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MG MG4 vs BYD Dolphin Surf comparison

Compare performance (435 HP vs 156 HP), boot space and price (36,800 £ vs 19,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – MG MG4 or BYD Dolphin Surf?

MG MG4 vs BYD Dolphin Surf: Key differences

MG MG4

4.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • significantly more electric range
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
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BYD Dolphin Surf

  • significantly cheaper
  • only slightly more efficient
  • markedly lighter
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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

MG4

MG MG4 VS BYD Dolphin Surf: which electric hatch fits your life?

The MG MG4 and BYD Dolphin Surf take very different routes to accessible electric motoring. In this MG MG4 VS BYD Dolphin Surf face-off, the MG leans toward broader duties with punchier performance and longer legs, while the BYD doubles down on city-friendly simplicity and value. The MG MG4 feels like a compact EV built to cover distance and involve its driver; the BYD Dolphin Surf feels like a pragmatic urban tool with an unexpectedly calm vibe. They also diverge in seating philosophy, with the MG offering a full rear bench while the BYD is a dedicated four-seater. Your choice boils down to whether you prioritise range and pace, or price and easy-going urban manners.

Dolphin Surf

Driving feel: playful versus laid-back

The MG MG4 has a more engaging, rear-driven character, with crisp turn-in and a chassis that invites you to take the long way home. It rides a touch firmer and can thump over sharp edges, but rewards with better balance and traction when roads turn twisty or wet. The BYD Dolphin Surf is light to steer and inherently relaxed, making short hops and parking stress-free, yet it feels less eager and communicates less through the wheel. Its regeneration is gentle and lacks a true one-pedal mode, and the brake pedal inspires less confidence under repeated hard stops. Assistance quirks differ too: the MG’s lane-keeping can be a bit assertive, while the BYD’s driver monitoring can nag when you least want it.

MG4

City errands or cross-country?

Around town, the BYD Dolphin Surf is in its element: quiet, supple at lower speeds and sized to slip through gaps without drama. The MG MG4 is also an easy urban partner with tidy dimensions and strong, adjustable regen, though it doesn’t isolate bumps quite as softly. Stretch to a long motorway run and the MG’s longer reach and quicker top-ups make it the more confident companion, even if wind and tyre noise are only average. The BYD will do the distance, but its energy use rises at speed and its fast-charging tempo encourages a gentler touring rhythm. If your weeks mix city, A-roads and motorway, the MG4 feels built for it; if most days are short hops and school runs, the Dolphin Surf shines.

Dolphin Surf

Cabin, tech and ease of use

Inside, the MG MG4 has improved markedly: physical climate keys, slicker software and wireless phone mirroring make everyday life simpler. There’s still a learning curve to some menus and steering-wheel logic, but once set up it’s a straightforward companion. The BYD Dolphin Surf counters with a rotating touchscreen, clear layouts and generous standard kit, plus handy touches like a power-out function for devices. Its driver-monitoring system can be overly sensitive, and the lack of deeper regen options limits how you tailor the drive. Perceived quality differs in flavour: the MG feels sober and functional, while the BYD is brighter and more playful yet solid for the money.

MG4

Space, seats and everyday practicality

The MG MG4 gives you a true three-place rear bench, useful for occasional five-up trips, though adult comfort is capped by a low rear cushion and limited foot space under the fronts. Its boot is usable but on the shallow side for a compact hatch, and there’s no extra storage up front. The BYD Dolphin Surf is a four-seater by design, but makes excellent use of space, with generous room for four adults and multiple handy cubbies. Families will appreciate the isofix flexibility, including the front passenger position, even if the boot has a higher lip and a step when you fold the seats. If you routinely carry five or juggle a third passenger, the MG4 is the safer bet; if it’s two child seats and everyday clutter, the Dolphin’s packaging is clever.

