Check out my MG4 first impressions: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ppembNKIl7bVf3k.html The BYD Dolphin and MG4 are so similiary priced, what do you choose? In this video, I compare 20 important items that will help you decide on what to avoid, what is best value (hint: its not the cheapest one!), and what I would recommend.

I totally agree with you Chris - some brands are ripping off customers with ridiculous servicing requirements and costs. With so few moving parts, and the battery and motor not needing servicing, there is so little that needs maintenance on an EV.

Good comparison. Our family has a Tesla M3 and an Atto3. Both very good but the Atto is the favourite mainly for its accessories, ergonomics and creature comforts.

The mg4 is not a bloody suv. It's a hatchback.

One thing you might want to consider is that the BYD has heated seats, in cold clement where you'd want to run the heater having heated seats greatly recesses the need to use and the needed set temp required from the cabin heater, the has a huge impact on winter range Edit: After I originally posted this MG confirmed that heated seats are an option with the essence package, The dolphin uses a heat pump which is much more efficient than a resistive PTC heater, I'm also not sure about the energy recovery components of the cars which will be interesting to find out such as whether you can use a heat generator from the motor to warm the battery up on cold days and things like that

MG4 should have gotten 1 or 2 points for drive ability and handling, which is a big part of its appeal and selling point. But you can’t go wrong with either and it all depends what you value more - features or driving experience. Totally agree with the MG4 base model and the Dolphin premium being the ones with the best value for money.

Only the MG4 can have a tow bar. Very handy for a small box trailer to move things or go to the tip! Deal breaker for me the BYD not having the option to tow.

I think you also missed during the dimension comparison that the MG4 is about 6.5cm wider, for most people that would make a big difference and the rear wheel drive of the MG is much better dynamically

Chris your scoring system is too simplistic eg. awarding 1 point to Dolphin for free colour choice and the same ONE point to MG4 for MUCH faster charging when charging speed is SUCH an important and integral part of BEVs ownership makes your comparison method very flawed and misleading to potential buyers. I'd suggest that in future use a point "multiplier" of 2 for the more important features such as charging so the resultant total scores reflect the importance of each compared feature. But I appreciate all your hard work putting this together and understand you were trying to keep things quick and simple so thanks and well done. 👍

Looks and driving dynamics, MG4 51 Excite for sure. Only bummer is no rear cross traffic and blind spot.

RWD vs FWD can be a big factor for some people.

It looks close between the two. Great review and it's fantastic to have some competition at this pricing point.

Seats up cargo is won by MG. That to most is more important than seats folded cargo. No bias as I am an Atto3 owner and love it. Agree totally the base Dolphin 70kW is a slug. Virtually equivalent in performance to a 12 year old Suzuki Alto or Barina Spark. These two sold for ~$13k drive away!

From all the reviews I have read or watched, the MG4 wins hands down. Apparently the MG4 driving and handling is far superior to the Dolphin. All the reviews that have compared its ride comfort to be superior to a Tesla M3. I'm comparing the base models only. A sticker price of just under $39, 000 in Oz is hard to beat. Cheers Chris.

ANCAP ratings for each car? That's pretty important. Both are aiming for 5 stars but the BYD has not been tested. The MG has earned 5 stars in Europe.

I have an MG ZS EV Mk1 and I have been pleased with the build quality of MG. My biggest need with an EV is good parking and driving in traffic systems and I note your advice that the base model MG4 does not have these which, for me, are important and things I miss on the Mk1. However, I would, subject to driving one, pay the extra for the mid-range MG, the Essence, to get these things. (Though all things being equal I would prefer an LFP battery.) I think the base model BYD seems underpowered and I just do not know who supports BYD as I am not aware they have a dealership. John Cadogan is not a big fan of the base BYD. These are just my impressions. BYD should be able to build a good car with its size and resources.

You didn’t compare them on cost of electricity per 100km. I would think the lower power motor would see a reduced electricity consumption maybe? Also you didn’t give us vehicle mass comparison. I’d be curious to know, given different battery sizes. Also are the 2 different battery technologies the same in terms of fire risk and difficulty to extinguish?

I was waiting for the Dolphin Premium pricing and decided to put my money down on the MG4 Essence. The reason being it seems like a well balanced RWD drivers car. It was a tough decision to make though.

