trips.
Space and comfort
The Dolphin's cabin is more characterful and fun. The MG4 is more conventional but slightly more practical.
| Interior Spec | MG4 Excite 64 | Dolphin Extended |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,287mm | 4,290mm |
| Width | 1,836mm | 1,770mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,705mm | 2,700mm |
| Boot Space | 363L | 345L |
| Boot (seats down) | 1,177L | 1,310L |
| Screen | 10.25" | 12.8" rotating |
| Digital Cluster | 7" | 5" + HUD projection |
| NVH (Cabin Noise) | Average | Quieter |
The Dolphin surprises with 1,310L of cargo space with seats folded. 133L more than the MG4 despite a smaller boot with seats up. The MG4 has a sportier, lower driving position. The Dolphin sits higher with more headroom.
BYD's rotating 12.8-inch screen is a party trick but genuinely useful. Portrait for navigation, landscape for media. The MG4's interior is functional but forgettable.
Cost to own
At $2,000 apart, the 5-year cost comparison comes down to running costs and depreciation. And depreciation is the big unknown for both Chinese brands.
| Annual Cost | MG4 Excite 64 | Dolphin Extended |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity (15,000km) | $729 | $621 |
| Insurance (est.) | $1,500 | $1,400 |
| Servicing | $350 | $350 |
| Tyres (amortised) | $300 | $280 |
| Registration | $150 | $150 |
| Total Annual | $3,029 | $2,801 |
The Dolphin saves ~$228/year in running costs thanks to its better efficiency. Over 5 years, that's $1,140.
The Depreciation Unknown
Both are Chinese brands with limited resale track records in Australia. Estimated 5-year retention: 45-50% for both. On a $39k car, that's $19,500-21,500 in depreciation. By far the biggest ownership cost. MG has a slight edge with longer market presence in Australia, but BYD's global scale may help long-term.
The MG4's 7-year warranty (vs 6 for BYD) provides one extra year of coverage, which matters for resale confidence.
The Charging Gap
This is the MG4's biggest advantage: 140kW DC fast charging vs 88kW for the Dolphin. In real terms, the MG4 charges from 10-80% in about 35 minutes; the Dolphin takes 50+ minutes. On a long road trip, that's a 30-minute difference per stop.
If you mainly charge at home and rarely use DC fast chargers, this doesn't matter. If you road trip regularly, it's a deal-breaker for the Dolphin.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG4 if: You road trip, want faster DC charging, more range, and a 7-year warranty.
Buy the Dolphin if: You want better efficiency for city driving, quicker acceleration, and prefer BYD's more characterful interior design.
Key details
A tick marks the better figure only where both cars have one and the gap is meaningful (3% or more; a whole star or year).
| Detail | MG MG4 | BYD Dolphin |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Price coming soon | From $29,990 RRP |
| Drive-away estimate | No data | $28,888 drive away (VIC, advertised) |
| Body | Hatch | Hatch |
| Powertrain | Electric, Electric motor | Electric, Electric motor |
| Power / torque | 125kW / 250Nm | 70kW / 180Nm |
| Energy use | 18.4 kWh/100km | 15.2 kWh/100km |
| 0-100km/h | 7.7s | 12.3s |
| Boot | 363L seats up | 345L seats up |
| Towing (braked) | 500kg | No data |
| ANCAP | 5 stars (2022) | 5 stars (2023) |
| Warranty | 10yr / 250,000 km | 6yr / 150,000 km |
At a glance
- Seats
- 5
- Boot
- 363L seats up
- Length x width x height
- 4,287 x 1,836 x 1,504mm
- Wheelbase
- 2,705mm
- Engine
- Electric motor
- Power
- 125kW
- Torque
- 250Nm
- Drive
- RWD
- Transmission
- Auto
- Power-to-weight
- 76 kW/tonne
- Kerb weight
- 1,635kg
- Spare wheel
- Repair kit
- Payload
- 448kg
- Towing braked / unbraked
- 500kg / 500kg
- Turning circle
- 10.8m
- Seats
- 5
- Boot
- 345L seats up
- Length x width x height
- 4,290 x 1,770 x 1,570mm
- Wheelbase
- 2,700mm
- Engine
- Electric motor
- Power
- 70kW
- Torque
- 180Nm
- Drive
- FWD
- Transmission
- Auto
- Power-to-weight
- 46 kW/tonne
- Kerb weight
- 1,506kg
- Spare wheel
- None
- Payload
- 410kg
- Towing braked / unbraked
- No data
- Turning circle
- 10.4m
CarSorted Score breakdown
The CarSorted Score is algorithmic: it is calculated from each car's data, not from a road test. How it works.
Safety
Energy Efficiency
Value
Practicality
Technology
Performance
Reliability
The verdict
BYD Dolphin comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (64 vs 61)
The deciding gaps
- Performance:MG MG4 46, BYD Dolphin 23, MG MG4 ahead by 23
- Value:MG MG4 67, BYD Dolphin 86, BYD Dolphin ahead by 19
- Energy Efficiency:MG MG4 64, BYD Dolphin 81, BYD Dolphin ahead by 17
Same scorer as the live comparison of these two exact cars.
Our take (written 3 April 2026)
Just $2,000 apart, and both are strong EVs. The MG4 wins on range (23km more), DC charging speed (140kW vs 88kW. Massive difference on road trips), boot space, warranty length, and aerodynamics. The Dolphin wins on efficiency, torque, acceleration, and has a more characterful interior. For road trippers, the MG4's faster charging is the decisive factor. For city commuters who rarely fast-charge, the Dolphin's superior efficiency and driving feel make it the better daily.
Our written take favoured the MG MG4; on today's figures the score favours the BYD Dolphin.
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Questions buyers ask
Which is cheaper, the MG MG4 or the BYD Dolphin?
The MG MG4 Excite 51 is not priced on our records; the BYD Dolphin Essential is from $29,990 RRP. The two prices are not on the same basis, so we do not set one against the other.
Which is cheaper to run, the MG MG4 or the BYD Dolphin?
On the official combined cycle, the MG MG4 uses 18.4 kWh/100km and the BYD Dolphin uses 15.2 kWh/100km.
What are the ANCAP ratings for the MG MG4 and BYD Dolphin?
The MG MG4 holds 5 stars (rated 2022), and the BYD Dolphin holds 5 stars (rated 2023).
Which has the bigger boot?
Boot space with the seats up: the MG MG4 at 363L, against 345L for the BYD Dolphin.
Which has the better warranty?
The MG MG4 comes with a 10yr / 250,000 km warranty; the BYD Dolphin with a 6yr / 150,000 km warranty.
Which comes out ahead overall?
On the CarSorted Score the BYD Dolphin comes out ahead (MG MG4 61/100, BYD Dolphin 64/100), mainly on value, energy efficiency. The score is algorithmic; the editorial above says who each car suits.
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How to read this page. Prices, specs, ANCAP ratings, warranty, scores and the computed verdict come from our records for the two variants shown, sourced from manufacturer Australian documents, and update when those records change. RRP excludes on-road costs. Drive-away figures are estimates for the state you have selected unless marked as advertised. The editorial text was written on 3 April 2026. Always confirm price and specification with the manufacturer or dealer before you buy. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
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