MG MG4 Urban vs BYD Dolphin
Two electric Hatchbacks go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The MG MG4 Urban starts from $31,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Dolphin opens at $29,990. That makes the BYD Dolphin the more affordable entry point by $2,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $35,189 and $32,989 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the MG MG4 Urban and BYD Dolphin hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The MG MG4 Urban packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the BYD Dolphin.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the MG MG4 Urban and 7 in the BYD Dolphin. The MG MG4 Urban adds a 360-degree camera that the BYD Dolphin misses.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG MG4 Urban stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the BYD Dolphin. The BYD Dolphin counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The MG MG4 Urban uses a Electric producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a single speed to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.6 seconds.
The BYD Dolphin responds with a Electric making 70kW and 180Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.
The MG MG4 Urban has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 70kW. In the real-world sprint, the MG MG4 Urban is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 42.8kWh (MG MG4 Urban) vs 44.9kWh (BYD Dolphin), giving WLTP ranges of 325km and 340km. DC fast charging peaks at 82kW (MG MG4 Urban) vs 60kW (BYD Dolphin).
Space & Comfort
The MG MG4 Urban measures 4,395mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 105mm longer than the BYD Dolphin at 4,290mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG MG4 Urban generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 577L in the MG MG4 Urban and 308L in the BYD Dolphin, giving the MG MG4 Urban a 269L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.5m
Based on 10.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG4 Urban) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Dolphin). The MG MG4 Urban has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG MG4 Urban if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Dolphin if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG MG4 Urban takes 6 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the MG MG4 Urban has a clear edge. The MG MG4 Urban adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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