The Quick Answer
If you want the better driving experience, sharper handling, and a more comfortable ride, buy the MG4. If you want more range, a bigger touchscreen, and the lowest possible entry price, buy the BYD Dolphin.
Both cars cost roughly the same (within $1,000 at entry level), both are rear-wheel drive, both have five-star ANCAP safety ratings, and both will save you thousands in running costs compared to a petrol hatch. You genuinely cannot go wrong with either — the differences are preferences rather than deal-breakers.
Price Comparison
MG4:
- Urban (51kWh, RWD) — $31,990 driveaway, 350km WLTP range
- Essence (64kWh, RWD) — approximately $38,990 driveaway, 450km WLTP range
- XPower (64kWh, AWD) — approximately $46,000 driveaway, performance variant
BYD Dolphin:
- Dynamic (44.9kWh, RWD) — $31,210 driveaway, 340km WLTP range
- Extended Range (60.4kWh, RWD) — approximately $40,325 driveaway, 427km WLTP range
The Dolphin Dynamic is $780 cheaper at entry level — marginal but noteworthy for budget-focused buyers. At the extended range level, the MG4 Essence offers 450km vs the Dolphin's 427km for approximately $1,300 less, making it the better value in the mid-range.
Winner: Very close. MG4 has better value in the mid-range; Dolphin is cheapest at entry.
Range
The MG4 Essence (450km WLTP) beats the Dolphin Extended Range (427km WLTP) on paper. In real-world Australian driving, expect approximately 360-390km for the MG4 Essence and 340-370km for the Dolphin Extended Range.
At the base level, both offer approximately 270-310km real-world — enough for a week of short commuting but limiting for longer trips.
Winner: MG4 — slightly more range at the mid-tier level.
Driving Experience
Both cars use rear-wheel-drive layouts, which is unusual for affordable cars and gives both a more engaging, balanced feel than typical front-drive hatchbacks.
The MG4 has the edge here. Its chassis is better tuned for Australian roads, with more composed body control through corners and a more settled ride over bumps. The steering has better weight and precision, making the MG4 feel more connected and confidence-inspiring.
The Dolphin is fun and playful but not quite as polished. It can feel fidgety over rough surfaces, and the steering is lighter and less communicative. However, the Dolphin's compact size (shorter than the MG4) makes it more manoeuvrable in tight urban environments.
Ride comfort favours the MG4, particularly on Australia's imperfect road surfaces. The Dolphin's suspension can transmit sharp bumps more aggressively.
Winner: MG4 — better ride, handling, and steering feel.
Interior and Technology
The Dolphin wins on screen size and features. Its 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen is larger and more visually impressive than the MG4's 10.25-inch display. Both support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The MG4's interior design is cleaner and more modern, with a simpler dashboard layout. The Dolphin's interior is more characterful with its guitar-string door handles and quirky design elements, but opinions are divided on whether this is charming or gimmicky.
Material quality is similar — both use hard plastics in many areas and neither feels premium. The MG4 has slightly better assembly quality.
Boot space goes to the MG4: 363 litres vs the Dolphin's 345 litres. Neither is generous.
Winner: Draw. Dolphin has the bigger screen; MG4 has the cleaner interior and bigger boot.
Safety
Both have five-star ANCAP safety ratings. Standard safety equipment is comprehensive on both, including AEB, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. The Dolphin Extended Range adds a 360-degree camera.
Winner: Draw.
Warranty
MG offers a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. BYD offers a six-year, 150,000km warranty. The MG4's extra year of coverage is a tangible advantage.
Winner: MG4 — one additional year of warranty.
Our Pick
For most Australian buyers, the MG4 Essence at approximately $38,990 represents the best overall value. It offers 450km WLTP range, the better driving experience, and a seven-year warranty. The BYD Dolphin Dynamic at $31,210 is the better choice for buyers on the tightest budget who simply want the cheapest way into electric driving.
Both are excellent cars that prove electric hatchbacks no longer require compromise or a large bank balance.
The Final Word
"Both are excellent affordable EVs. The MG4 edges ahead on driving dynamics, ride comfort, and warranty length. The BYD Dolphin wins on range, interior tech, and outright affordability. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise driving feel or range."