The MG4 offers an exhilarating driving experience, coupled with an attractive design and impressive value for money. However, the infotainment system’s complexity can be a source of frustration for users.

What’s good

• Impressive value for money
• Looks fantastic
• Genuine fun to drive

What’s not so good

• Fiddly infotainment system
• Poor rear visibility
• Lets in a fair bit of road noise

Most popular: MG MG4 EV SE 125kW 51kWh Auto

Is the MG4 an excellent automobile?

Emerging seemingly out of nowhere and immediately impressing us as an exceptional value electric car is the MG4. Marking the brand’s inaugural foray into the electric hatchback market, it competes with the Volkswagen ID3, Nissan Leaf, and Renault Megane E-Tech.

Surprisingly, it is priced more closely to smaller alternatives like the Renault Zoe, making it an attractive proposition for budget-conscious consumers. This affordability factor, coupled with its outstanding features, secured the MG4 a commendable position in both the Outstanding EV and Urban Living categories at the 2024 Carwow Car of the Year Awards.

Drawing parallels to a Lenovo phone, the MG4 may not have been an immediate consideration, but a hands-on experience reveals its noteworthy attributes. One of its standout features is its striking aesthetic appeal, a departure from the brand’s previous designs that often felt like amalgamations of various market trends.

The MG4 showcases a design where the designers seemingly had creative freedom, resulting in a fantastic look, especially on the sporty Trophy models. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels and LED head and tail lights, contributing to the overall allure of the car.

MG4: Comprehensive Information on Electric Range, Battery, and Charging

Parameter	Range
Range	218-331 miles
Efficiency	3.6-3.8 miles/kWh
Battery Size	51kWh / 62kWh / 74kWh
Max Charge Speed	150kW
Charge Time (AC)	6hrs 12mins, 10-100%, 7kW / 7hrs 30mins, 10-100%, 7kW / 9hrs, 10-100%, 7kW
Charge Time (DC)	39mins, 10-80%, 150kW / 35mins, 10-80%, 150kW
Charge Port Location	Left rear
Power Outputs	170hp / 204hp / 245hp

The MG4 boasts a boot space of 363 litres, slightly trailing the Volkswagen ID3’s 385 litres. However, the MG offers a dedicated spot for charging cables, a feature lacking in the ID3, albeit consuming some space.

Featuring three battery options, the MG4 includes a basic model with a range of up to 218 miles, a Long Range variant reaching 281 miles, and an Extended Range model extending up to 323 miles. The high-performance MG4 XPower impressively covers a distance of 239 miles.

Primarily designed for urban environments, the MG4 exhibits easy maneuverability with well-weighted steering and good frontal visibility. Effective insulation from road imperfections ensures a comfortable drive, particularly at motorway speeds, although some road noise may be present.

Surprisingly, the MG4 offers an enjoyable driving experience, responding well to rapid directional changes at speed, and the motor outputs deliver ample acceleration. An upcoming 442hp version promises even more excitement.

Contrary to past MG models, the MG4 doesn’t come with the caveat of being good for the price; it simply stands out as an excellent option, surpassing pricier alternatives from more widely recognized brands.

Considering the MG4 as your next car? Explore new models on Carwow for potential savings or browse the latest used MG4 stock. Carwow also provides options to explore other used MG models or sell your current car if needed.

What is the cost of the MG4?

The MG MG4 EV is priced between £26,995 and £36,495 according to the recommended retail price (RRP). However, by using carwow, potential buyers can enjoy an average savings of £2,365. Cash purchases start at £24,995, and monthly payments commence from £286. If opting for a used MG MG4 EV through carwow, the starting price is £16,995.

The most sought-after versions of the MG MG4 EV on carwow include:

• Model version: 125kW SE EV 51kWh 5dr Auto
• Carwow price from: £24,995

Noteworthy versions of the MG MG4 EV include the 125kW SE EV 51kWh 5dr Auto, available on carwow from £24,995. A comparison feature is also provided on the website.

In comparison to its competitors such as the Volkswagen ID3, Cupra Born, Renault Megane E-Tech, and BYD Dolphin, the MG4 stands out with more affordable pricing. Starting at just under £40,000, the VW ID3 is more expensive, as are the Renault and Cupra models at around £37,000, and the BYD starting from £30,000. While the Nissan Leaf is slightly pricier than the MG, it lacks the posh and modern interior feel.

The MG4 range encompasses the SE trim with a smaller 218-mile battery, progressing to the Trophy Extended Range model with enhanced features and the largest battery, albeit at a £10,000 higher price point than the base version.

In terms of performance and drive comfort, the MG4 offers a comfortable city driving experience and surprising agility on bends, despite some wind noise on the motorway. The absence of ‘one pedal driving’ may be mildly inconvenient, but the smooth braking system compensates for it.

City driving reveals the MG4’s comfort and agility, while its 10.7-meter turning circle facilitates navigation in urban areas. Forward visibility is commendable, but rear visibility is challenging. The lack of ‘one pedal driving’ means reliance on brakes for stopping in traffic, though the brakes are smooth without jerkiness.

