Best cheap electric car comparison! BYD Dolphin vs MG4 EV review

[@Alex-yk1cn]

I’ve had my MG4 64kwh Essence for 11 weeks now (I’m in NZ). Done 5,000km. Cost me $80 in charging (I use a mix of charging at home using solar panels, free public charging, and paying for fast charging when I need to which has only been 4 times so far). It was a no brainer which to choose … I like a drivers car and the rear wheel drive of the MG4 is superb. The tyres really good. And I was going to buy the cheaper Excite model but decided to stretch to the Essence for the extra features (not essential though). I’d rate the MG as my 2nd favourite car of all time (I’m 63 and have had quite a few cars). I always have a chuckle when I read comments knocking electric cars. Saying they aren’t the future etc. Have they actually driven one? ICE cars are at their peak, with over 100 years of fine tuning. Straight out the box, electric cars have compelling features which will only improve as the technology matures. Who knows how the electricity will be stored in future (might not be a battery, or hydrogen might fuel a small battery). Kodak moment (I remember all the digital camera knockers in the early days, despite digital clearly being the future). My business is photography, restoration, printing etc and I adapted to digital early on, getting rid of my film processing side of the business … and my business is still going. My advice is … unless you have to, don’t buy ICE. It will be so hard to sell it, and the cost of petrol will become prohibitive.

[@the_amazing_adventures_of_andy]

Most people I know who knock EVs have never driven one. Out of all the cars I have driven in my life, my most recent experience in a rented Tesla model 3 was the most fun I have had driving a car. I enjoy the silence of the EV as well.

[@therightcar]

Thanks for the comment mate Glad you’re sold on it! It’s a convincing car.

[@therightcar]

Thanks for sharing!

[@t8polestarcyan22]

Although I still prefer ICEs but I'm driving my EV most frequently.

[@doktorek1755]

BEV technology is developing that's why BEV loses value faster than ICE (Tesla owners complain about it) the last ICE of well-known brands will keep their price at record levels, because they will become a rare and unique good, even if they are much worse than BEV

[@danielhockin6705]

Just collected my MG4 51 Excite. Awesome value proposition and driving dynamics at this price point.

[@therightcar]

You bet it is. Base model really makes a lot of sense for the MG4!

[@attilavarga3151]

I would choose the dolphin. The advantage for me is the LFP battery, it can always be charged to 100% and I like it better.

[@leehunt7264]

MG4 51 has an LFP battery

[@swanny6627]

​@leehunt7264 both dolphins have lfp batteries, only the base (vare bones) mg4 has an lfp, if you want any features then you loose the lfp battery

[@tommyjakobsen5504]

again, someone that only here what peolpe say, tesla has driven with Cobolt battery since 2008. They work don´t get hystrical please..

[@TheRazorbackking]

​@@tommyjakobsen5504LFP and their charging limit is so well known because Tesla literally uses BYD Blade batteries in the Model 3 and Y Standard.

[@MUFCSINCE90]

Like the LFP in the MG4 you mean

[@henrytoussaint7]

Would have been great if you had managed to get your hands on the GWM Ora for this review too!

[@snich63]

Here in New Zealand, the Dolphin has been criticised for being over priced, but I hadn’t checked the numbers side by side before. It is NZD4,000 more than the 64 Excite, and NZD1,000 more than the 64 Essence. So the MG seems like a no brainer in Kiwiland.

[@therightcar]

Oh wow! Great context. And we get a solid deal on Dolphin here - but MG4 still a compelling choice if you don’t want or need as much bling.

[@t8polestarcyan22]

In NZ, it's either a Excite 51 or Essence 64.

[@TechWingsWildThings]

Drove both and brought the MG4 64kW Essence for it's superior driving feel and comfort. Battery chemistry was my only concern. From the information I gathered the NMC battery in the MG4 is made by CATL and is high quality. The NMC Degradation rate should be less than 20% at 300,000km vs 30% at 600,000km in the LFP 51kW Excite. I'm sure most people will upgrade well before degradation becomes an issue with either

[@therightcar]

Thanks mate. Yep, NMC might be right for more people, but the cost of LFP helps more people get into EVs. What a conundrum!

[@buncha5651]

All EV,s will be worthless once their battery life warranty expires.

