MG MG4 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 starts from $37,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Dolphin opens at $29,990. That makes the BYD Dolphin the more affordable entry point by $8,000.
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 $41,789 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 and BYD Dolphin hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The MG MG4 packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the BYD Dolphin.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the MG MG4 and 7 in the BYD Dolphin.
Feature Showdown
The MG MG4 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the BYD Dolphin gets a 12.8-inch display and 5-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG MG4 stands out with power tailgate that you will not find on the BYD Dolphin. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the MG MG4 gets cloth upholstery while the BYD Dolphin offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The MG MG4 uses a Electric producing 125kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 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 12.3 seconds.
The MG MG4 has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 70kW. In the real-world sprint, the MG MG4 is 4.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 51kWh (MG MG4) vs 44.9kWh (BYD Dolphin), giving WLTP ranges of 350km and 340km. DC fast charging peaks at 140kW (MG MG4) vs 60kW (BYD Dolphin).
Space & Comfort
The MG MG4 measures 4,287mm long on a 2,705mm wheelbase, 3mm shorter than the BYD Dolphin at 4,290mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG MG4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 363L in the MG MG4 and 308L in the BYD Dolphin, giving the MG MG4 a 55L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.8m
Based on 10.8m 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) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Dolphin). The MG MG4 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG MG4 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 takes 8 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the MG MG4 has a clear edge. The MG MG4 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, MG MG4 and BYD Dolphin?
The BYD Dolphin is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MG MG4 by $8,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The BYD Dolphin has the most range at 427km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The MG MG4 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 140kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — MG MG4 and BYD Dolphin all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG MG4 has the largest boot at 363L.
Which can tow the most?
The MG MG4 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG MG4 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG MG4 makes the most power at 125kW. The MG MG4 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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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.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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