BYD Dolphin vs MG4 EV (2026)
Two of the most affordable ways into a new EV, and two different philosophies. The BYD Dolphin plays the safe, sensible card with a durable Blade LFP battery; the rear-wheel-drive MG4 is the surprise driver’s car of the budget class, and an award-winner in Europe.
| Spec | BYD Dolphin | MG4 EV |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric (BEV) | Electric (BEV) |
| Starting price | ₱1,440,000 (~$24,000) — lowest starting price | ₱1,470,000 (~$24,000) |
| Power | 204 hp (150 kW) — highest power | 201 hp (150 kW) |
| Range / economy cycle-adjusted | 405 km (~252 mi) NEDC | 435 km (~270 mi) WLTP — highest range |
| Battery | 44.9 kWh | 64 kWh |
| Charging | 80 kW | 140 kW — highest peak charging speed |
| Body | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Sold in | PH, UK, EU, AU, Asia | PH, UK, EU, AU, Asia |
Leads marks the better figure on that row only. It is not a score, and the vehicle with more marks is not automatically the better buy — read the verdict below.
Why a smaller number can still be marked as better
Figures use different test cycles (NEDC, WLTP), but this lead holds even after converting them all to an EPA-equivalent range.
Range figures come from different laboratory cycles. We convert each to an EPA-equivalent band using the factors in our guide to the four test cycles, and only mark a leader when its lead holds across the entire band — so the mark never depends on which cycle a car happened to be measured on.
Prices are the starting (from) price; power is the top figure offered (AWD/variant differences noted on each model page). Conversions are approximate at ≈₱61 = US$1 (mid-2026); exchange rates move, so treat the converted figures as ballpark.
BYD Dolphin vs MG4 EV: the real trade-offs
Driving feel
The MG4’s rear-wheel-drive layout makes it genuinely fun and tidy to drive — rare at this price and the reason it has won awards. The front-drive Dolphin is easy and comfortable but not as engaging.
Battery & range
The Dolphin’s Blade LFP battery is durable and tolerates frequent full charging; it quotes ~405 km NEDC. The MG4 uses WLTP figures (~435 km on the larger battery) that translate more honestly, though its 51 kWh base has less range.
Charging
The MG4 charges faster — up to ~140 kW DC on the bigger battery versus the Dolphin’s ~80 kW — so the MG4 is the better occasional road-tripper of the two.
Power
Similar on paper (~204 hp Dolphin, up to ~201 hp MG4), but the MG4’s rear-drive balance makes it feel livelier. Both are quick enough for city and suburban use.
Price & value
Both start around ₱1.4–1.5M in the Philippines. The Dolphin leans on battery safety and BYD’s momentum; the MG4 on driving fun, faster charging and honest WLTP range. Check local service coverage for each.
Cheaper to live with? Warranty side by side
UK & EEA (incl. Switzerland): 8 years / 250,000 km on the Blade battery, guaranteed minimum 70% state of health
Australia: 8 years / 160,000 km on the battery — a materially lower mileage cap than the UK and EEA term
United Kingdom: 8 years / 100,000 miles on the high-voltage battery, triggered if capacity drops below 70% of original
Thailand: MG has introduced a lifetime battery warranty with unlimited mileage on selected EV models including the MG4
Terms name their market and differ elsewhere. Full detail on BYD Dolphin and MG4 EV, or compare all on the ownership page.
Which should you buy?
Buy the MG4 EV if you want the more enjoyable drive, faster charging and more honest range figures — it is the enthusiast’s budget EV. Buy the BYD Dolphin if you value the safe, durable Blade battery and a comfortable, sensible city car. Both are excellent value; the MG4 is the keen driver’s pick, the Dolphin the reassuring, low-fuss one.
City drivers who want a durable, safe LFP battery and a comfortable, sensible, low-fuss budget EV.
Full BYD Dolphin specs →Keen drivers who want rear-wheel-drive fun, faster charging and more honest range for the same money.
Full MG4 EV specs →Whichever you pick, own it well with Kotselog: log every charge or fill-up to see your real cost per km, track servicing and battery-health checks, and get reminded before your registration or insurance lapses. Open the app →
BYD Dolphin vs MG4 EV FAQ
Which is better to drive, the Dolphin or MG4?
The MG4 — its rear-wheel-drive layout and tidy handling make it genuinely fun, which is unusual for a budget EV and why it has won awards in Europe. The Dolphin is comfier but less engaging.
Which charges faster?
The MG4, at up to ~140 kW DC on the larger battery versus the Dolphin’s ~80 kW. That makes the MG4 the better occasional long-distance choice.
Which has the safer battery?
Both are safe, but the Dolphin’s Blade LFP battery is specifically known for strong safety in nail-penetration testing and tolerates frequent full charging well.
Related reading: Switching to an EV: checklist · EV battery health explained.
Comparing the BYD Dolphin and MG4 EV?
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