[@raikukei]

@@buncha5651so is an engine in a ICE vehicle

[@vasil7410]

Not sure those degradation figures are correct, my understanding is there will be less degradation for both battery types, especially the LFP. Modern EVs seem to level out at around 90% but it is early days in the history of EVs to know for sure. In the end, as long as the battery doesn't die completely, degradation will be irrelevant for everyday driving, you just plug it in when you get home and it will make zero difference. I think the market is still getting it's head around this fact and there is too much of an obsession regarding maximum driving range.

[@jasonhutcheon5991]

The MG 4 warranty is 7 years. The LFP battery on the 51 MG4 and the BYD's can do 5000-7000 cycles or over 40 years. I'll take that risk. At any point when you sell an EV you know the battery health - you have zero idea what issues are in a secondhand ICE car.@@buncha5651

[@leonkernan]

I’ve had my MG4 51 for a couple of months now. It’s not quite as quick as the 64 essence I test drove, but I’m still sure I made the right choice. The LFP battery seemed like the smarter choice for the long term.

[@Alex-yk1cn]

Yes I wanted the LFP battery too … but ended up getting the Essence with NMC battery because I wanted the upgrades 🤣

[@hifam9522]

Wont really matter if u charge the nmc till 80 unless u have a long trip

[@laabuelita]

Nice comparison!!! I agree with almost everything you say. But I also miss something about charging curves from 10% to 80% for example. Thank you anyway for the video!

[@errolharrison5782]

Have you driven the atto 3? Is it similar to the dolphin in terms of suspension and driving experience?

[@LocoPoco-bp5sx]

I would wait for some of the new BYDs coming in 2024. Seal, Seal U, Yuan Up... BYD is making massive leaps ahead of the pack

[@therightcar]

I’ve driven the Seal and reckon a base grade will be a killer for value.

[@peterarmstrong3853]

Byd changed my tyres to hankook, I live in the UK. It handles so much better and zero wheel spins in eco mode... Im loving the car and I've had the MG4 cupra born and Kia niro

[@therightcar]

That would be a simple and notable improvement!

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Nice review and good video. My only let down is that the cars don't have dials and switches for HVAC controls. The Ling Long are fine for going to work, shopping and over to a mates place, people need to realise this is cheap car not a GT3RS they don't need P-Zero.

[@therightcar]

Hahaha no-one here was saying it needs to drive like a Porsche. It just deserves better tyres.

[@jvvoid]

He said as much in the review. Nevertheless, enjoy saving a few bucks on your crappy tyres when you're heading straight for the telegraph pole on a wet day when better tyres would've let you make it home safely.

[@robertobagnasco6399]

@@jvvoid That's exactly what happened to me.. I almost had an accident..ling long tires dangerous in the wet, and front regenerative braking..replace the front tires immediately!!

[@thepinklife_]

the dolphin is more attractive for me. interior is super unique and the tech is unmatched for the price point. I reckon the dolphin is more suited for people who don't pay much attention to super thrilling driving and just want a good ev with a comfortable experience for the city, which the dolphin delivers. the pink is also so great for young women (like me!). if the mg 4 had the dolphin's interior and tech, I would totally go for it tho!

[@therightcar]

Great points.

[@Clove_Parma]

Reckon if you’re getting the MG4 you’re best going for the Excite 51, if you’re keen on the 64 kW version you may as well step up to the BYD Seal dynamic unless you want the hatch

[@therightcar]

Fair point. The Excite 51 is a sweety. Not all that efficient but.

[@t8polestarcyan22]

Otherwise the Essence 64 is the sweet spot of choice. Excite 64 simply not a wise choice as the Essence can give you a lot more for a few xtra grand.

