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The MG 4 Urban undercuts the Dolphin in most of Australia, but if BYD drops its prices, MG has indicated it may not see the need to follow.
Electric Cars
MG has shown little interest in engaging in a price war with its new MG 4 Urban electric car, should rival BYD cut the price of its similarly-sized Dolphin hatch.
The MG 4 Urban has arrived in showrooms priced from $31,990 drive-away, undercutting the Dolphin in all states and territories besides the Northern Territory, where its $29,990 plus on-road costs RRP pushes beyond $32,000 drive-away.
BYD fields the smaller and cheaper Atto 1 ($23,990 plus on-roads), but it is the Dolphin that is the MG 4 Urban's closest competition in size and range.
An MG Australia spokesperson told Australian media that the brand would “not necessarily” enter a price war, should BYD cut its prices.
“It’s about Dolphin, but it’s not all about Dolphin. Dolphin is an old model in a similar segment with similar dimensions, but we also look at other competitor options, not just BYD,” they said.
Pressed on price comparisons with rival electric cars, the spokesperson said: “We are not comparing the price.
“We are comparing our service, the size, the product, and the equipment… We are confident that [the MG 4 Urban] can stand long-term for its price.”
The Dolphin has been on sale in Australia for two and a half years, though it has been in Chinese showrooms for nearly five – and is one of the oldest models in the global BYD range.
BYD Australia has previously indicated the hatch still has life in the market, with an updated model available overseas expected to come to local showrooms.
It could see prices drop further, though it may cut the grass of the Atto 1, which launched in late 2025 as the cheapest electric car in Australia, priced from $23,990 to $27,990 plus on-road costs.
The MG 4 Urban is available in two variants split by battery size: $31,990 drive-away for the 43kWh entry grade with a 316km WLTP range, and $34,990 drive-away for the 54kWh variant with a 405km WLTP range.
Despite sharing its nameplate with an existing model, the MG 4 Urban sits on an all-new platform that is front-wheel drive, with different styling to the rear-drive MG 4 it will be sold alongside.
Electric Cars Guide
Zane Dobie comes from a background of motorcycle journalism, working for notable titles such as Australian Motorcycle News Magazine, Just Bikes and BikeReview. Despite his fresh age, Zane brings a lifetime of racing and hands-on experience. His passion now resides on four wheels as an avid car collector, restorer, drift car pilot and weekend go-kart racer.
