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MG

Under the leadership of its Chinese parent company SAIC, MG is surging ahead. The brand has already sold over 150,000 cars in Europe in a few years. In the Netherlands, the brand scored big in 2019 with the MG ZS EV, thanks in part to a hefty rebate from the manufacturer and the government. There are now four models in the MG showroom: the MG ZS, MG EHS Plug-in Hybrid, MG Marvel R and the MG5. Now the MG4 Electric will be added.

Flat

The MG4 Electric is 4.28 meters long, 1.83 meters wide and 1.50 meters high. So a pretty low car. In fact, the MG4 uses the flattest battery available from China’s SAIC Motor. At 110 mm, the battery pack is flatter than a Coke can. The result is refreshing: finally something other than a compact crossover.

Compact

Compact, however, the MG4 is. At about 300 liters, the luggage space is sufficient for a few suitcases or daily shopping, but other models in the segment of compact, all-electric hatchbacks, offer more. Consider a Volkswagen ID.3, Cupra Born, Kia Niro EV and the Renault Mégane Electric. The wheelbase is quite substantial considering its compact size: 2.70 meters. Passengers in the rear therefore have ample legroom.

Battery

The MG4 Electric is initially available with a choice of two battery variants: 51 kWh and 64 kWh, good for a range of 350 and 450 kilometers (WLTP), respectively. A larger 77-kWh battery pack will come later, but when is not yet clear.

Our first introduction takes place on a bad day for the MG4 Electric. It is the middle of December and the thermometer reads -4°. Electric cars hate cold. For us, an excellent time to test the car. If he performs well in these conditions, he will also perform well the rest of the year.

Although we only had the car at our disposal for an afternoon – we will put it through its paces for a longer period at a later date – it is striking that the car is economical with its energy. With the large battery pack, an actual range of 350 kilometers seems feasible in these very poor conditions. Impressive.

Power

Our test car has the 64 kWh battery. That sends its power to a 204-hp electric motor in the rear. The entry-level version with the 51 kWh package boasts 170 hp. Like almost all EVs, the MG4 is nice and fast away at the stoplight. A 0-100 sprint goes in less than 8 seconds. The top speed is 160 km/h. On the highway, the interior remains nice and quiet, although you can sometimes hear the tires doing their work.

500 kilometers

The announced 77 kWh version achieves over 500 kilometers on paper and has two electric motors, one on the front axle and one on the rear axle. Together they account for 408 horsepower and a 0-100 time of less than four seconds. But as mentioned, you will have to wait a while for this version.

Fast charging MG4 Electric

The MG4 Electric is also fine in terms of charging times. With a fast charger, the base version (51 kWh) can handle 117 kW. The large battery pack can have 135 kW. Under the right conditions, the battery is back to 80% in 35 minutes. Note that only the versions with the large battery pack have a 3-phase 11 kW on-board charger, which makes charging at home or at work a lot faster (about 6.5 hours). The more expensive versions also have a heat pump, so the range does not dramatically collapse in low temperatures.

Slow infotainment system

Inside, you get two screens in front of you: a 7-inch digital cockpit and a 10.25-inch iSmart infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both screens look sharp and bright. The infotainment system is uncluttered, but on the slow side. MG has clearly cut back a bit on computing power.

Materials

The MG4 further offers a pleasant workplace. There is plenty of storage space, you can charge your mobile wirelessly, and buttons on the steering wheel make it easy to control a number of things in the infotainment system. Here and there you encounter some cheap plastic, but the interior is otherwise pleasant to look at. The steering wheel fits comfortably in the hand and – like the exterior of the car – looks nice and sporty.

What does an MG4 Electric cost?

The MG4 Electric can be ordered immediately as Standard, Comfort and Luxury. The Standard is available only with 51 kWh battery. The Comfort and Luxury have the 51 or 64 kWh battery. The MG4 Electric Standard with 51 kWh battery and 170 hp of power is available from 30,785 euros and for the Comfort with the 64 kWh battery (450 kilometers of range) you will pay a minimum of 34,285 euros. A sharp deal, if you ask us.

Since you’re asking for our advice: if it fits within your budget, we would recommend going for the Comfort version (at a minimum). For an additional price of 3,500 euros, you get 100 kilometers of extra range, faster AC and DC charging, more power and, of course, better equipment. Also nice: MG provides a 7-year warranty on all versions. In the video below, we tell you more about our experience with the MG4 Electric.