[@mikemorley2797]

51kw battery can be fully charged = 220 mile range, 64kw battery 80% = 220 mile range

[@fatdoi003]

I'll pick the Dolphin as I rarely drive @ country roads and the Dolphin gives me a better interior 100% when i'm in there..... and if you're willing to go to MG4 essence then for $1000 more, I'll get the BYD Seal dynamic, that's another level of car altogether... and MG 64kwh battery is Li ion, absolutely a no no for me

[@honestjohn6222]

Good review , for me the ace card is the blade battery in the dolphin ,I have driven the mg4 64kw , it’s fantastic ,still waiting to test drive the dolphin premium, might change my mind with the ace

[@gregturner_awod]

Great comparison review, the MG4 certainly by far the better driver’s car, the Dolphin, lots to offer, but lots not so great and appallingly bad tyres. BYD would do well to improve the tyres and take advice on suspension from Australian road experts. Yes, the higher grade MG4 a better way to go. BYD produce quality cars but have much to learn about simple things like tyres. If you spend money on a car here in Oz, you deserve to be able to be comfortable and safe on the open road as well as the supermarket parking lot. Happily the choice in EV’s is continuously expanding, so choices are there, albeit it may be worth spending just a little more than you would on either of these cars. Excellent comparison review, thanks!

[@therightcar]

Thanks Greg!

[@narvuntien]

I test drove the MG4 and the Ora last week and the MG4 was a lot better, I am yet to get time to test drive the Dolphin, but I have sat in it and it is substantially more comfortable than the MG4. So it really seems to be a case of if you are looking for comfort or a good drive between the two.

[@twisted_panties]

Comfort for me, will go the Dolphin.

[@aidanoleary1729]

road tested both. MG4 Essence very twitchy and has left hand blinkers! Agree the Dolphin has great features like power seats and 360 deg camera. Pity the battery isn't just a bit bigger! The Dolphin has mre features than cars like the 2024 Kona extended range at $15000 less.

[@therightcar]

Yep, fair assessment. But twitchy for the MG4? Dunno about that.

[@therealjeffg]

These comparison test are great, thanks.

[@RandallFall]

Didn't mention battery chemistry. LFP all the way. Mg4 51 (LFP)a better option to the 64 (20-80%TERNARY).

[@therightcar]

Mentioned in my detailed reviews.

[@RandallFall]

Cool

[@Alex-yk1cn]

I struggled when deciding because I wanted the LFP battery. But I went with the 64kw version (NMC ternary battery). Time will tell but I suspect the newer NMC batteries will be fine for the lifetime of the car. I hope 🤣

[@NeeravBhatt]

Great review Matt but there's one error that a few motoring journos make with BYD reviews. The warranty is not comparable with MG because of fine print Eg 3 years/60,000 kilometers for Multimedia system, Shock absorber, Belt, Dust cover, Bushing or gasket, Release bearing, Wheel bearing, PM2.5 measuring instrument, AC/DC charging port assembly, USB charging port connector

[@therightcar]

Thanks mate. I called it out in my individual Dolphin review, but this was an at-a-glance test based mainly on driving. It is a pretty messy warranty. Hopefully it doesn’t catch many people out… and hopefully the car is built better than the warranty promises it’s based on!!

[@rsg5850]

Swap the interior of mg4 and this will be a super seller!

[@taffyftwpocoyoftl7937]

When can I order the gwm ora sports .

[@therightcar]

If you’re talking about the sedan-style swoopy model, it’s not confirmed for our market. If you’re talking about the GT, there are versions arriving now!

[@aquaboy1650]

As a BMW and Mazda owner, i think the MG4 would be very suitable as my first EV

[@therightcar]

It's a driver's car!

[@nigb1189]

The Dolphin is far superior in battery technology, quality of materials, fit and finish. The interior of the Dolphin is light years ahead of the MG which has really poor plastics and finnish.

[@colddiesel]

Bluntly this is not in my opinion a completely even handed review of the two cars but the review of a driving enthusiast . I have an MG4 which is used in our business, picking up and delivering small items in an urban environment (short trips, high aggregate mileage). It does the job well. We also have several ICE vehicles. I asked all the drivers (after test drives) what their preference was and they voted 7 to 1 in favour of the Dolphin so we will buy 2 of them. 5 of the drivers are female. The reviewer is however, completely correct about the tyres. Discount my comment because my experience is in comparing base models.

[@therightcar]

Sure. I made it clear that the Dolphin is fine if you don’t care about driving and the MG4 is a better car if you do like driving. I like driving. So it was the better car to me.

[@jskasia]

Imagine Dolphin with upgrade tyres and rear suspension

[@therightcar]

Would be a better drive, that’s for sure.

