The MG4 has been slated by MG Australia for release here in the first half of 2023 (EV gods willing). As yet though, the full Australian specifications have not been released – but specifications for the UK have just been announced.
Given the UK is also a right-hand drive market, the MG4 there should give further clues as to what we will see here. The MG4 there is now available for pre-order, with deliveries to begin early in 2023, and is getting a good rap from local media.
The MG4 is by the way the first MG to be based on their EV-only MSP (Modular Scalable Platform). Being an EV-only platform, it will have no ICE (internal combustion engine) variant – unlike the MG ZS – and signals MG’s intention to become an EV-only brand by 2027.
Being an EV-only platform also means much of the space formerly needed for the engine, gearbox and fuel-tank can be reallocated to the passenger compartment – giving EVs built on dedicated platforms a Tardis-like quality. (For those who don’t get that Dr Who reference – a Tardis is bigger on the inside than the outside).
Like in all markets so far, the UK MG4 will be offered with two battery capacities: a 51kWh ‘standard range’ and a 64kWh ‘long-range’.
However, unlike the European market, the UK version will come in two (rather than three) specifications: SE which can be ordered with either battery option and Trophy – available with the long-range battery only.
Performance for the long-range version is 150kW, 250Nm of torque and a 0 to 100km/h time of 7.9 seconds. (Very similar in fact to the Hyundai Kona long-range). It is worth noting here that the UK (and European) towing capacity is been specified as 500kg maximum: we can only hope that MG carry this over to Australia. (Unlike Hyundai did with their Kona EV).
Pricing for the MG4 is also very interesting. As more models hit the market in greater numbers, the economies of scale (and competition) are realising the long sought-after price reductions that many potential EV buyers are waiting for. In standard range SE trim, the MG4 compares favourably in specification and pricing to the recently arrived BYD Atto 3.
Should the UK MG4 on-the-road pricing of £25,995 ($A44,155) carry over to the Australian market when it arrives next year – it would undercut the Atto 3, potentially making the MG4 the cheapest EV so far on the Australian market!
UK specifications and pricing for the MG4:
| Trim: | SE | Trophy |
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Dimensions and weights:
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| Length (mm) | 4287 | |
| Width (mm) | 1836 | |
| Height (mm) | 1504 | |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2705 | |
| Ground clearance unladen / laden (mm) | 150 / 117 | |
| Rear trunk cargo space (unfold/fold, L) | 363 / 1177 | |
| Unladen mass (kg) | 1655 | 1685 |
| permissible maximum laden mass (kg) | 2103 | 2133 |
| Towing capacity (unbraked/braked, kg) | 500 / 500 | |
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Electric motor and battery:
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| Type | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) | |
| Max Net Power (kW) | 125 | 150 |
| Max Torque (Nm) | 250 | |
| Gross Battery Size (kWh) | 51 | 64 |
| On-boarder charger max power (kW) | 7kW | |
| Max. DC charging power (kW) | 117 | 135 |
| DC charging time (10 to 80%) | 40 min | 35 min |
| Vehicle to Load (V2L) functionality | Yes | Yes |
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Performance:
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| Max speed (km/h) | 160 | |
| Acceleration (s, 0 to 100 km/h) | 7.7 secs | 7.9 secs |
| EV range (km, WLTP) | 350 | 435 |
| Energy consumption (Wh/km) | 170 | 166 |
| Price: | ||
| Standard Range: | £25,995 (~$A44,155 converted) | N/A |
| Long Range: | £28,495 (~$A48,400 converted) | £31,495 (~$A53,500 converted) |
Bryce Gaton is an expert on electric vehicles and contributor for The Driven and Renew Economy. He has been working in the EV sector since 2008 and is currently working as EV electrical safety trainer/supervisor for the University of Melbourne. He also provides support for the EV Transition to business, government and the public through his EV Transition consultancy EVchoice.