Beginner's Guide to Electric Vehicle Selection: Which to Choose, MG 4 or BYD Dolphin?

【PCauto】If you are considering entry-level electric vehicles (EVs), the MG 4 and BYD Dolphin are likely to be on your shortlist.

The reason is straightforward: both are B-segment electric hatchbacks and arguably among the most affordable in the market. Hence, they are often regarded as "the people's first EV." It is no surprise that they are frequently compared side by side.

Interestingly, when they actually appear next to each other, these two vehicles are very different.

Basic Information about the BYD Dolphin

The Dolphin may appear straightforward, but its character is quite distinct.

It is a front-wheel-drive, single-motor electric hatchback. It comes in limited variants, differing mainly in range and specifications, offering 410km and 490km of all-electric range respectively.

In terms of specifications, the Dolphin stands out with its well-rounded features. It comes equipped with ADAS driver assistance, automatic parking, and a large central control screen, with virtually every function designed to make daily driving as effortless and user-friendly as possible.

Basic Information about the MG 4

The MG 4 offers more variant options than the Dolphin, with a broader range of models, from the entry-level Standard version to the performance-oriented XPOWER. Differences in battery capacity and driving performance give it distinct personalities within the same model lineup.

Overall, the MG 4 does not seek to cater to every user instantly but instead provides room for choice. Buyers can opt for a basic model suited for commuting or a high-performance variant with powerful dynamics. Its design and configurations focus more on delivering a layered driving experience, rather than merely packing in features.

MG 4 and BYD Dolphin are actually very different

On the surface, the MG 4 and BYD Dolphin are both B-segment pure electric hatchbacks, but in essence, they differ significantly.

In terms of functionality and features, the highlight of Dolphin is its completeness and ease of use. It is equipped with a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen, and the driver assistance system includes ACC adaptive cruise control, LKA lane keeping, AEB automatic emergency braking, as well as front and rear parking sensors and automatic parking, covering almost all daily driving assistance needs.

The MG 4’s central control screen measures 10.25 inches, and some driver-assistance features are absent in the lower-spec variants. Even the higher-spec configurations are not as comprehensive as those of the Dolphin. The number of speakers varies depending on the version, with the higher configurations having 6 speakers, while the lower configurations only have 4.

This difference in features reflects the distinct philosophies behind the two cars. The Dolphin focuses more on intuitive and convenient direct operation, while the MG 4 emphasises the driving experience itself, rather than merely attracting users through an abundance of features.

This philosophical divergence is reflected in their mechanical underpinnings.

The Dolphin series is entirely front-wheel drive, with entry-level variants using a torsion beam rear suspension, while higher-end models are upgraded to a multi-link independent suspension. The ground clearance is 130mm, and the vehicle weighs 1658kg. This aligns with its clear design goals: stable and reliable daily urban driving, while taking into account comfort and economy.

The Dolphin offers a range of 410 to 490 kilometres (depending on the variant), with motor power ranging from 70 to 150 kW, torque between 180 and 310 Nm, and a single front-motor layout that is stable and reliable—demanding almost no performance trade-offs from the user.

The differences between various versions of the MG 4 are significant. Users can choose between low-power, long-range versions and high-power, short-range versions, or experience the high-performance acceleration of the XPOWER. This means that the driving experience within the same model range differs far more noticeably than with the Dolphin.

Moreover, the high-end variants of the MG 4 offer power well beyond daily needs, with suspension and version differences that emphasize distinct driving experiences. For users who want to enjoy the fun of driving, the high-end models provide stronger acceleration and more direct handling feedback, while the low-end versions meet commuting needs. The overall design pays more attention to diverse use scenarios.

Overall, although these two cars appear to be in the same segment, they adopt completely different approaches to solving problems. The logic of the Dolphin is to use a limited number of versions to cover most daily needs, reducing decision-making costs and making driving as convenient as possible. On the other hand, the MG 4 leaves more room for user choice, emphasizing power differences and stratified driving experiences.

Product origin determines its character

MG 4: A product tailored to European driving culture

The MG 4's design logic is clearly imprinted by the European market. The XPOWER high-performance version offers power of up to 435 PS, creating a stark contrast even with the lower-end models in the same series. At the same time, it does not have a version specifically dedicated to users who value pure comfort or minimalistic usage.

In other words, each MG 4 requires users to some extent to understand the differences in vehicle power, to care about body feedback, and to accept the reality of sacrificing some convenience or comfort for the sake of driving experience.

The design of the suspension and powertrain also follows this philosophy. The high-end versions emphasize a sense of control and acceleration feedback, while the lower-end versions provide sufficient performance for daily commuting, yet still retain a certain level of driving engagement.

The overall versioning strategy and parameter distribution indicate that the MG 4 is foremost a car designed to hold its ground in the European market. Its target users are accustomed to discerning driving sensations and specification differences, and are sensitive to handling and performance, rather than merely satisfying basic transportation needs.

BYD Dolphin: A product reflecting Chinese user preferences

In contrast, the Dolphin's starting point is entirely different. The design logic behind the Dolphin is that users don't want to understand the complexity of a car; they just want the vehicle to be easy and convenient to use.

Its choices in versioning, powertrain, and configuration all point to one central goal: lowering the usage threshold and improving daily comfort. There’s almost no room left for users to experience differences in driving; every parameter and function arrangement serves one core principle: allowing every user to complete daily trips easily, safely, and smoothly.

Thus, although the MG 4 and Dolphin fall within a similar price range and both belong to the B-segment pure electric hatchback category, their product logic and starting points differ significantly.

The MG 4 is a Europe-oriented export model that emphasises diverse driving experiences, while the Dolphin is designed with Chinese users in mind, focusing on ease of use and day-to-day smoothness.