[@GlowingTube]

Both are excellent EVs and offer reasonable value for money. In absolute terms an i30 looks like a complete bargain compared to these 2. If your heart was set on an EV city car I'd pick the MG4 as it is rear drive, handles better, looks more resolved and the most important for me is that MG is a factory operation in Australia, so warranty, parts availability, technical support and overall customer support is better. BYD regrettably, is distributed by AP Eagers and has Australia's worst new car warranty along with FIAT and astronomical EV servicing costs which are laughable.

[@69memnon69]

Even if the MG4 was twice as good, I’d still choose the BYD. Too many horror stories about MG’s reliability. I’m pretty old school, anything under 8 seconds is plenty fast for me. Especially when compared to the ice equivalents like a hybrid Corolla for instance.

[@andreasecco3346]

Which Is the best for a family?

[@matthewdickson21]

Ncm pack major difference mg4 64. Think longevity on the battery pack with the dolphin. Plus the dolphin sells 30:1 in China and both Chinese made.

[@therightcar]

Thanks for your comment!

[@eddieneedsboost]

What about reliability if wanting to keep the car for the entire warranty period? I keep hearing horror stories about MG. I assume a larger company like BYD would be a lot better?

[@leonkernan]

The build quality of the MG4 seems to be a big step up from the ZS and some other SAIC products

[@d.mitchell8596]

Hi Matt, as always great review…for me, it would be the MG4….MG has that presence and stability factor, plus the dealer network is strongest of all Chinese brands. It’s like the Korean marques 15 or so years ago, at that point the automotive world started to look hard at that country and it’s offerings. MG is just that equivalent point now, I reckon. Keep up these videos!

[@therightcar]

Thank you! Great points re the dealer network. Service access more shored up, too!

[@vasil7410]

Interesting comment about the tyres. They have so much impact on how a car drives. It doesn't make sense to pinch pennies on this component.

[@therightcar]

They’re your only contact patch with the road - it makes a huge difference to the drive feel and the feeling of safety in different situations, too.

[@philipc239]

Dophin with Hankook Ion tires for me ✌️😊

[@therightcar]

Nice! A huge improvement!!

[@donbrody8529]

geez, driving dynamics aside, that MG interior looks like a rental car. Dolphin looks much more upmarket.

[@andrewlavender4311]

Comparison reviews like this are great. The Cupra born combines the best of both of these cars, but is over $10k more expensive. The rear seats of the mg4 are woeful (metal wires on bum), & the screen responsiveness is substandard.

[@therightcar]

Thanks for your wire-bum feedback.

[@corindikevcorindikev]

I chose the MG4 Essence 64. Dynamic driving experience is light years ahead of the BYD. The MG 4 is a much better looking car. I also like the minimalistic interior. BYD provide some great features but some things are just a bit gimicky. Acceleration off the line feels way more comfortable in the MG4 and handling is sure footed and direct. I bought a car to drive not to tick off all its features, many off which don't matter at all. And another thing. Why do they have to write "Build Your Dreams" right across the back of the car. Some of these Chinese statements or slogans seem really crass to me.

[@therightcar]

Nice one. A great choice!

[@sara.cbc92]

MG is a Chinese company

[@alessandropetta7795]

But they sure know how not to sound tacky @@sara.cbc92

[@eish3291]

The natural rival in terms of price and size would be the BYD Atto 3.

[@therightcar]

Nah, it’s a different type of buyer. It’s an “SUV” - and if you want an SUV, you’re not buying a hatchback.

[@jjjnettie]

Im torn. I hope to purchase at the end of 2024 so researching everything. I want the rear wheel drive so bad i can taste it, but i also need the longer range LFP battery as i live very rural. The Dolphins V2L can handle greater loads and comes standard, not as an optional extra. It can run more appliances during a black out or while camping. The Dolphin doesnt come in Volcanic Orange. The Dolphin looks like a regular ICE vehicle at a glance so the chances of it being vandalised by anti EV nut jobs is minimal. (Its the reason im not going for a similarly priced used Tesla)

[@klmhk]

I agree with you. So I bought MG4

[@mattyoz0]

But that interior...

