MG4 EV review

MG4 EV verdict

The MG4 combines practicality, efficiency and oodles of kit into a sharp-looking and genuinely 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 that’s why it bagged our Car of The Year award back in 2023.

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 small electric SUV like the Kia Niro EV, with the only cheaper option being the smaller BYD Dolphin.

The MG4 was the first bespoke electric MG to go on sale in the UK, and it sent genuine shockwaves throughout the market when it made its debut in 2022. This fully-electric family hatchback is designed to compete with the likes of the Volkswagen ID.3 and Renault Megane E-Tech, but it manages to undercut just about every rival with its £26,995 starting price.

It’s still temptingly priced if you make your way up through the line-up, too, with the Long Range model only raising the starting price to £29,495. The fancier Trophy spec will set you back by around £32,000 for the Long Range version or £36,000 for the Extended Range. This means that even the top-spec MG4 is less than £1,000 more expensive than a base-model Volkswagen ID.3, which starts at well over £35,000.

If you remember MG for its rich sports car heritage, you’ll be best catered for by the MG4 XPower. This is the hot hatchback member of the MG4 family with 429bhp on tap, and it starts from £36,495. This price tag makes the XPower one of the cheapest cars that can complete the landmark 0-62mph sprint in under 4.0 seconds. 

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The entry-level MG4 uses a 51kWh battery mated to a 167bhp electric motor for a WLTP combined 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’re planning to cover long distances frequently, the Extended Range variant will be the one for you. This is fitted with the largest battery in the MG4 line-up, a 77kWh pack, and this offers an WLTP combined maximum range of 323 miles.

If you’re more focused on performance than distance, the MG4 XPower claims up to 239 miles from the same 64kWh pack as the Long Range models.

Once you’ve chosen your battery, choosing a trim level is a straightforward process. There are 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 power, 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.