Australia's electric vehicle market is heating up, and two affordable hatchbacks are leading the charge. The BYD Dolphin vs MG4 debate has become one of the most searched comparisons among Aussie EV buyers, and for good reason. Both cars sit comfortably under $50,000, deliver impressive range, and qualify for tax-free novated leasing.
But which one suits your daily commute, weekend adventures, and budget? Let's break down how these two popular electric cars stack up across design, performance, range, safety, comfort, and practicality.
Design and Dimensions: MG4 vs Dolphin
At first glance, the BYD Dolphin and MG4 look like close cousins. Both are compact five-seat hatchbacks designed for urban living. But the differences matter.
The BYD Dolphin Dynamic sits slightly taller and narrower than the MG4. That extra height gives you a more commanding view of the road and makes squeezing into tight car parks a bit easier. The higher roofline also means more headroom for taller passengers in the rear seats.
The MG4 takes a sportier approach. Its broader, lower stance hints at the rear-wheel drive setup underneath. That 50:50 weight distribution isn't just for show; it translates to sharper handling when you're carving through corners or merging onto the freeway.
Inside, the MG4 feels wider across the cabin, especially in the back. The Dolphin counters with clever storage solutions like bigger door bins and a multi-level dash shelf. Both cars seat five adults comfortably, though neither is designed for long road trips with three in the rear.
Performance and Driving Experience
The base MG4 Excite 51 out-accelerates the BYD Dolphin Dynamic, hitting 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds compared to the Dolphin's 12.3 seconds. That's a noticeable difference when you're merging or overtaking.
Step up to the BYD Dolphin Premium with its single electric motor producing 150 kW, and you're looking at a respectable 7.0-second start. That matches the performance of the MG4 Excite 64, though the MG still edges ahead slightly in real-world acceleration.
The real differentiator is the drivetrain. The MG4 uses rear-wheel drive across the entire range, paired with multi-link rear suspension. This setup delivers more engaging cornering and a sportier feel. The BYD Dolphin Dynamic sticks with front-wheel drive, though the Premium variant adds multi-link rear suspension to smooth out the ride.
For city driving, the Dolphin's light steering makes navigating tight streets and car parks a breeze. The MG4 demands a bit more effort but rewards you with better feedback and control at higher speeds.
Both vehicles offer one-pedal drive modes through the brake pedal and gear selector, letting you slow down without touching the brake pedal in most situations. It's a feature that makes stop-start traffic less tedious.
Range and Charging: How Far Can You Go?
Range is critical to any EV, so we’ve looked at the numbers. The MG4 Long Range leads the pack with 530 km on a full charge, thanks to its 77 kWh battery. That's enough to drive from Sydney to Canberra and back without stopping.
The 2024 BYD Dolphin Premium offers 427 km from its 60.48 kWh battery, which covers most weekly driving for the average Australian. The base Dolphin Dynamic delivers 340 km, while the MG4 Excite 51 manages 350 km.
Charging speed matters just as much as range. The MG4's 140 kW DC fast-charge capability means you can top up from 10 to 80 per cent in about 26 minutes at a compatible public charger. The BYD Dolphin Premium maxes out at 80 kW, adding roughly 10 to 15 minutes to your charging stop.
Both cars support vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, letting you power camping gear or run appliances during a blackout. It's a handy feature that turns your electric car into a mobile power station.
Australia's charging infrastructure continues to expand, with over 940 public DC charging sites nationwide. Both the Dolphin and MG4 use the standard CCS2 connector, so you'll have no trouble finding compatible chargers wherever you travel.
Safety Features: Five Stars All Round
Safety is non-negotiable, and both vehicles deliver. The BYD Dolphin and MG4 each earned five-star ANCAP safety ratings, though with slightly different scores. The Dolphin achieved 89 per cent for adult occupant protection and 77 per cent for safety assist. The MG4 scored 83 per cent and 81 per cent respectively.
Standard equipment on both cars includes autonomous emergency braking that detects pedestrians and cyclists, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features work quietly in the background, stepping in when they sense danger.
The BYD Dolphin throws in a 360-degree camera and front parking sensors as standard across both trims. That's genuinely useful when you're navigating tight underground car parks or parallel parking on busy streets.
The MG4 Essence and above add lane change assistance and speed sign recognition. These extras make highway driving less tiring and help you stay on the right side of speed limits.
