MG Australia has revealed the pricing of the first variant of its long-awaited MG 4, its first ground-up EV in the Australian market.
MG has already released an electric version of its ZS, but this is the first electric focused model. The price has come in higher than hoped – at $47,990 before on road coasts. But that is because it is applied to the “Essence” variant which comes with additions such as rear spoilers and other add ons.
It is expected that MG may offer a cheaper variant in Australia – as it does in the UK – at some point in the future, either without the spoiler and other add-ons, and/or with a smaller 51kWh battery. That would bring the price back down towards the hoped-for $40,000 price point.
Still, with the Essence pricing, MG 4 will be one of the few vehicles that are eligible for all state and territory incentives currently on offer including in Queensland which has a lower EV value threshold for the state’s $3,000 EV subsidy.
The MG 4 extended range Essence version comes with a larger 64 kWh pack and delivers up to 435 km of range, rather than 455kms. Ironically, a spoiler in an EV actually decreases the range rather than increase performance as it does on a fossil car, but MG is adding it for “aesthetic” reasons.
MG has also stated that the battery in the MG 4 only measures 110mm in thickness which provides more interior space in the all-electric hatchback.
The 64kWh battery charge at speeds of up to 135kW. According to MG, at a 50 kW DC charger, the MG 4 Essence can charge up to 80% in 60 minutes.
The MG 4 powertrain includes a 150kW motor located in the rear for the Essence variant.
For under $50,000, the MG 4 Essence variant comes equipped with:
- 10.25-inch infotainment system
- Automatic LED headlights and rear lights
- MG Pilot advanced driver assistance system
- Rear parking sensors
- 18’’ alloy wheels
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic climate control
- Two-tone roof
- Twin aero rear spoiler
- 360-degree camera
- Wireless phone
- MG iSmart app connectivity.
The MG 4 is the first EV from the brand in Australia to be offered with MG’s Modular Scalable Platform (MSP) for its ground-up electrified range.
Last year in December, The MG 4 had also been awarded a five-star safety rating by Europe’s EuroNCAP safety regulator. The ground-up EV scored highly in several areas receiving:
- 78% for Safety Assist features
- 83% for Adult Occupant protection
- 80% for Child Occupant protection
- 75% for Vulnerable Road User protection
Continuing on the safety, the MG 4 Essence is offered with:
- MG Pilot system with the inclusion of Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
- Lane Change Assist (LCA)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).
The 64 kWh MG 4 Essence will be available for ordering through the MG national dealer network from next Tuesday, April 11.
MG Australia is opening the orders of the Essence models first. Meanwhile, other models of the MG 4 are currently under consideration for Australia as well.
The MG 4 was officially unveiled only weeks ago at the Fully Charged Live show in Sydney which saw thousands of EV owners and prospective buyers see the all-electric hatchback in person.
The MG 4 was also one of The Driven’s top EV picks for 2023 so it’s positive to see the highly anticipated EV’s orders opening next week.
Riz is the founder of carloop based in Melbourne, specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, particularly EVs and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.