Browse
Log in / Register
Share
April 11, 2025 – The 2024 BYD Dolphin is making waves as the most affordable electric car in its segment, undercutting rivals like the MG4 and GWM Ora on price while promising competitive range and performance. But does this Chinese-built hatchback deliver enough substance to become the go‑to EV for budget‑conscious buyers? Here’s our full review, plus a look at what its U.S. arrival might mean.
The Dolphin starts at around $36,000 AUD (roughly $23,500 USD) in markets where it’s already sold, significantly undercutting the MG4 (starting above $39,000 AUD) and the GWM Ora (around $33,000 AUD). Even factoring in shipping and taxes, the Dolphin’s sticker remains lower than most comparable EVs in the US, where the cheapest options currently hover near $30,000. The key question: can it beat the competition on features?
Under the hood – or rather, under the floor – the Dolphin uses BYD’s blade battery technology, offering up to 430 km (267 miles) of WLTP range in its top spec. The entry model pushes 70 kW (94 hp) and 180 Nm of torque, while the higher‑trim versions hit 150 kW (201 hp) with a 0‑100 km/h time of 7.0 seconds. That’s quicker than the base MG4 and Ora, which tend to be more economy‑oriented. Real‑world efficiency is solid: we averaged about 14 kWh/100 km in mixed driving, beating the Ora’s 16 kWh/100 km.
The Dolphin’s exterior is playful – a compact hatchback with a distinctive front fascia and sharp LED lights. Inside, the dashboard features a rotating 12.8‑inch infotainment screen that can flip between portrait and landscape. The cabin materials feel more premium than the plastic‑heavy Ora, though the MG4’s interior holds a slight edge in modernity. Rear space is decent for four adults, though the 345‑liter trunk lags behind the MG4’s 363 liters.
DC fast charging tops out at 60 kW for the standard models and 80 kW for the high‑range variant, meaning a 10%‑80% charge takes about 40‑45 minutes. That’s slower than the MG4’s 150 kW peak, but still adequate for daily use. The Dolphin supports V2L (vehicle‑to‑load), letting you power devices or even small appliances – a handy perk that the Ora doesn’t offer.
| Model | Starting Price (approximate) | Range (WLTP) | 0‑100 km/h |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYD Dolphin | $23,500 USD (est.) | 267 miles | 7.0 s (top) |
| MG4 | $26,000 USD (est.) | 281 miles | 7.7 s (base) |
| GWM Ora | $24,500 USD (est.) | 193 miles | 8.3 s (base) |
The Dolphin wins on price and acceleration, but the MG4 offers slightly more range and faster charging. The Ora trails in both range and power.
Currently, BYD does not sell passenger cars in the United States. However, the company’s recent announcement of a $1.3 billion factory in Mexico – expected to begin production in 2026 – signals a direct path into North America. Industry insiders speculate that the Dolphin, built on BYD’s e‑platform 3.0, could be among the first models exported from that plant. If true, the Dolphin would face the Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf, but with a more aggressive price point and sharper tech features.
The biggest hurdle? Tariffs and political sentiment. A 25% tariff on Chinese‑built EVs could add thousands to the price. But if BYD manufactures in
