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MG MG3 vs BYD Dolphin comparison

Compare performance (194 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (15,400 £ vs 29,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – MG MG3 or BYD Dolphin?

MG MG3 vs BYD Dolphin: Key differences

MG MG3

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • markedly lighter
details

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • marginally more power
  • slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

MG3

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

MG MG3 is significantly cheaper – starting at 15,400 £ , while the BYD Dolphin costs 29,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 14,271 £.

Dolphin

Engine and Performance:

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 marginally more power – delivering 204 HP compared to 194 HP. That’s roughly 10 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BYD Dolphin is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 7 s, while the MG MG3 takes 8 s. That’s about 1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BYD Dolphin delivers clearly more torque with 310 Nm compared to 148 Nm. That’s about 162 Nm more.

MG3

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, MG MG3 is markedly lighter – 1,237 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 421 kg.

When it comes to payload, the MG MG3 carries marginally more – 448 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 38 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BYD Dolphin leads convincingly 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.

from £29,700
Dolphin

BYD Dolphin

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 204 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 15.9 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 427 km
details

Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin
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The BYD Dolphin and BYD Atto 2 represent two distinct EV choices from BYD: the Dolphin is a compact, city-oriented hatchback focused on efficiency and nimble urban driving, while the Atto 2 is a compact crossover offering more space, a higher driving position and richer tech. Choose the Dolphin for …
BYD Dolphin
BYD Dolphin Surf
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The BYD Dolphin and the sportier Dolphin Surf share the same efficient electric bones, but the Surf adds visual muscle, slightly firmer suspension and sharper steering for anyone craving a bit more attitude. Inside they’re twins — clever packaging, roomy rear seats and a useful boot — so the Surf’s …
MG MG3
BYD Dolphin

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

MG MG3

The MG3 is a cheeky city hatch that pairs bold, youthful styling with sprightly handling for drivers who want personality on a budget. Its cabin is bright and cleverly packaged, offering sensible space and a fun-to-drive character that turns mundane commutes into something a bit more enjoyable.

details
KV-1-1
Left-Back-30°-1
Front-Row-Space-1
Trunk-3

Reviews MG MG3

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
Giorgio catacchio
20 Sept 2025, 00:08:28

I've owned the MG3 Hybrid for a year — I travel a lot, never a dull moment; comes fully loaded as standard, incredible acceleration, etc.

BYD Dolphin

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.

details
E3343F48-6402-43F6-BA2F-1FB1F8EFCE7F
000AECC3-AF0F-42E4-A606-040E7FB88B81
0344F0B7-DD22-4EE0-9220-311A496628F6

Reviews BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
Mark Kennedy
12 Apr 2026, 17:25:08

Absolute gem of a car, wonderfully smooth and powerful, along with being loaded with tech. By far the best car I've had. Would highly recommend

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
John Maskell
3 Jan 2026, 07:26:24

Loving the dolphin

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Frequently compared as well

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VS
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BYD Dolphin
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VS
If you want no-nonsense electric practicality and impressive value for daily miles, the BYD Dolphin delivers usable range, clever packaging and tech that actually matters without breaking the bank. The Renault 5, meanwhile, sacrifices a little practicality for irresistible retro charm and …
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BYD Dolphin
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Hyundai i20
MG MG3
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MG MG3
BYD Dolphin

Costs and Consumption
Price
15,400 - 21,400 £
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Consumption L/100km
4.4 - 6.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
427 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
100 - 137 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,237 - 1,285 kg
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
345 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,797 mm
Width
1,770 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
373 - 448 kg
Payload
410 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 194 HP
Power HP
204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 10.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
148 Nm
Torque
310 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
85 - 143 kW
Power kW
150 kW
Engine capacity
1,490 - 1,495 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2023
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
MG
Brand
BYD
What drive types are available for the MG MG3?

The MG MG3 is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.