MG4 hatchback review | Carbuyer (original) (raw)

"Proof you don’t have to pay over the odds for a great EV, the MG4 impresses with its generous equipment list and usable electric range"

Carbuyer Rating

4.3 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.5 out of 5

Verdict - Is the MG4 a good car?

The MG4 to the EV market now is what the Tesla Model 3 was a few years ago; the electric hatchback marks another milestone in terms of electric cars becoming increasingly affordable for the average consumer. It’s not just cheap, either; with a generous list of standard equipment, usable electric range and sporty drive, there’s little not to like about the MG4 – especially considering how much it undercuts rivals on price. We’re big on value here at Carbuyer and MG’s latest EV creation really begs the question: why pay more? It's our favourite electric family car.

MG4 models, specs and alternatives

MG has become one of the UK’s fastest-growing car brands, thanks to its affordable models, and particularly its range of electric cars which tend to undercut rivals. The MG4 is arguably its most important model yet, because this family hatchback-sized EV is aimed squarely at key models like the Volkswagen ID.3 and Renault Megane E-Tech Electric.

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

And undercut rivals it does, as, starting from under £27,000, the MG4 is one of the cheapest electric cars you can buy. However, unlike other MG models like the MG ZS EV and MG 5 EV, it’s also designed and engineered to be an electric car right from its outset. This not only brings new technology and better efficiency, but it’s also helped give it a more funky design inside and out.

Four powertrains are available for the MG4: the entry-level 168bhp electric motor is paired with a 51kWh battery, providing a range of up to 218 miles – surpassing that of many similarly-priced electric supermini rivals. If you plan to take the MG4 on longer trips, you can opt for the Long Range (64kWh) or Extended Range (77kWh) versions, which can manage up to 281 miles and 323 miles respectively – the latter of which being the “lowest priced car available with a range over 300 miles” according to MG.

That said, the Extended Range’s higher asking price puts it into a new bracket in terms of rivals, going up against the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV, where its comparably lacklustre infotainment and interior means it starts to feel less of a bargain.

Then there’s the new MG4 XPower, which uses the Long Range car’s 64kWh battery, but boosts power to 439bhp thanks to an additional motor on the front axle for all-wheel drive. This version sacrifices some range (239 miles) but can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds.

Owners needn’t compromise on charging, though; speeds of between 117kW and 140kW depending on spec means that all models should be able to top up from 10-80% in less than 40 minutes when connected to a suitably fast rapid charger. Pretty impressive given the MG4’s price.

There are also two trims (not including the standalone XPower variant), called SE and Trophy, with the latter exclusive to the biggest batteries. A generous amount of kit is standard on all cars, including a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights and a full suite of safety kit. Trophy adds some luxury and conveniences such as a 360-degree camera, heated front seats and wireless phone charging, while XPower is mainly about performance enhancements, including uprated brakes and suspension, and that aforementioned extra motor.

Even priced less aggressively, the MG4’s neat design, fun handling and efficient electric powertrain should see it score well with buyers. Factor in its low price tag and generous equipment list and the MG4 seems destined to fly out of showrooms as more buyers look to make the switch to electric.

Trim levels	Power options
SE Trophy XPower	MG4 (168bhp, 51kWh) Long Range (200bhp, 64kWh) Extended Range: (241bhp, 77kWh) XPower: 429bhp, 64kWh

MG4 alternatives

The MG4 finds itself in a unique position in the electric car market as it undercuts electric family hatchback rivals so significantly that it’s actually priced in line with smaller plug-in superminis from the class below…

Small electric cars

As you can expect, the smallest electric cars are typically the cheapest, although the MG4 seems to buck this trend. MG’s offering provides more space than all of these, though some may offer a premium badge or desirable image to tempt buyers away…

Electric family hatchbacks

The plug-in successors to the traditional family hatchbacks like the Golf and Focus, these cars all mirror the MG4 in terms of design, although are likely to be more expensive to buy. For your hard-earned money, however, expect plusher interiors and a little more space…

Small electric SUVs

Electric SUVs seem to offer it all: a high-up driving position, a desirable image and a spacious interior. Though typically much more expensive than an MG4 and probably a bit less fun to drive, electric crossover models will appeal to buyers looking for something that’s practical as well as stylish…

Which Is Best?

Cheapest

Name
125kW SE EV 51kWh 5dr Auto
Gearbox type
Auto
RRP
£26,995

Most Economical

Name
180kW Trophy EV Extended Range 77kWh 5dr Auto
Gearbox type
Auto
RRP
£36,495

Fastest

Name
320kW EV XPOWER 64kWh 5dr Auto
Gearbox type
Auto
RRP
£36,495

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Charlie writes and edits news, review and advice articles for Carbuyer, as well as publishing content to its social media platforms. He has also been a regular contributor to its sister titles Auto Express, DrivingElectric and evo. As well as being consumed by everything automotive, Charlie is a speaker of five languages and once lived in Chile, Siberia and the Czech Republic, returning to the UK to write about his life-long passion: cars.