Compare performance (204 HP vs 197 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 18,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or MG ZS?
As the automotive industry steers towards electrification, the question on everyone’s mind is which vehicle stands out the most. Today, we dive into a detailed comparison of two notable cars: the BYD Dolphin and the MG ZS. Both promise remarkable features, but how do they really stack up against each other?
The BYD Dolphin takes on the streets as a sleek hatchback. With dimensions of 4290 mm in length, 1770 mm in width, and 1570 mm in height, it presents a compact yet spacious design. It offers a neat balance between size and urban agility.
In contrast, the MG ZS embodies the robust frame of an SUV. Varying slightly with different model years, its dimensions typically range around 4323 mm in length, 1809 mm in width, and 1649 mm in height, giving it a commanding road presence. This model is an excellent choice for those who prefer a more elevated ride height and spacious interiors.
The BYD Dolphin is purely electric, boasting a 150 kW (204 HP) motor with torque peaking at 310 Nm. Its impressive acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 7 seconds underlines a keen focus on performance within the compact hatchback segment. The top speed hits 160 km/h, perfect for daily commutes with an eco-friendly footprint.
The MG ZS, available in wholly electric, full hybrid, and petrol variants, offers a wider range of solutions. Its electric iteration comes with up to 145 kW (197 HP), and a respectable torque of 280 Nm. The model reaches 100 km/h in around 8.6 seconds, with a top speed of 175 km/h, making it a versatile option across urban and rural landscapes.
Electric range is crucial for customer satisfaction, and here, the BYD Dolphin shines with a significant 427 km range on a full charge. Coupled with a consumption of 15.9 kWh/100km, it promises efficient use of energy without constant recharging.
On the other hand, the MG ZS electric variant offers a remarkable range of up to 440 km with a slightly higher consumption rate of 17.3 kWh/100km. Different powertrains mean varied efficiency, yet all aim to optimize the balance between power and economy.
Both cars come equipped with innovative features, but each has its unique highlights. The BYD Dolphin integrates cutting-edge electric motor technology with its reduction gearbox transmission enhancing the driving experience, offering responsive handling and a serene quiet ride.
For the MG ZS, versatility comes with its multiple transmission systems, including automatic and manual options alongside the reduction gearbox in its electric models. Engine options and enhancements make it appealing to varying preferences from tech-savvy customers to traditionalists.
The BYD Dolphin provides a trunk capacity of 345 liters and holds a curb weight of 1658 kg, ensuring an agile yet solid build. Its compact design doesn’t compromise on practicality, well-suited for city driving and weekend getaways.
The MG ZS steps ahead in spaciousness with a trunk capacity reaching up to 448 liters, catering to families seeking more cargo space. Varying curb weight across different models, it accommodates a broader array of motoring needs, reflecting its adaptability.
The choice between the BYD Dolphin and MG ZS ultimately hinges on personal preference and lifestyle demands. The Dolphin is an ideal urban ride for those prioritizing efficiency and nimbleness, while the ZS offers robust options for those looking for a blend of capacity and adaptability. Both vehicles represent the future of motoring, pushing boundaries in their respective categories while promoting a greener, more sustainable automotive journey.
Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.
MG ZS is significantly cheaper – starting at 18,000 £ , while the BYD Dolphin costs 29,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,700 £.
Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.
When it comes to engine power, the BYD Dolphin offers very slightly more power – delivering 204 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 7 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BYD Dolphin is noticeably quicker – completing the sprint in 7 s, while the MG ZS takes 8.7 s. That’s about 1.7 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the BYD Dolphin delivers substantially more torque with 310 Nm compared to 148 Nm. That’s about 162 Nm more.
Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, MG ZS is markedly lighter – 1,330 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 328 kg.
When it comes to payload, the MG ZS carries a bit more – 470 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 60 kg.
The BYD Dolphin is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The BYD Dolphin is a cheeky electric hatchback that blends playful styling with surprising practicality, making it a brilliant city companion for buyers who want modern tech without the showroom bravado. It’s comfy, efficient and easy to live with, and while it won’t blind you with supercar drama, it will quietly get the job done with plenty of character.
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The MG ZS arrives as a cheeky and practical choice for shoppers who want SUV style and family-friendly space without blowing the budget. It may not pretend to be premium, but with sensible equipment, easy-to-live-with driving manners and surprising value, it makes a persuasive case for anyone after sensible transport with a bit of personality.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
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Price
18,000 - 24,000 £
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Consumption L/100km
-
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Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
427 km
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Electric Range
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
0 g/km
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co2
115 - 145 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Body Type
SUV
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
5
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Doors
-
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Curb weight
1,658 kg
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Curb weight
1,330 - 1,420 kg
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Trunk capacity
345 L
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Trunk capacity
-
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Length
4,290 mm
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Length
-
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Width
1,770 mm
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Width
1,818 mm
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Height
1,570 mm
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Height
-
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Max trunk capacity
1,310 L
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
410 kg
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Payload
375 - 470 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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|---|---|
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Engine Type
Electric
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Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
204 HP
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Power HP
116 - 197 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.7 - 12.5 s
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Max Speed
160 km/h
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Max Speed
-
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Torque
310 Nm
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Torque
148 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
-
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
150 kW
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Power kW
85 - 145 kW
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Engine capacity
-
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Engine capacity
1,495 - 1,498 cm3
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2,023
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Model Year
2,025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
A
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CO2 Efficiency Class
E, C
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Brand
BYD
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Brand
MG
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España