The dolphin software maybe better with OTA update for software faults and more future proof but I think mg4 is more fun to drive in terms of dynamics

Great video Chris. We are eagerly waiting for the high court case outcome. Thanks for your contribution to the EV community.

Here in Thailand, I have chosen the Dolphin Extended. I prefer the style and RWD of the MG4, but I ordered the Dolphin. The MG4 is too low for me and has some missing interior features.

base spec i'll go for MG4, mid spec Dolphin

I'd go with the Dolphin Premium for the following. Range, battery chemistry, narrow width, competitive power, tyre size, independent rear suspension and convenience items for the price. I won't go with the Dolphin because of the importers high margins, poor communication with customers and extortionate service schedule/pricing with a third party provider. I will however, use my current petrol powered conveyance until a Tesla Model 2 or similar vehicle from Kia/Hyundai is available. Good luck to the Beta testers! Thanks for the review Chris.

ChrIs forgot the major difference between these 2 vehicles. The Dolphin is FWD while the MG4 Is RWD. I would pick the RWD first every time. Also I don't know for sure but based on the Atto 3, I suspect the Dolphin will have inferior tyres to the MG4. Small but significant difference. BTW - they're both hatchbacks, not SUVs, although the line is blurred these days.

In New Zealand the MG4 Excite is $3,000 cheaper than the base BYD Dolphin.

You left out one important fact blade batteries don’t catch on fire or explode, just this point wins me over to BYD

Great review , the thing I like about the BYD is the blade batteries, if what I am reading they will last a lot longer ?

BYD premium for me..👍 live in Sweden and the Dolphin have heated seat/heat pump as standard..not the entry level MG4. Thanks for good reviews!👍🌹

MG4 is a no brainer!

BYD has the V2L lead included in the price, where as you have to buy the lead for the mg @ $250.

I really like this comparative format, Chris. One aspect that you didn't cover, which is understandable, since it is subjective, is looks. I have to give e this to the MG4. The Dolphin's looks are ones only its mother could like.

You do have to add the cost of installing charger at home unless manufacturer offer it for free. By the way, does BYD or MG offer free chargers installation at home? But I would go with MG. It has better control design for my taste.

Which one shall I choose is the one that comes with rear multi-link suspension!! Nothing can beat independent suspension if you want comfort, agile performance and stability. And yes you have missed this multi-link rear for MG 4 where the BYD Dolphin has rear non-independent torsion beam unless you go for more expensive models. All MG 4s have independent rear but not all Dolphins do.

I find myself swaying to the dolphin because of the blade battery being the battery for the upper trims. The warranty though... if the blade is so good why the limited kms?

Was keen on BYD Dolphin sport, however, no ability to add tow bar according to manufacturer as yet! MG4 has towing capacity!

Brand name is always important. Even though they're both Chinese, the MG wins out by a mile in Australia.

MG have a very big rust problem, at every service MG4 has to have a full rust report (that's were your money is going),MG have no idea how long there cars will last ,after working on both brands it is very clear to me that BYD have better build quality ,my view after 30 years in the industry.

Rear wheel drive of the MG gives better ride. The Dolphin's electronics are much better and especially better than the MG's horrible 'lane assist. The base models should be avoided. Compare the Dolphin Sport with the extended range MG and its a toss up.

Not really SUVs (unless you consider a corolla an SUV?) and thankfully that's a good thing.

You gave one point to the Dolphin for the free colours but most of them are dreadful. The MG4 looks really good in red whereas the Dolphin has grey, white, cream, purple and pink.

The list price for a M3 RWD is $57,400 in Victoria (+$5300 drive away) 491 km WLTP range, LFP battery

BYD here im my neck of the woods, offers the 20k service for free, up to 100K, plus a free 7Kwh charger to install at home.

I think each mg4 has a different battery type, one for cheapness, one for long range and one (in the xpower) for performance. All take up the same space but have different abilities. Charging the cobalt type batteries gives you access to only 90% of the battery, so you cannot charge it to 100% (though it may seem to you you have). So long term 100% should not be a significant issue.