Both cars include a tyre pressure monitoring system, LED headlights, and rear parking sensors. You won't find significant safety gaps between them.
Comfort and Tech: Life Inside the Cabin
Step inside the BYD Dolphin and you're greeted by a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen that swivels between portrait and landscape modes. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can ditch the cables. Both the Dynamic and Premium variants include power-adjustable heated front seats and a panoramic glass roof as standard equipment.
The MG4 counters with a 10.25-inch landscape infotainment screen, though you'll need to plug in for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the base Excite models. Wireless phone charging arrives on the Essence trim, along with heated seats and a massage function for the driver's seat.
Climate control is standard across both ranges, with easy-to-use physical buttons for fan speed and temperature. The BYD's centre console feels more conventional, while the MG4's floating design creates extra storage space underneath.
The Dolphin's higher seating position suits drivers who prefer a more SUV-like view. The MG4's lower, sportier stance puts you closer to the road. Neither is objectively better; it comes down to personal preference.
Both cars offer keyless entry, though the BYD includes it as standard on both trims. Rear seat comfort is good in both vehicles for two adults, with adequate legroom and headroom.
Practicality and Utility: Boot Space and Storage
The MG4 offers slightly more boot space at 363 litres compared to the Dolphin's 345 litres. That's enough room for a weekly grocery shop or a couple of suitcases. Fold down the rear seats and the MG4 expands to 1,177 litres, while the Dolphin reaches 1,310 litres thanks to its taller roofline.
The Dolphin's split-level boot floor adds versatility, letting you hide charging cables and other gear out of sight. The MG4's cargo area is more straightforward but still practical.
If you need to tow a small trailer or bike rack, the MG4 is rated for 500 kg. The BYD Dolphin doesn't have an official towing rating.
Both vehicles include USB-A and USB-C ports for charging devices. The Dolphin edges ahead with more clever cabin storage, including a fold-down armrest and generous door bins that can swallow water bottles and other daily essentials.
Service intervals differ between the two. The BYD Dolphin needs attention every 20,000 km or 12 months. The MG4 stretches service intervals to 40,000 km or 24 months, though individual services can cost more. Over the long term, the Dolphin works out cheaper per kilometre.
Warranty coverage slightly favours the MG4 with seven years and unlimited kilometres compared to the Dolphin's six years and 150,000 km. Battery warranties are similar, with both manufacturers offering eight years and substantial kilometre limits.
Running Costs: Which EV Saves You More?
The BYD Dolphin Dynamic currently holds the title of Australia's cheapest electric vehicle, with an RRP of $36,890 plus on-road costs. That works out to roughly $39,990 drive-away, edging the MG4 Excite 51 by about $1,000.
Step up to the BYD Dolphin Premium at $42,890 plus on-road costs, and you're still about $3,000 cheaper than the comparable MG4 Essence 64, while gaining power-adjustable heated seats and that panoramic glass roof as standard.
Energy efficiency is excellent in both vehicles. The Dolphin Dynamic uses 14.1 kWh per 100 km, while the Premium consumes 14.7 kWh. The MG4 Excite 51 uses 15.5 kWh, and the 64 kWh models average 16.0 kWh per 100 km.
Both cars qualify for FBT-exempt electric vehicle novated leasing, which can save eligible employees thousands of dollars each year compared to buying with post-tax income. The savings stack up when you bundle insurance, rego, servicing, and charging costs into one predictable pre-tax payment.
Make Your Choice with Easi
The BYD Dolphin vs MG4 decision ultimately comes down to what you value most. Choose the BYD Dolphin if you want the most affordable entry point into electric driving, standard premium features, and a car that's perfectly suited to city commutes and short trips.
Pick the MG4 if you prioritise sportier handling, faster charging, extended range options, and a more engaging driving experience on longer journeys.
Whichever electric car wins your heart, both qualify for FBT-exempt novated leasing through Easi. We bundle all your running costs into one simple payment that comes out of your pre-tax salary, covering everything from insurance and rego to servicing and charging.
With over 30 years helping Australians save on vehicle costs, we make the whole process straightforward. Our team can lock in pricing today, connect you with our national servicing network, and have you driving your chosen EV in weeks, not months.
Ready to see how much you could save? Give us a call on 1300 266 828 or contact us on our website to get started.
