Quick Answer
The BYD Dolphin and MG4 are the two strongest-value electric hatchbacks in the UK market. The MG4 offers a wider range of battery sizes (up to 77 kWh) and longer range options. The Dolphin has a more distinctive interior, better build quality, and BYD’s proven Blade Battery. Price-for-price, they’re genuinely close.
Price Comparison
| BYD Dolphin | MG4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | £26,195 | £26,995 |
| Mid-range price | £28,695 | £29,995 |
| Top range price | £30,695 | £34,995 (Long Range) |
The Dolphin starts slightly cheaper. MG4 pricing varies significantly by trim and battery size.
Range Comparison
| BYD Dolphin Extended | MG4 Long Range | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 60.48 kWh | 77 kWh |
| WLTP range | 265 miles | 323 miles |
| Real-world motorway | 175–210 miles | 220–260 miles |
| DC peak charge | 88 kW | 150 kW |
The MG4 Long Range has a clear advantage in range and charging speed — but costs approximately £6,000 more than the Dolphin Extended. For equivalent budget, the gap narrows.
Winner for range: MG4 Long Range — but you pay for it.
Interior and Character
This is where the Dolphin pulls ahead. BYD’s designers gave the Dolphin a genuinely distinctive interior:
- Rotating 12.8” screen — practically useful, visually distinctive
- Build quality: Dolphin edges ahead on perceived quality
- Personality: The Dolphin has more character; the MG4 is more conventional
- Rear space: Similar in both
The MG4’s interior is clean and functional but doesn’t have the Dolphin’s flair.
Winner for interior: BYD Dolphin.
Charging
| BYD Dolphin Extended | MG4 Standard Range | |
|---|---|---|
| Peak DC charge | 88 kW | 135 kW |
| 10–80% time | ~35 min | ~40 min |
| AC home charge | 11 kW | 7 kW |
The MG4 Standard Range (51 kWh) charges at up to 135 kW — faster than the Dolphin. The MG4 Long Range jumps to 150 kW.
Winner for charging speed: MG4.
Warranty
| BYD Dolphin | MG4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle warranty | 6 years / 150,000 miles | 7 years / 80,000 miles |
| Battery warranty | 8 years / 100,000 miles | 7 years / 80,000 miles |
MG’s 7-year vehicle warranty beats BYD’s 6-year cover — but BYD’s battery warranty extends to 8 years and 100,000 miles, matching MG’s.
Winner: Very close. MG4 on overall warranty length; BYD on battery warranty terms.
Safety
Both have earned 5-star Euro NCAP ratings. Safety equipment is broadly comparable across both brands.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the BYD Dolphin if you:
- Charge mainly at home and do mostly urban/suburban driving
- Value interior quality and character
- Want BYD’s Blade Battery (LFP) chemistry
- Are happy with up to 265 miles of range
Choose the MG4 if you:
- Want the highest range possible and can stretch to the Long Range trim
- Prioritise faster DC charging for longer journeys
- Prefer more conventional interior design
- Want MG’s established UK dealer network
Final Verdict
For most daily-use buyers, the BYD Dolphin is the better all-round package: it’s slightly cheaper, has a more distinctive interior, and BYD’s Blade Battery is arguably the more durable technology. For buyers who frequently need maximum range and the fastest possible public charging, the MG4 Long Range — at a higher cost — is the more capable option.