MG4 EV review

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. It may feel pretty cheap inside and MG’s infotainment system is far from the slickest out there, but at a time when many people are looking to save money however they can, you’ll forgive the occasional shortcoming. 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.

Range details, specs and alternatives

The MG4 represents a leap into a new era for the now-Chinese-owned British brand, being its first-ever dedicated electric car. Starting from just under £27,000, the MG4 is 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, with the only cheaper option being the smaller BYD Dolphin.

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 remember MG for its rich sports car heritage, then you’ll probably be interested in the 429bhp MG4 XPower. Introduced in mid-2023 – less than a year after the standard car launched – the hot hatchback starts from just over £36k and can do 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds. 

The extra performance on offer means the XPower can only do 239 miles on a charge, so if you’re looking to travel long distances frequently, an Extended Range model is also now available for the same price with a larger 77kWh battery and a range of up to 323 miles.

Choosing a trim level is straightforward, too, as there are just three available: SE, Trophy and XPower. The first 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 are offered with both Long Range and Extended Range powertrains and 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.

Finally there’s the aforementioned MG4 XPower which, along with bundles of extra performance, gets exclusive 18-inch alloys, sporty Alcantara upholstery and several orange and red flashes around the exterior and interior. Upgraded brakes and suspension make it a little more exciting to drive, too.

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