[@t8polestarcyan22]

I don't see the point of getting a Excite 64. Might as well spend a few grand more for Essence 64 with a lot more toys and features. Otherwise just go for Excite 51. Talking Excite 51, it has the same rear Multi-link suspension as the Long Range 77. It's no brainier to go for the Excite 51 if you're tighter on budget. You can add more to Excite 51 later, in many ways. BYD Dolphin is a good car too but you either put up with rear Torsion beam or spend more and go for a top model.

[@waynehobbs5175]

A good comparison but you should have mentioned the battery chemistries and the fact that the MG should not be charged to 100% unless driven immediately. That means it's real world range is less. Even though I drive an Atto 3 and love it I reckon this Dolphin is not as attractive as the MG4 and the two-tone paint is awful. You should compare the base models too because IMO the MG4 destroys the Dolphin Dynamic at the $40k pricepoint and they both have LFP. A win to the MG4 by a narrow margin at $45k. Coming from a BYD owner!

[@therightcar]

I mentioned all that in my detailed reviews of the two cars. This was just a comparison about driving. As I said in the video.

[@ozskeeter]

I don't buy for looks, rather for the driving experience

[@Bennyb88]

Love my MG4 essence 77kw long range

[@davidcolin6519]

One thing that you didn't mention, and to be fair MG don't make anything AT ALL of it, is that the MG has battery swap capability. You really could by the most basic (5iKWh) MG4 and later update the battery to the full long range battery (77KWh). That possibility really isn't of much interest the, becuase I really like the top specced versions which permit the light grey interior and also brings the electric seats, 360º camera et al. HOWEVER, for those following industry trends, you'll know that much higher energy density batteries are currently going into production, and that means that, by the time you'll probably need a new battery, that new battery will be significantly cheaper AND significantly more energy dense than the battery you buy with your car. CATL's CM batteries are cheaper and very near double the energy density of the current best (that does NOT include the batteries in these cars). That means that, if you really do need to replace the batteries on these vehicles, they are likely to cost less and provide double the range of these cars. That still may mean a chunk of money, but that chunk of money will buy you one sh1tload of range.

[@alessandropetta7795]

Where does it say that a future battery swap like you pictured is even remotely possible? not sure the 51 and 64/77 batteries are physically the same size. And other issues like BMS, etc.

[@IsaacLoven]

Definitely not double the energy density

[@davidcolin6519]

@@IsaacLoven Go on then, why don't you tell us all? Such a lucid, well argumented riposte demands the respect it is due. So why don't you tell everybody how "near 500Wh/kg is "definitely not double the energy density" of the current offering from SAIC, which weighs in at about 350kg, making the energy density about 220Wh/kg. Come on genius, let's see the proof.

[@magicboi2008]

Not a single mention of charging speed difference between the cars

[@vasil7410]

Great video. Personally, I am not attracted to compact SUVs, but I recognise low cost SUVs is what will get more of the mainstream market into electric cars.

[@therightcar]

Yep, and smaller cars are how most people will end up going EV.

[@rubyred8845]

I'd pick the MG4 EV - based on looks and there are more around than the BYD cars

[@therightcar]

Actually BYD is outselling MG for EVs in Australia. But the Dolphin is brand new so not too many around.

[@Reddylion]

Nice

[@MUFCSINCE90]

I’ve continental XL they’re alright

[@therightcar]

Far better than Atlas 😉

[@buncha5651]

If silly enough to buy an EV I'd pick the MG4. Rear wheel drive is a winner and driving bynamics are more important than bling to me. And it doesn't have "build your dreams" across the boot. The BYD should be called the mullet.

[@therightcar]

Your harshness never fails to amaze. 😅

[@buncha5651]

​@therightcar Not harsh just a realist.

[@johnbgood3488]

BYD should built a Hyundai Venue size EV

[@garyblizzard5266]

mg4 ,mainly more service centers

[@Eccentricplum]

Naming a mainstream vehicle dolphin has me giggling like a little girl. 🐬

[@therightcar]

Tee heeeee

[@buncha5651]

When you name your brand" Build Your Dreams," nothing surprises.

[@Eccentricplum]

@@buncha5651 wonder what’s in the making. GID Getting it done

[@johnmatthews318]

Renault more or less called a car a dolphin nearly 70 years ago - the Dauphine. "Dauphin" (dolphin) is also the word for an "heir apparent" (or "prince") so I guess in its feminine form ("dauphin+e") it can also mean "princess" which is probably the meaning Renault was getting at. My French is far from perfect but I don't see why "dauphine" can't mean a (female) dolphin! So arguably there is a precedent!