On the motorway, the MG4 accelerates smoothly to the national speed limit, offering a comfortable ride with minimal road imperfections. However, it may not be the quietest EV at high speeds due to some wind noise. The soft suspension contributes to a relaxed journey.

In cornering, the MG4 impresses with minimal leaning, providing a fun driving experience. While not a sports car, it handles winding roads well, offering a good balance between comfort and cornering ability. The electric motors deliver ample power, and the car feels agile when accelerating out of turns. Despite its cornering capabilities, the MG4 is more inclined toward a laid-back driving style rather than aggressive cornering.

Space and practicality

1/3

Getting settled behind the wheel of the MG4 is a breeze, courtesy of electrically adjustable seats and a highly adaptable steering wheel offering a broad range of reach and rake movements.

Once comfortably positioned, there’s ample storage for your belongings, including a sizable bin under the armrest, a shallow and coverable compartment in the center console, and a phone charging pad positioned on a platform behind the gear selection dial. The car features spacious door bins, a felt-lined glasses storage box, and a reasonably sized glovebox. The well-sized cup holders are conveniently within arm’s reach, although their placement beneath a raised platform may make it challenging to insert bottles while on the move. Additionally, the proximity of this section to the driver could cause discomfort for individuals with longer legs, as their knee may rest against the hard plastic during extended journeys.

Moving to the rear seats, passengers are generally well accommodated, benefiting from subtle roof cutouts that ensure ample headroom. While foot space is acceptable, sliding feet under the front seat can be challenging, potentially causing discomfort on longer trips due to the close positioning of the seat cushion to the car floor. Seating three adults in the back may result in a tight squeeze for shoulder space, and the absence of a central armrest is noticeable when the middle seat is unoccupied. The rear door bins are smaller, with only one USB slot available for passengers. However, the addition of mobile phone holders on the back of the front seats and easily accessible ISOFIX points adds a practical touch. Although the overall rear seat space is sufficient, it lacks the polished feel of the front, featuring relatively cheaper materials.

Examining the boot space, the MG4 offers 363 liters, trailing slightly behind competitors like the ID3 with 385 liters and the Nissan Leaf with a more spacious 435 liters. However, when compared to the similarly priced Renault Zoe with 338 liters, the MG4’s value proposition becomes apparent. Folding down the rear seats expands the cargo space to a respectable 1,117 liters. Practicality, however, is somewhat limited, with only one tie-down hook and no 12V charge slot. On the positive side, storing charging cables beneath the boot floor avoids encroaching on cargo space, distinguishing it from the VW. Although some electric vehicles feature a front boot beneath the bonnet, the MG4, like the ID3 and Leaf, lacks this additional space, a minor drawback in this vehicle class.

Design Elements, Entertainment System, and Additional Features for the Interior.

If you’ve experienced disappointment with the interior aesthetics and quality of an ID3, the MG4 is poised to pleasantly surprise you. Despite its notably lower cost compared to its German counterpart, the MG4 exudes a more premium feel, attributed to the use of soft-touch materials throughout.

The central 10.25-inch infotainment screen, positioned atop the dashboard, boasts a clear display. However, its graphics appear slightly dated, and the responsiveness to inputs lags behind. Navigating through menus to control climate and drive modes while on the move can be a bit cumbersome.

While sat nav is exclusive to the top-spec Trophy model, it’s not a significant drawback as wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard and outperform MG’s system. Below the screen, a few physical buttons are present, but they feel somewhat inexpensive, contrasting with the overall solid feel of the interior.

On a positive note, the digital display in front of the driver is impressive, featuring a crisp and clear interface with ample customization options. Wheel-mounted buttons facilitate easy access to the most pertinent information. Additionally, a convenient storage tray for your mobile phone is situated above the front USB slots, although the wire-feeding hole can be fiddly, posing challenges for certain cables that may not fit through smoothly.

Electric charging infrastructure, range capabilities, and taxation for electric vehicles.

The MG4 offers five distinct variations across two trim levels, encompassing three battery sizes and a dedicated high-performance model known as the XPower.

Starting with the entry-level SE models, equipped with a 170hp motor and a 51kWh battery, the car achieves a 0-60mph time of 7.5 seconds and a range of 218 miles.

Progressing to the SE Long Range and Trophy Long Range versions, the power is elevated to 203hp with a 64kWh battery. Although the added weight results in a slightly longer 0-60mph time of 7.7 seconds, the models boast impressive maximum ranges of 281 and 270 miles, respectively.

The top-tier Trophy Extended Range model stands out with a 77kWh battery, providing a remarkable 323-mile range. It is also the most powerful variant (excluding the XPower), featuring 241hp and a swift 0-60mph time of 6.5 seconds.

Charging capabilities vary, with the smaller battery supporting a rate of up to 117kW, reaching 10-80% charge in 39 minutes. The Long Range battery boasts a 135kW charge rate, accomplishing the same charge level in a slightly shorter time of 35 minutes. The Extended Range model takes a bit longer at 39 minutes.

