BYD Dolphin vs MG4: detailed comparison (2026)
- • Both are strong value hatchbacks for Australian buyers shopping in the affordable EV bracket.
- • MG4 usually wins on charging speed. Dolphin often wins on price.
- • Cabin and boot practicality are close, so charging profile and feature mix often decide it.
- • Use the numbers below to compare fit for your own driving and charging pattern.
This page gives a straight comparison between BYD Dolphin and MG4 using current specs in our dataset. It is information-first, so you can compare the trade-offs clearly.
Full specs comparison
| Spec | BYD Dolphin (Essential) | MG4 (Excite 51) |
|---|---|---|
| Variant shown | Essential | Excite 51 |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Price | $29,990 | $36,990 |
| WLTP range | 340 km | 350 km |
| Real-world range | 299 km | 301 km |
| Battery size | 44.9 kWh | 50.8 kWh |
| DC charging | 60 kW · 36 min 10-80% | 88 kW · 28 min 10-80% |
| 10-80% charging time | 36 min | 28 min |
| AC home charging | 6.7 hrs | 8.5 hrs |
| Boot size | 345L | 363L |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Tow rating | No rating | 500 kg |
| ISOFIX | Yes | Yes |
| Tech feel | Balanced | Balanced |
| Battery warranty | 8 yrs / 160k km | 7 yrs / 150k km |
| Data last verified | 2026-03-05 | 2026-03-05 |
LIVE DATA: table specs are read from the app vehicle dataset. Static content: this page comparison notes.
Where they differ in real use
Both are five-seat hatchbacks with similar practicality. The bigger differences are charging profile, trim spread, and how each cabin feels in day-to-day driving.
If your driving is mostly short suburban runs, both can fit well. For frequent highway use, the charge-speed and range combo starts to matter more.
- • Dolphin often appears with a lower entry price in comparable trims.
- • MG4 often shows stronger DC charging in equivalent variants.
- • MG4 has a wider spread from base through longer-range and performance variants.
- • Dolphin usually keeps the ownership conversation simple if budget is tight.
Interior, practicality and ownership differences
On paper, seats and boot numbers are close. In practice, the experience can still feel different once you factor in cabin layout, software feel, and charging rhythm.
- • Cabin feel: MG4 is often described as sportier. Dolphin is usually described as straightforward and easy to settle into.
- • Family practicality: both have ISOFIX and 5 seats. Boot size is close, so test-drive loading with your own pram or bags is worth it.
- • Public charging routine: if you rely on fast charging often, MG4's higher peak DC rate can reduce stop times in the right conditions.
- • Ownership setup: both are mainstream EV choices in Australia, so compare your local service and support options directly with dealers.
BYD Dolphin: pros and trade-offs
- • Pro: lower entry pricing in common trims.
- • Pro: practical 5-seat hatch format with ISOFIX.
- • Pro: strong range-per-dollar in value-focused comparisons.
- • Trade-off: slower peak DC charging than MG4 in many variants.
- • Trade-off: fewer high-performance or long-range trim extremes.
MG4: pros and trade-offs
- • Pro: stronger DC charging profile in comparable variants.
- • Pro: broad variant spread including long-range and performance options.
- • Pro: very competitive value in some trims under higher budget bands.
- • Trade-off: entry pricing can sit above Dolphin depending on grade.
- • Trade-off: feature and battery mix varies by variant, so checks matter.
Questions to ask on your test drive
- • What real-world range are owners seeing in mixed Australian driving?
- • What is typical 10-80% charging time on the networks near you?
- • What does local servicing and warranty support look like?
- • Which trim gives the best balance of price and daily practicality?
How to use this comparison
Use this page to compare facts side by side, then match them to your commute, charging access, and budget range.
If novated lease cost matters, also check our best EVs for novated lease guide.
General information only. This page is not financial or purchase advice.