I spent several months researching and comparing cars before finally deciding what to buy with a budget of around RMB 100,000. As a daily commuter driving more than 50 km every day, plus occasional family trips on weekends, my priorities were very clear: reliability, low running costs, and practicality.
A pure electric vehicle was the obvious choice because electricity and maintenance costs are far cheaper than gasoline cars, and EVs are much easier to drive in the city.
After browsing countless models online, I narrowed my choices down to three popular options in the affordable EV segment:
- Wuling Bingo
- MG4 EV
- BYD Dolphin
I’m not the kind of person who buys a car based only on specifications, so I visited several dealerships and test-drove each model before making a decision.
Wuling Bingo: Stylish but Limited Practicality
The first car I tested was the Wuling Bingo.
Its design immediately caught my attention:
- Rounded exterior styling
- Attractive macaron-inspired colors
- Surprisingly refined interior materials
- Large 12.8-inch infotainment screen
The pricing was also extremely attractive:
- Entry version starts around RMB 60,000+
- Fully loaded versions stay below RMB 80,000
During the test drive, the car felt light and easy to drive in city traffic. Acceleration was perfectly adequate for daily commuting.
However, several weaknesses quickly became obvious:
- Rear-seat space felt cramped
- Winter range loss was reportedly significant
- Long-distance confidence was limited
At 175 cm tall, my knees were already very close to the front seats in the rear row. For family trips with parents and children, comfort would likely become an issue.
Another concern was after-sales service. Although Wuling has many stores, many are relatively small, and the professionalism of maintenance support didn’t inspire the same confidence as larger brands.
MG4 EV: Fun to Drive but Less Comfortable
Next, I tested the MG MG4 EV.
This car is often called a “value king” because it offers:
- A sporty design
- Longer wheelbase than the Dolphin
- Excellent cabin space
- Strong 120kW motor performance
The acceleration felt noticeably stronger than the Bingo, especially during highway overtaking.
But after driving it, I realized the sporty suspension tuning came with compromises:
- Ride quality felt firmer
- Speed bumps transmitted more harshness into the cabin
- Family comfort was not as good
The infotainment system also looked modern with its large 15.6-inch screen, but responsiveness and voice recognition were inconsistent.
Another practical issue was dealership coverage. There were very few MG service centers near my home, which would make future maintenance inconvenient.
BYD Dolphin: The Most Balanced Choice
Finally, I test-drove the BYD Dolphin Fashion Edition.
The price fit my budget almost perfectly, and the car immediately felt more balanced overall.
Design and Space
The “Ocean Aesthetics” design language gives the Dolphin a friendly and modern appearance without looking overly aggressive.
Although compact on the outside, the 2700mm wheelbase makes the interior surprisingly spacious:
- Rear legroom was noticeably better than the Bingo
- Headroom remained comfortable even for taller passengers
- Cargo space was practical for family travel
With the rear seats folded down, it could even fit strollers and camping equipment.
Driving Experience
The Dolphin’s real-world driving experience impressed me the most.
Although its 70kW motor looks weaker on paper compared to the MG4, actual acceleration in urban driving felt smooth and responsive.
Key advantages:
- Smooth throttle response
- Easy city driving
- Comfortable suspension tuning
- Better ride comfort than the MG4
The suspension absorbed small road imperfections very well, and speed bumps felt significantly softer.
Range and Charging
The official CLTC range is 420 km.
According to real owner feedback:
- Highway range with four passengers reaches around 62% efficiency
- Gentle city driving can achieve roughly 390 km real-world range
For my usage, charging once per week would be enough.
Fast charging is another advantage:
- 30% to 80% charging takes roughly 30 minutes
Why I Finally Chose the Dolphin
What ultimately convinced me was convenience and peace of mind.
Near my apartment:
- There are multiple BYD dealerships
- Shopping malls already have dedicated BYD charging stations
- Maintenance and charging are extremely convenient
I also heard positive feedback from friends regarding BYD’s after-sales service responsiveness.
The Dolphin’s standard Blade Battery technology was another major reason. Battery safety and EV technology are areas where BYD has built a very strong reputation.
Small Features That Made a Big Difference
Several details also improved the ownership experience:
- “Ocean Heart” interior design looks modern
- 8.8-inch digital cluster + 12.8-inch rotating screen feel high-tech
- DiLink voice assistant responds quickly
- Heat pump air conditioning improves winter efficiency
- Intelligent power-on/off system adds convenience
One Frustrating Reality: Rapid Price Cuts
The biggest frustration after owning the car for a year was seeing newer versions arrive with price reductions of nearly RMB 30,000.
Unfortunately, rapid updates and price competition are now common in China’s EV market. Once you buy a car, it’s better not to obsess over future price drops and simply enjoy the low daily operating costs.
Final Advice
If your budget is around RMB 100,000 and you want a practical electric commuter car, prioritize:
- Reliable real-world range
- Practical interior space
- Convenient after-sales service
- Comfortable driving experience
After comparing multiple models, the BYD Dolphin felt like the most balanced overall choice for daily commuting and family use.
