MG4 XPower is a 429bhp electric hot hatchback

Following DrivingElectric’s exclusive uncovering of leaked specifications last week, the new MG4 XPower hot hatchback has been revealed as the brand’s fastest model ever and is set to go on sale later this month.

Using the same 61.4kWh battery as the existing MG4 Trophy, the MG4 XPower gets an extra electric motor on the front axle, providing four-wheel-drive and a total output of 429bhp/600Nm. MG says its new ‘shock’ hatchback will do 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds – faster than a Porsche Taycan 4S – with the aforementioned leaked documents suggesting it’ll carry on to a top speed of 124mph.

It’s not all about straight-line performance, though; the XPower’s Dynamic Cornering Control System is said to shuffle power between all four wheels in order to maintain the maximum grip whilst cornering. Larger 345mm brakes should mean much greater stopping power – MG quotes 62-0mph in 33.9 metres. 

The existing MG4 is a relatively comfortable car given how sharp it is to drive, so we’re interested to see how the XPower’s 25% stiffer suspension setup will affect ride quality. A tweaked regenerative braking system allows for more ‘on the limit’ one-pedal driving.

Efficiency takes a hit; the uncovered papers suggest the XPower model has a WLTP range of 239 miles, compared with 281 miles for the standard Trophy. A 10-80% charge is possible in 35 minutes thanks to 150kW rapid charging.

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While the hot Abarth 500e looks quite a bit different from its Fiat 500e counterpart, the differences between the regular MG4 and the XPower are relatively subtle. Orange brake calipers and colour flashes on the front bumper are the easiest ways to distinguish the new hot MG4, with the XPower also getting 18-inch alloy wheels and a new exclusive ‘Racing Green’ paint option.

Inside, it looks like the MG4 XPower will feature the same 10.25-inch touchscreen as its standard siblings – with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – as well as Alcantara sports seats and metal pedals. Boot space drops from 363 litres to 289 litres – presumably due to the bulkier electric motor sitting behind the rear seats.

As mentioned, order books will open later this month, with MG’s hottest car yet set to start from £36,495 – less than an entry-level Vauxhall Mokka Electric. Other leaked information also suggests an ‘Extended Range’ model with a larger 77kWh battery and 323-mile range will also soon be available to MG4 customers, although pricing for this version has not yet been revealed.