BYD Dolphin and MG4 are spearheads of a new generation of Chinese car brands, capable of offering serious opposition in the reference market: the Old Continent.
Since the market does not stretch and has very limited growth, the question is pertinent: is there room for more brands and models in the most populated segments of good proposals in Europe? Chinese BYD, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of batteries and electric vehicles, as well as MG Motors, reborn within the Chinese group SAIC Motor, prove that yes, confirming the booming moment of the automotive industry in that Asian country, increasingly relevant worldwide.
In their respective ranges, let’s look at two very promising models, as they are aimed exactly at the highest volume sales segments: BYD Dolphin and MG4 Electric.
BODYWORK
Although the two models share the same 4.29 meters in length, and also the ambition to compete with models like the Cupra Born or the VW ID.3, with price as their main calling card, the shapes and styles could not be more different. The MG4 Electric resembles a hot hatch, with a more daring and dynamic design. Next to it, the Dolphin seems conservative, without great originality, but very pleasant to the eye. The BYD is also 7 cm taller than the MG4 (157 cm vs. 150 cm), fitting into the trendy B-SUV format.
INTERIOR
No interior, inverted papers: the dashboard of the MG4 follows a more traditional line, while the Dolphin, the first model of the Ocean line, innovates with its design inspired by the oceans and marine themes, with few details that can be attributed to some Chinese quirk. But the main element inside the BYD is undoubtedly the huge 12.8″ rotating central touch screen, which can rotate to acquire a high or low position with a simple touch of a button. The digital instrument panel is very small, projects the essential information, but is confusing and difficult to read. In the MG, there are also two digital screens, one with 7″ for instrumentation, and another with 10.25″ for the multimedia system.
The trunk capacity is very similar. The MG4 offers a volume of 350-1165 liters (with the rear seats folded down), while the Dolphin trunk varies between 345-1310 liters.
RANGE AND PRICES
The MG4 Electric has prices starting at €32,990, requested by the entry-level version, Standard, with an electric motor of 170 hp, powered by a 51 kWh capacity battery, for up to 350 km of range. The brand announces less than 8.0 seconds in 0-100 km/h, and maximum charging power of 88 kW.
The Comfort (€37,590) and Luxury (€39,590) versions feature an electric motor of 204 hp and a larger battery, with 64 kWh, for up to 450 km between charges. The most equipped version includes a heat pump, heated front seats, inductive charging for mobile phones, 360° camera, and onboard charger for powers up to 140 kW.
There is also a Long Range option (€43,090), with a maximum range of 520 km and higher charging power (144 kW), and the top-of-the-range XPOWER (from €44,090), powered by two electric motors, which develop a combined power of 435 hp and allow to reach 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.
The BYD Dolphin range does not include any version focused on performance, unfolding into four options, with prices starting at €29,990 for the Active version, with a 44.9 kWh battery combined with a 95 hp motor. This version can be charged in direct current up to 60 kW. The Boost version, for €30,690, mounts a 176 hp motor, while the BYD Dolphin Comfort, starting at €35,690, adds a 60.4 kWh battery and a 204 hp motor, the most powerful in the range. The brand announces a range of 427 km for this version, allowing charging up to 88 kW (from 30-80% in 29 minutes). At the top of the range, the BYD Dolphin Design, starting at €37,690, stands out for its rich equipment, adding a panoramic roof, tinted rear windows, and wireless charging for smartphones.
SAFETY AND WARRANTIES
Both the BYD Dolphin and MG4 Electric achieved the maximum five-star rating in safety tests conducted by Euro NCAP, the main independent vehicle safety assessment program in Europe, where both proved quality with high scores in the protection of adult and child occupants.
In terms of warranties, MG Motors offers a general coverage of 7 years or 150,000 km (including electrical components such as the battery and motor). BYD offers 6 years or 150,000 kilometers (8 years or 200,000 kilometers for the batteries).
