If you’re looking to switch to an electric car without breaking the bank, your options have never been better. Two of the most exciting and affordable electric hatchbacks to hit the UK market come from China: the BYD Dolphin and the MG4. Both offer impressive range, lots of tech, and family-friendly practicality for a fraction of the price of European rivals.
The BYD Dolphin arrived in 2024 with a focus on comfort and a massive list of standard equipment. The MG4, launched in 2022, turned heads with its sharp styling and fun-to-drive rear-wheel-drive setup. With both cars offering so much for the money, which of these electric challengers deserves a place on your driveway?
BYD Dolphin vs MG4
Practicality
BYD Dolphin practicality score: 4/5
MG4 practicality score: 4/5
When it comes to family duties, it’s a dead heat between these two. The BYD Dolphin offers a 345-litre boot, which is perfectly adequate for the weekly shop or a weekend away. It also has handy underfloor storage for your charging cables. Rear passenger space is a real highlight, with plenty of legroom for adults and an airy feel thanks to the large windows.
The MG4 just edges it on paper with a slightly larger 363-litre boot. Thanks to its purpose-built electric platform, the interior feels surprisingly spacious, with a completely flat floor making it comfortable for three in the back. There’s also loads of clever storage, including a neat rubberised phone tray and plenty of cubby holes. Both cars are practical enough for a small family, so it's a tie here.
Driving Impressions
BYD Dolphin driving score: 3/5
MG4 driving score: 4/5
This is where the two cars show their different personalities. The BYD Dolphin is all about comfort. The soft suspension does a great job of soaking up bumps, making it a relaxing car to drive around town. However, the trade-off is a fair bit of body lean in corners, and the slow steering means it’s not much fun on a twisty road. The biggest frustration, however, is the overly keen driver assistance systems, which can be intrusive and annoying.
The MG4, on the other hand, is the clear winner for anyone who enjoys driving. Its secret weapon is its rear-wheel-drive layout, which is rare for an affordable EV. This makes it feel agile and keen to turn into corners, pushing you out the other side with a smile on your face. It strikes a great balance between a comfortable ride and sharp handling, making it both fun and easy to live with every day.
Technology and Equipment
BYD Dolphin technology and equipment score: 4/5
MG4 technology and equipment score: 4/5
Both cars come absolutely loaded with technology for the price. The Dolphin’s party piece is its huge 12.8-inch central touchscreen, which can rotate from landscape to portrait at the touch of a button. Even the entry-level model is packed with kit, including a 360-degree camera, heated seats, and vehicle-to-load capability, which lets you power external devices from the car's battery.
The MG4 fights back with a smart-looking dual-screen setup and an impressive suite of standard safety features called MG Pilot. This includes adaptive cruise control and active emergency braking on all models. Higher-spec Trophy models add luxuries like a 360-degree camera and a wireless phone charger. While both cars rely a little too heavily on their touchscreens for basic controls, you get an incredible amount of tech for your money with either choice.
Running Costs
BYD Dolphin running costs score: 3/5
MG4 running costs score: 4/5
As electric cars, both the Dolphin and MG4 will be incredibly cheap to run compared to a petrol equivalent, especially if you can charge at home. Real-world efficiency is similar for both, at around 3.5-4.0 miles per kWh. However, the MG4 pulls a significant advantage when it comes to long journeys.
The Dolphin’s 88kW maximum charging speed is respectable, allowing a 10-80% top-up in about 40 minutes. But the MG4 can charge much faster, at up to 125kW. This means you can get to 80% charge in just over 30 minutes at a powerful rapid charger. That 10-minute saving might not sound like much, but it makes a real difference when you’re waiting at a service station, giving the MG4 the edge for running costs.
CarGurus Buyer Insights
|
BYD Dolphin |
MG4 |
| CarGurus expert rating |
3 out of 5 |
4 out of 5 |
| CarGurus user rating |
3.8 out of 5 |
4.2 out of 5 |
| Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus* |
35.5% |
40.1% |
| Overall CarGurus rating |
3.7 out of 5 |
4.3 out of 5 |
The Verdict
BYD Dolphin Overall CarGurus rating: 3.7/5
MG4 Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3/5
Both the BYD Dolphin and MG4 are brilliant electric cars that prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to go electric. They are practical, well-equipped and cheap to run.
However, based on our comprehensive CarGurus Buyer Insights, the MG4 is the clear winner in this contest. It’s more fun to drive thanks to its sporty rear-wheel-drive setup, it charges faster for more convenient long journeys, and it offers a wider range of models, from the affordable Standard Range to the seriously quick XPower version. It simply feels like a more complete and compelling package.
That’s not to say the Dolphin isn’t worth a look. If your priorities are a supremely comfortable ride and getting the absolute maximum amount of standard equipment for your money, it’s a fantastic choice. But as the better all-rounder, the MG4’s blend of driving fun, faster charging and sharp design makes it our winner.
BYD Dolphin Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Generous standard equipment |
Unengaging to drive |
| Comfortable and quiet ride |
Slower charging than the MG4 |
| Spacious for rear passengers |
Intrusive driver assistance systems |
MG4 Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Fun and agile to drive |
Interior quality could be better |
| Faster rapid charging speeds |
Some functions buried in touchscreen |
| Wide range of models available |
Boot isn't the biggest in class |
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from January 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.
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