The all-new MG4 EV is the first MG model based on the intelligent new Modular Scalable Platform (MSP) developed by MG’s parent company SAIC Motor. Designed for a wide range of vehicles, the MSP can be used flexibly in models across different vehicle segments, from hatchbacks to SUV’s and sports cars.
The state-of-the-art integrated battery structure in the MG4 EV has a height of just 110mm, and this results in superb road holding and driver engagement.
Distinctive & Sporty Design.
The MG4 EV is a fully-electric family hatchback that has the potential to cause a huge stir in the electric car market. The dynamic lines and sporty design of the MG4 provide the car with a distinctive and purposeful look from every angle, and its sleek silhouette cuts through the air with great efficiency. The rear-wheel drive MG4 is similar in size to the VW ID.3 and CUPRA Born, and it also counts the new Renault Megane E-TECH and Kia Niro EV amongst its key competitors in the fast-growing EV car market. The MG4 EV is packed with market-leading technology, comprehensive levels of standard equipment, and advanced safety features, at a price that represents excellent value for money. Thanks to a 2,705mm wheelbase, the MG4 EV offers exceptional storage and cabin space within its compact exterior dimensions, while the cars’ standard 363-litre boot space can be extended to 1,177-litres when the rear seats are folded flat.
Trim and Battery Options.
The MG4 is available in three trim levels– Excite Standard Range, Excite Long Range, and Exclusive Long Range The MG4 Excite Standard Range employs a rear-mounted motor producing 170PS (168bhp), which is fed by a 51kWh battery, allowing for a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 7.7-seconds, and a maximum driving range of 350km on a WLTP combined driving cycle. Upgrading to the Long Range (64kWh) battery in Excite and Exclusive variants increases power to 203PS (200bhp), and the maximum driving range increases to 435km and 450km respectively.
A torque rating of 250Nm applies across all variants, as does a maximum towing weight of 500kg. All MG4’s have rapid charging capability, so a 10-80% top-up takes as little as 35 minutes. Use a 7kW home wallbox and it will take seven and a half hours (51kWh) or nine hours (64kWh) to fully replenish. An impressive array of standard equipment in Excite trim includes LED headlights and rear lights, 7” digital driver display, 10.25” colour touchscreen, rear parking sensors, 17” alloy wheels, MG Pilot drive assist system, and an electronic parking brake, along with auto start & stop which does away with the need to push a starter button.
Additional key features in Exclusive trim includes a twin-aero rear spoiler, Active Intake Grille Shutter, cross-hatch light design effect, 360-degree camera, two-tone roof, rear privacy glass, heated steering wheel & front seats, height-adjustable loading floor, integrated wireless charging tray, iSMART app with live services, and leather style upholstery with cloth inserts.
Premium Aspirations.
Sitting in the driver’s seat, it is clear that MG has premium aspirations, and has looked to some German brands for inspiration. The minimalistic, user-friendly cabin layout focuses on simplicity, technology and quality. The floating centre console houses the rotary gear-selector and drivers can access a variety of functions via the sporty, multi-function two-spoke steering wheel.
The MG Pilot suite of high-tech driver assistance technology gives driver’s added confidence on the road. A selection of warning and alert features assists the driver, maintaining safety and simplifying everyday driving. Standard MG Pilot features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist with Traffic Sign Recognition, Active Emergency Braking, Intelligent High Beam Assist and Lane Keep Assist. Drivers who opt for Exclusive trim level will also benefit from Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Door Open Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology in the MG4 EV provides the freedom to power up appliances away from home.
This is an ideal way to charge an electric bike on holiday, power an electric pump for an airbed, or even charge a laptop for remote working. Drivers can keep track of everything from battery and journey status to music and entertainment with the free-standing high-resolution 7-inch LCD digital driver display. The centrally-located 10.25-inch colour touchscreen provides access to music, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity, temperature control, charging management and more, while slide-to-select functionality provides all the convenience of a tablet.
Car on Review.
My MG4 EV Exclusive Long Range review car looked stunning in its Volcanic Orange metallic paintwork with contrasting black painted roof and door mirror casings. Excellent driving dynamics, a comfortable cabin, and impressive efficiency that delivers genuinely usable real-world range are facts that are well worth shouting about. The MG4 EV is seriously fun to drive, and its 50:50 weight distribution, rear-wheel drive configuration and low centre of gravity provide the car with great body control, agile handling characteristics, and lots of grip. Like virtually all EVs, the MG4 is quiet and refined, with instant torque delivering responsive acceleration. The Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) battery and synchronous motor enables the car to complete the 0-100km/h sprint in just 7.7-seconds, and in reality it feels even quicker. Four modes of brake regeneration are available: Low, Medium, Strong and Adaptive, so it is easy to find the mode that suits an individual’s driving style. Drivers can also choose from a selection of five driving modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Snow and Custom Mode.
Verdict & Pricing.
The new MG4 EV offers drivers a winning combination of innovation, practicality, value and fun. It is an affordable compact EV that is centred around four key qualities: space, technology, affordability and driving quality. The cars’ striking exterior design and well-appointed cabin enhance the MG4 EV’s desirability even further. A comprehensive 7-year.
/150,000km warranty comes as standard, as does an 8-year battery warranty. The revitalised MG brand is back to making quality cars, and the MG4 EV is a truly impressive all-electric family hatchback that is good enough to compete with the very best EVs on the market. The MG4 EV is priced from just €27,495 with my review car priced at a very reasonable €34,495. Prices quoted exclude delivery-related charges, and include a €5,000 SEAI grant, and VRT relief of up to €5,000 for private customers.
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