Practical testing of the Trophy Long Range model revealed a quicker 0-60mph time of 7.1 seconds, surpassing official figures. Additionally, an efficiency of 3.8 miles/kWh was observed, translating to a real-world range of 232 miles, which, while slightly below the official figure, is commendable for everyday driving.

The entry-level SE version demonstrated similar efficiency figures, indicating a range just under 200 miles for its smaller battery—a practical and usable amount for most users.

Being an electric vehicle, the MG4 enjoys Vehicle Excise Duty exemption until 2025 and benefits from exceptionally low company car tax.

Ensuring Safety and Security.

The MG4, even in its most affordable variant, comes equipped with the MG Pilot as a standard feature. This comprehensive driver assistance package encompasses active emergency braking, lane keep assist, driver attention alert, and intelligent high beam assist. In addition, Trophy models offer an advanced safety suite, including door opening warning, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, and lane change assist.

Notably, the inclusion of adaptive cruise control as a standard feature sets the MG4 apart. This functionality allows the vehicle to dynamically adjust its speed when approaching slower traffic on the motorway, providing seamless control even in stop-and-go traffic situations.

The MG4 has earned a stellar reputation in safety, achieving a full five-star rating in Euro NCAP safety testing. It excelled with scores exceeding 80% in occupant safety and over 70% in both the vulnerable road users and safety assist categories.

Reliability and Issue-Free Performance

As of now, there are no reported recurring issues or recalls associated with the MG4, instilling confidence in its reliability. Electric vehicles (EVs) generally exhibit higher reliability compared to traditional petrol and diesel cars, making the MG4 a reliable choice for those seeking peace of mind and minimal concerns about potential repairs.

Adding to the assurance of ownership is MG’s impressive seven-year/80,000-mile warranty, a testament to the brand’s confidence in their vehicle’s durability. This warranty is fully transferable, extending its benefits to used buyers who fall within the specified age and mileage limits. With these features, the MG4 provides a worry-free driving experience backed by a robust safety package and an extensive warranty.

• Technical data
  • External dimensions
  • Internal dimensions
  • Transmission and fuel
• Trims and engines

Technical data

External dimensions

4,287 mm1,836 mm1,516 mm

Values shown are maximum dimensionsNumber of doors5 Turning circle10.6 m Wheelbase2.71 m

Internal dimensions

Number of seats5 Boot (seats up)289 L Boot (seats down)986 L

Transmission and fuel

TransmissionAutomatic Battery capacity51 – 77 kWh

Trims and engines

Photo is for illustrative purposes

MG4 EVSE

RRP £26,995

carwow price from£24,995

In SE trim, the MG4 is one of the cheapest electric cars around, but it’s still well kitted out. SE cars come with a 10.25-inch colour touchscreen, a seven-inch digital driver’s display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels, and LED headlights and rear lights.

SE standard equipment

Interior Features

• Climate control
• Leather steering wheel
• Front headrests
• Rake/reach adjustable steering wheel
• 3 rear headrests
• Fabric upholstery
• 3 seat bench in 2nd row
• Driver 6-way adjustable seat
• 2nd row 60/40 split fold seat
• 4 way adjustable passenger seat
• One pedal drive
• Single front passenger seat

Driver Convenience

• Power assisted steering
• Adaptive cruise control
• Traffic jam assist
• Rear parking sensors
• Android Auto
• E-call
• Apple CarPlay
• Lane keep assist system (LAS) with Lane departure warning system (LDWS)
• 5 driving modes (Eco, sport, snow, custom, standard)
• Driver attention assist
• Intelligent speed limit assist with traffic sign recognition
• 10.25″ floating colour touchscreen
• iSmart
• 7″ Full digital driver information display

Exterior Features

• Rear spoiler
• Rear wiper
• Tinted glass
• LED centre brake light
• LED rear lights
• Intelligent high beam
• Auto headlights
• Rain sensing wipers
• Projector LED headlights
• Front and rear electric windows with driver’s one-touch up/down
• Integrated LED daytime running lights
• Vehicle to load charging
• Rear side wing doors
• Electrically adjustable heated black door mirrors

Passive Safety

• Rear door child safety locks
• Front side airbags
• Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Electronic Stability Programme
• Dual front airbags
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Side curtain airbags
• Hill start assist
• 3×3 point rear seatbelts
• Drivers seatbelt reminder
• EBA
• Front seatbelts (3-point + pretensioner + load limiter)
• Front passenger airbag deactivation switch
• Active emergency braking with pedestrian/Bicycle detection
• Front and rear passenger seat belt reminder
• 4 regenerative braking mode (Auto, 1, 2, 3)
• Rear seat ISOFIX x2

Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension

• 7 kW onboard charger

Entertainment

• DAB+ radio
• 4 speaker audio system
• USB ports (2x front, 1x rear)

Security

• Alarm & Engine Immobiliser

Wheels

• 17″ alloy wheels with low wind resistance aero cover