For me the truly awful performance of the Dolphin Dynamic rules it out. It has better inclusions otherwise. But then in the upper ranges the Dolphin has similar performance for less money with more features. Looks a winner to me and why we ordered a Premium. The MG4 does have some advantages with RWD but is it worth an extra $4000 or even more if in a different colour? Not for me

Good review, but you also didn't mention the crap tyres from the Dolphin compared to the Mg4 Continentals

BYD is not lithium ion phosphate. You mean lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), which is a tough and long lived chemistry.

I would avoid china cars due to them being known for catching on fire or even exploding. Some BYD cars even have the wheel fall off and sometimes the airbags do not deploy. There is more to picking a car than just looking at the specs.

Nice review! Did you happen across the BYD Dolphin Owner's Manual? Thanks

One problem with the mid-range models is that they both weigh about the same as a Camry. I do wish car manufacturers would use their brains and offer extended range models with smaller batteries. They'd be greener to build and weigh less, meaning less road damage.

My greatest bug bear with the MG is the controls on the stalks on the wrong side and when regularly switching between cars this is so annoying it stops me. If that is resolved I would not hesitate to buy it, though not sure I want NMC, the blades are far bettter. The MG is such a good looking car though.

MG4 seems to be winning the new cheap EV market in the UK. Can't see this denting MG4 sales, but will be another option at least.

Which drives better

Iirc...MG4 extended range's max torque is 350nm.

Do you think the mg battery will last as long as the BYD blade battery

😂 What a joke!!! MG over BYD any day. How can we here in Australia even trust BYD when they try and cheat with the Atto 3 with ADR Compliance. And, the MG4 is overall a far better car. MG have been selling cars here in Australia for a number of years already ahead of BYD. BYD’s deal to have servicing done by MyCar (formerly KMart tyre and auto) is a huge thumbs down.

Great review and not enough reviewers are talking about the options with the battery chemistries.

Great report but . . . You ignored FWD vs RWD. As a driver's car RWD always trumps. I own an Atto3 which we love but the torque steer is a negative. Not sure if these cars are SUVS. I would call them small hatchbacks like Corolla or i30.

Don't think the BYD is rated to tow anything. The MG4 can tow 500kg, not much, but better than nothing. Handy for light loads or if an empty trailer needs to be moved to another location.

Mate, can you please do a real life testing for both cars and compare them instead? The data from the car companies do not necessary tell the real life driving and owning experiences that the drivers want.

You got it right.

Nice review. Ride characteristics should also be addressed and RWD vs FWD.

Charging speed gives it to the MG4 as I have a UK Trophy 135kw, looked at a BYD but 80Kw come on.

the service fees r absolute extortion I was hoping mg were going to be more sensible ! can you inform us about the service fees of all ev.s that r available in oz ? thnx Chris !

For me the dolphin not being able to pull a trailer is the deal breaker for me

MG has two free colours and additional optional metallics.

Great Vid Chris. 👍

Compact SUVs? They're hatchbacks bro.

I think I would go for a second hand Nissan Leaf, especially after Dala open sourced his software/procedure for upgrading battery packs...then again, what's the chance of finding a wrecked Leaf with a bigger battery pack in good condition in Australia?

I bet it's the dealerships who are making the money from the exorbitant service charges

Isn't the MG4 rear wheel drive and drives better?

After sales support and service is a key factor. BYD outsource theirs to the old Kmart Auto (whatever it's called now) and that sucks. MG has a much bigger dealer network and a pretty decent after sales reputation. BYD much less so. How a car actually drives also matters, no mention of that. Also, that vomit inducing badge on the rear of the BYD. Get rid of it BYD, it's embarrassing.

I can’t agree with your reasoning. The BYD Dolphin theme is very unappealing. I agree with not buying the basic model of either. Then you look at the dull colour vs cutesy barbydoll options of the two tone from BYD with that hideous dash and air vents and that’s a big minus for me. Then there is the front wheel drive for an EV. Ultimately it came down to two things. 1. Handling and driving. 2. Local dealership. Your servicing rant was understandable but irrelevant. What does count is how good the servicing is. That is an unknown. The MG4 drove very well indeed. We went with that.