[@stefanobalistreri8349]

Feeling unsure in corners?? May be unperforming.... Byd feels totally sure.

[@keikc123]

MG4 not even has a interior light at the back, a bit annoying

[@therightcar]

Yep it is an oversight!!

[@richardscales9560]

7.2 0 to 100 is plenty fast thanks

[@electricdiesel1993]

I rather push an Austin Mini Metro than to hop in a BYD Dolphin or an MG4.

[@MGriff-q1i]

We drove the MG4 at our local dealership. We opted for the Essence. What Dolphin? - No dealership in the local regional town, (red flag 1) Not available to test drive, why buy a car with bling, but a poor driving set up? (red flag 2). I can understand some people might want the Dolphin, but cars are for driving, not trying to learn all the extra bits to show the friends.

[@AhmadS-nm8ky]

BYD dolphin is better than MG4.

[@therightcar]

It isn’t.

[@AhmadS-nm8ky]

@@therightcar its just my opinion.

[@glenncoreyjp6854]

MG4 Excite 51 is best value if you like driving over bling…

[@therightcar]

Bingo mate.

[@NishkaamKarm]

Nexon EV is best value for money

[@DnTsavearth]

Mg 4 has been dropped by 20 grand so really no comparison 29,000

[@raikukei]

Sorry, just can’t get over the look of the Dolphin. No matter what features, if the design isn’t great (I know it’s subjective) then I won’t choose it. MG4 Excite 51 is the way to go. Looks so much better with a lot more presence.

[@therightcar]

Thanks for the comment. We eat with our eyes! Haha

[@thomasdavie4813]

Looks like the BYD was built in the late 70's!

[@therightcar]

Does it?

[@thomasdavie4813]

Yup!@@therightcar

[@linustw]

Both cars are priced out of this world. Dolphin, being the second cheapest car out of byd, should have priced just over usd10k, perhaps abt usd13k. Whereas their latest seagull, shld priced at usd10k. Its just not the right time to get neither of these models. Its just too much of the cut throat pricing and day light robbery for oz.

[@therightcar]

You know car brands exist to make a profit, right? Not to actually meet the mobility needs of the public??

[@manthe3711]

You talk a lot about how nice the interior is for the dolphin. Sure. But what about the exterior? The Dolphin looks like a cheap car from 2005. The MG4 actually looks more expensive and premium than it actually is.

[@therightcar]

Looks are subjective. I like the look of the Dolphin more from the outside, personally.

[@AdamBrooker]

Dolphin looks sooo oss. Otherwise very similar cars.

[@ryantang8146]

That WLTP figure, you can’t realistically achieve that. During a hot summer, 200km ish is the real figure. If I had to fork out like 50k for a new car, I would wait another generation or two of electric cars till their battery life improved enough for a more efficient range then I will be looking at getting one

[@therightcar]

Have you had that experience personally? We were on track to get 350km minimum with hard driving and on a 28 degree day…

[@Clove_Parma]

200km is unrealistically low. It’s closer to 275 real world. Usually take the WLTP and cut 15-20% off

[@ryantang8146]

@@therightcarmaybe my experience is a bit different. We had this car testing in China and I guess due to high heat and humidity, with the air conditioning on and mix of driving, we could only get 200km ish realistically🤦‍♂️

[@jimmacgregor4122]

Interesting interpretation of "cheap" - the word I'd use is "overpriced". Maybe I'm just mean....

[@therightcar]

They were “cheap” when this video was published. There are better deals out there now.

[@ev0wat]

Yesterday I saw on KZbin news a guy in his new MG4 and the brakes failed on it! He had to keep driving running red lights he called the cops to explain what’s going on and they advised him to crash the vehicle to stop it, they lined up a police van and he crashed into the back of it 😂😂 I think it was in Germany or somewhere in Europe. It’s online to see.

[@therightcar]

Great.

[@jinxvrs]

It was in Scotland and the car was an MG ZS.

[@lizziesharks1]

It was also proved to be a total scam!

[@gdayDaniel]

Both are underwhelming for the money. Next.

[@therightcar]

Okay!