BYD Dolphin price undercuts MG4 to become Australia’s cheapest new EV

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Australian BYD distributor EV Direct this morning revealed that the new BYD Dolphin hatchback will be priced at $38,890 before on-road costs nationwide, undercutting the MG4 as Australia’s most affordable new electric car.

The competing MG4 held the title of Australia’s cheapest EV for just two days with the slightly larger BYD Dolphin coming in just $100 cheaper than the entry-level MG4 Excite 51kWh.

Chasing Cars understands that rival MG does not have an immediate plan to readjust the price of the base-model MG4 to re-take the least expensive EV mantle.

Precise specifications for the BYD Dolphin in Australia remain under embargo until this evening. The price was also meant to be kept a secret, but confidentiality was breached by a local publication.

However, Chasing Cars expects that the entry level, $38,890 Dolphin will use a 45kWh battery good for 340km of WLTP range – 10km short of the MG4’s rated range of 350km (WLTP).

But where the MG4 produces 125kW/250Nm from its single front motor, the FWD BYD Dolphin is expected to be considerably weaker with 70kW/180Nm on tap.

We also expect a more powerful, longer-range variant of BYD Dolphin to be offered in Australia with a 60kWh battery and 427km of range (WLTP), with a considerably stronger 150kW/310Nm motor.

Today’s announcement about the cost of the BYD Dolphin is the latest development in an emerging EV price war in Australia that mainly involves new Chinese manufacturers.

BYD, one of the world’s largest car producers, also sells the Atto 3 small SUV in Australia at two price points: $48,011 for a standard-range model with 320km km of range, or $51,011 for a long-range variant rated to 420km (WLTP).

Meanwhile, the incoming MG4 is similar in size to the BYD Dolphin and is priced at $38,990 for a 51kWh battery version, $44,990 for a 64kWh battery or $55,990 for a 77kWh extended range version.

More to come.

BYD Dolphin 2023: Australian price

All prices are before on-road costs

• Entry-level model: $38,890
• Higher grades: TBA