Whats wrong with 12 seconds

Insurance might prove the real disincentive to EV ownership if we see what is happening in the UK. EVs were once one bought by people who fussed over their cars. As more EVs are become fleet vehicles driven with the same disregard as ICE cars the frequency of minor accidents and underside impacts grow. The concern will be that a battery pack has sustained damage that will lead to fire even when it hasn't. An EV fire has the potential to cause major third party damage well beyond the value of car itself, so insurers will want the packs replaced as a precaution. This will increase repairs costs, often to be point of being an insurance write-offs and premiums will rise to reflect these higher payouts. There is another thing EV owners might want to contemplate. If there is a grounding or some other impact to the battery housing that is not repaired, will this be seen as a vehicle in a poor state of repair, thus nullifying the insurance if there is a fire or indeed any other insurance claim. The journey through the real world has only just started for EVs. We are still some years from what it be like trying to get 85kw of electricity when we have a chronic energy shortage. Last winter they were pleading for people not to use dishwashers when power supplies were on the edge. Do you know how many dishwashers you can run on a single full EV recharge? About 60. EV owners might find they are last in the queue for scarce energy.

Your'e forgetting that if these cars have batteries similar to Tesla. Then there are thousands of points of failure based on individual batteries in the pack/s.

BYD is FWD, MG is rwd. Fwd in an EV is a crime - there is no excuse to do this. MGs driving dynamics (fun) crush BYDs. BYD also fitt their cars here in Oz with no grip Atlas tyres.

If either brand brought out a decent charging infrastructure across this large brown land they will sell.

Rip off servicing is the reason we went Tesla 3. No regrets.

THESE CARS ARE NOT SUV's, THEY ARE HATCHBACKS

But if you actually drive the MG4 compared to the BYD, you will get the MG. It's a driver's car. The Dolphin is not.

MG4 wins because it looks like sports car.

MG4 is a hatchback, not SUV

MG IS BETTER CAR BY 20%

++++👍🚗🐸+++I CAN BE FOUND IN MY MG4+++IN RED OF COURSE+++🚗+++RED CARS GO FASTER+++😆+++

They are NOT compact SUV's, one is a hatchback the other is a small car(sedan) you drinking their marketing koolaid it seems which I wouldn't have expected. Otherwise call the Toyota Corolla a compact SUV which it isn't! Could you ignore the servicing and just DIY it as probably only a filter change, maybe just do the first service otherwise ignore the rest or will they void your warranty?

?? Neither of these are SUVs

I have driven both to buy. The dolphin is boring as hell! And the stupid door handels

These are NOT SUV .

Yrly servicing by the company is a scam

mg is amature compared to byd.

Chris Vanderstock... sounds Flemish... but you sound Aussie....

Avoid both..why would anyone outside China support Chinese businesses or the state, get some dignity and spend more..or just use public transport, you will appear frugal rather than tight fisted or poor lol.

Ownership experience is going to be key. What to expect from their service departments? Is it worth it having to gamble on new brands like that, JUST to get an EV? If budget is key, there are many options, you just don't get the EV whizzing. Oh, but you do it to be greeeeeen? Then why get one all the way from China, and have you looked up their latest envirionments inspections? I personally like EVs for their technology, the green thing to me is a falsehood. Both due to battery production and questionnable recycling, but really because humanity NEEDS a lot of CO2 right now, to survive. Why do greenhouse farmers pump CO2 into their structures? To get more harvests, and feed us. There is famine on Earth already, and crops do badly in low CO2. Where did the super tall trees go? Oh but climate? That's never been stable, is isn't even stable on nearby planets. Ask the spirits of the dinosaurs and the surface of the moon why they are what they are. Once you open your sovereign mind, giving the "good boy mind" a rest, it's not that hard to see a somewhat broader scope of reality and climate. Modern man saw sea levels rise 120 meters in a geological blink of the eye, from something very low up to right where they sit still today, plus or minus a meter or so. How did that happen and coincide with half of megamammels going extinct? Because it did, and we roughly know how: climate changed suddenly, and as usual: due to external factors. The sun, moon and celestial impacts are so powerful, it's silly for humanity to think that emitting plant food is going to tip that scale at all. CO2 is a greenhouse gas yes, ebcause greenhouse farmers us it. Not because the gas itself builds the greenhouse, you silly! That stuff is religion more so than a science. Newton and Einstein would NOT see the scientific method there.

I spoke to a Model 3 owner in the unit block whose had his since early 2020 'never been serviced car is great '. So WTF are the MG and BYD distributors on about?