Dolphin Surf

Costs, ownership feel and buyer fit

The BYD Dolphin Surf undercuts the MG MG4 by a clear margin and stays frugal in urban use, making it a compelling first EV or second car. It layers in strong safety credentials and plenty of standard kit, yet asks you to accept gentler performance and a slower long‑trip rhythm. The MG MG4 costs more but earns it back with serious acceleration, more relaxed trip planning and a long warranty that suits mileage-heavy owners. Noise and some assistance behaviour keep it from feeling truly premium, but the capability is there for mixed driving and spirited detours. City-first buyers chasing value will feel right at home in the BYD Dolphin Surf, while drivers who want engaging dynamics, a true five-seat layout and fewer compromises outside town should look hard at the MG MG4—the details that follow will help you lock in the best fit for your routine.

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

MG4

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

BYD Dolphin Surf is significantly cheaper – starting at 19,700 £ , while the MG MG4 costs 36,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 17,143 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the BYD Dolphin Surf is only slightly more efficient: consuming 15.5 kWh/100km compared to 16.1 kWh/100km for the MG MG4. That’s a difference of about 0.6 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the MG MG4 offers significantly more range – reaching up to 545 km, about 223 km more than the BYD Dolphin Surf.

Dolphin Surf

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 MG MG4 offers considerably more power – delivering 435 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 279 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the MG MG4 is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.8 s, while the BYD Dolphin Surf takes 9.1 s. That’s about 5.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the MG MG4 delivers significantly more torque with 600 Nm compared to 220 Nm. That’s about 380 Nm more.

MG4

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: MG MG4 offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin Surf is markedly lighter – 1,294 kg compared to 1,755 kg. The difference is around 461 kg.

When it comes to payload, the MG MG4 carries markedly more – 448 kg compared to 344 kg. That’s a difference of about 104 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The MG MG4 stands well ahead of its rival 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 £36,800
MG4

MG MG4

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 190 - 435 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 16.1 - 19 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 405 - 545 km
details
MG MG4
BYD Dolphin Surf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

MG MG4

The MG4 is a sprightly electric hatch that marries bold, modern looks with genuinely useful practicality, making it a great everyday companion for city and weekend life alike. Inside it surprises with a smart, user-friendly cabin and an engaging drive that delivers more personality than you might expect for the price.

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MG.038_0.STUDIO

Reviews MG MG4

4.8 (3 Reviews)
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TOTO
20 May 2026, 11:19:27

The MG4 seems more versatile to me than the Dolphin, which relies mainly on design. The MG4 has proven itself and remains an excellent used option with low mileage.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Angio
12 Jan 2026, 12:26:30

Superb

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
Sal
23 Oct 2025, 20:41:36

I tried it today and found the car genuinely pleasant and comfortable to drive.

BYD Dolphin Surf

The BYD Dolphin Surf is an intriguing model that combines sleek design with modern electric technology, making it an appealing choice for urban commuters seeking sustainability and style. Its dynamic exterior design is complemented by an interior that prioritizes comfort and functionality, reflecting the brand's commitment to innovation. The model also offers impressive handling and a smooth driving experience, embodying the shift towards eco-friendly transportation.

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BYD_Dolphin_Surf__251_UK05BYD
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Reviews BYD Dolphin Surf

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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BYD Dolphin Surf

Costs and Consumption
Price
36,800 - 40,300 £
Price
19,700 - 26,600 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.1 - 19 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 - 16 kWh/100km
Electric Range
405 - 545 km
Electric Range
220 - 322 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
4
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,755 - 1,810 kg
Curb weight
1,294 - 1,390 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
308 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,836 mm
Width
1,720 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
448 kg
Payload
344 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
190 - 435 HP
Power HP
88 - 156 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 7.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 12.1 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
350 - 600 Nm
Torque
175 - 220 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
140 - 320 kW
Power kW
65 - 115 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
MG
Brand
BYD
Is the MG MG4 offered with different drivetrains?

The MG MG4 is available as Rear-Wheel Drive or All-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.