MG4 EV review
The MG4 EV combines range, practicality and loads of kit into a sharp-looking, fun-to-drive package all at an unbeatable price
Pros
- Affordable
- 281-mile range
- Comfortable and fun to drive
Cons
- Interior quality
- Hit-and-miss infotainment
- Rivals offer more boot space
| Model | Range | Wallbox charge time | Rapid charge time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Range | 218 miles | 8hrs 15mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) | 39mins (10-80%, 150kW) |
| Long Range | 270-281 miles | 10hrs (0-100%, 7.4kW) | 35mins (10-80%, 150kW) |
MG4 EV verdict
The MG4 combines practicality, efficiency and oodles of kit into one sharp-looking but extremely affordable package. The fact that MG’s first electric hatchback has a comfortable ride, is fun to drive, and delivers a usable real-world range is just icing on an already-appealing cake. This really is a car for the moment, and is the reason it’s not only DrivingElectric’s Best Value Electric Car for 2023, but our 2023 Car of The Year.
There are a few signs of cost cutting in the interior, where you’ll find some solid, scratchy plastics dotted about, and the MG4’s infotainment system perhaps isn’t as slick as its rivals’ from Renault, Kia or Hyundai. But considering the MG undercuts them all by several thousand pounds, at a time when many people are looking to save money however they can, you’ll forgive the occasional shortcoming.
Range details, specs and alternatives
The base MG4 starts from £26,995, making it one of the cheapest electric cars on sale today, and substantially more affordable than any other electric hatchback – including the Volkswagen ID.3, Nissan Leaf, Cupra Born and Renault Megane E-Tech. You’ll need to fork out more for a compact electric SUV like the Kia Niro EV, or even some smaller EVs, such as the Ora Funky Cat or MINI Electric.
Upgrading to the Long Range model only raises the price by £2,500 to £29,495, while top-of-the-range Trophy-spec cars will set you back £32,495. Compare that to the Volkswagen ID.3, which starts at a little under £40,000, or the base Kia Niro EV that’s currently priced at close to £37k.
The entry-level MG4 uses a 51kWh battery mated to a 167bhp electric motor for a range of 218 miles, while the Long Range version gets a 201bhp motor powered by a larger 64kWh battery. MG says this combination is enough to cover 270-281 miles depending on the exact specification. If you want to go further on a charge, we’ve already been informed an Extended Range model with a range of up to 329 miles will be introduced in late 2023, along with a high-performance variant packing around 400bhp.
Choosing a trim level is straightforward too as there are just two available: SE and Trophy. The former is available in both Standard and Long Range form, and comes with plenty of standard kit including 17-inch alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a seven-inch digital driver’s display, LED headlights and rear parking sensors. Plus, you get lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control and driver attention alert.
Trophy-spec MG4s like our test car are only available with the Long Range powertrain, but add more luxuries like 360-degree cameras, wireless phone charging, heated front seats and steering wheel, as well as some additional safety systems including blind-spot monitoring and lane-change assist.
Make sure to check out our twin test between the MG4 EV and the Kia Niro EV, or read on for the rest of our in-depth review of the MG4 EV…
