MG4 EV review

Is the MG4 a good car?

Small electric cars have historically been expensive, but the MG4 marked the beginning of price parity with more traditionally powered hatchbacks. But it isn't just the price that impresses, because it has sprightly performance, engaging handling, respectable electric range, and quick charging speeds relative to existing small EVs.

However, the market has been evolving at pace with the arrival of the BYD Dolphin, Citroen e-C3 and Renault 5, joining this crowded marketplace. The MG4 still has some tricks up its sleeves because it’s available with a wide range of battery sizes that afford it a longer driving range between charges, and a variety of power outputs – including a high-performance XPower model – to broaden its appeal. So, if you’re looking for a stylish small car with ultra-low running costs, it’s well worth a look.

Our choice: MG4 SE Long Range

MG4: model range, specs and rivals

So, what do you get with MG’s first from the ground up electric car? The MG4 is built on the manufacturer’s Modular Scalable Platform (MSP), which will underpin a range of MG EVs, including the MG Cyberster. The MG4 is available with three different battery sizes (51kWh, 64kWh, or 77kWh), and four different power outputs ranging from the least expensive SE with rear-wheel drive and a 168bhp motor, to the performance-oriented MG4 XPower with 429bhp and four-wheel drive.

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Depending on which model you choose, the electric driving range goes from 218 miles for the 49kWh SE to 329 miles for the 77kWh Extended Range. All versions have rapid-charging capability, allowing for speedy top-ups for those looking to embark on longer journeys.

Standard equipment is generous, including the novel touch of a rear windscreen wiper to keep the back window clean, something which seems to have gone missing from some EVs we could mention – we’re looking at you Ora 03. Entry-level SE cars come with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. 

A large rear wing is fitted to higher-specced Trophy models to differentiate them from the rest of the range and includes luxuries such as heated seats, wireless smartphone charging and an upgraded audio system. The range-topping XPower boasts all of the goodies from the Trophy model but comes with distinctive 18-inch alloys and (mercifully) bigger brakes to handle all its extra performance.

We find that the MG4 makes much more sense as a value proposition, which is why we recommend then the SE Long Range model as the pick of the lineup, because you get everything you’ll need with a respectable electric range.

How much does the MG4 cost?

The MG4 hatchback is the exception to the rule that small electric cars have to be expensive, with the entry-level SE model starting from around £27,000, making it one of the cheapest electric cars on sale. Go for a little more driving range and performance with the SE Long Range, and it’ll cost you £29,500. For maximum range, you’ll need the Trophy Extended Range for £36,500, which is the same price as the high-performance MG4 XPower.

Our network of trusted dealers is currently offering discounts on the recommended retail price of the MG4 via our Find a Car service. Alternatively, you can lease an MG4 or buy a used MG4, all on Auto Express.

All versions of the MG4, bar the high-performance XPower, focus more on being efficient and delivering practical range rather than outright pace. To that end, Long and Extended Range versions feature an active aero grille that only opens when the electrical systems need cooling but closes when not required to help improve the range by as much as 10 per cent. 

MG has also included five driving modes to suit different conditions – Eco, sport, snow, custom, and standard, with Eco dulling the accelerator response and sport sharpening things up. Regardless of your mode, the brake pedal feel is easy to modulate, meaning you can stop smoothly in busy town traffic and accurately judge how much speed to scrub off for roundabouts. 

You can bypass the mechanical brakes and utilise the car’s one-pedal regenerative braking feature. Just like in the Nissan Leaf, it’s strong enough to bring the car to a halt when you lift off the accelerator, and it has the benefit of generating electricity while slowing down to replenish the battery.

That said, rivals like the Kia Niro EV use paddles mounted on the steering wheel to adjust the regen strength, which is a much easier setup than having to dive into the MG4's touchscreen in order to adjust the brake pedal settings, along with the various driving modes. You can program one of the star buttons on the steering wheel to take you straight to that screen to try and speed up the process.

What is the MG4 like to drive? 

In town

As buyers will probably use their MG4 predominantly for everyday tasks such as school runs and urban commutes, it’s essential that the MG4 EV is comfortable and easy to drive. Fortunately, MG has done a fine job here, with the MG4 offering a relaxed ride that deals with speed bumps well, while light yet accurate steering helps make parking less of a hassle. Good forward visibility and short overhangs make navigating through busy streets a bit easier. Trophy versions come with a 360-degree camera system, which is a big help to those who aren’t confident with parking manoeuvres.

On A- and B-roads

But, the MG4 isn’t just suited to in-town duties; it’s more than accomplished on twisty B-roads and, dare we say it, even a little fun. It’s a tad nose-heavy, but its playful chassis and rear-wheel drive set-up mean it can be a hoot to drive on a country road if you're not too concerned about eating up a lot of your range, although you will need to turn off the intrusive lane-keeping assistance – especially on narrow country lanes – because we’ve found that the system can tug quite violently at the steering wheel as it attempts to keep you within the lines.

The MG4 XPower version loses a little bit of the standard car’s adjustability because its wider tyres offer more grip. Its firmer suspension leads to tighter body control, making it more stable in the bends. Plus, the additional traction of four-wheel drive allows it to put its power down better onto the road from a standing start – especially in slippery conditions.

On the motorway

All versions are relatively settled on the motorway, but can suffer from higher wind noise around the door mirrors. Try a Renault Megane E-Tech or Volkswagen ID.3 if you're after an especially refined EV for motorway driving.

0-62mph acceleration and top speed

The MG4 is available in four power outputs: 168bhp for the entry-level SE, 200bhp for the Long Range, 242bhp in the Extended Range, topping out at 429bhp with the dual-motor, four-wheel drive XPower. 

Even the least powerful of the quartet is brisk enough to suit most needs, managing 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds. The more powerful 200bhp cars have a heavier 64kWh pack and are fractionally slower at 7.9 seconds. You probably won’t notice this because both feel similarly accelerative due to having the same torque figure of 250Nm, and (where legally able) can reach a 100 mph top speed. The 242bhp, 77kWh Extended Range will trouble a few hot hatchbacks with a 6.5-second 0-62mph time, while the XPower would frighten a few supercars in a straight line, with a 3.8-second 0-62mph run, though top speed is more modest, at 124mph.

Understandably, regular versions of the MG4 don’t feel as rapid as the XPower model when launching from a standstill. Still, once moving, the linear power delivery provides surprisingly strong acceleration – even past 60mph. Predictably, the XPower feels rapid, and its prodigious power reserves make it a handy overtaking weapon to safely get past slower traffic.

In the more relevant real-world benchmark of accelerating from 0-30mph – something you may need to do when accelerating from a side street onto a busy main road – the standard 168bhp model can complete this in a sprightly 3.1 seconds, while the heavier 200bhp Long Range is only marginally behind at 3.5 seconds. The Extended Range covers the dash in 2.7 seconds, while the all-wheel drive XPower takes just 1.7 seconds.

The entry-level MG4 SE model has a 49kWh battery and can cover up to 218 miles (according to the official WLTP figures) on a single charge. Upgrading to the SE Long Range version adds a larger 64kWh battery and boosts the range to 281 miles, while the top-of-the-range Trophy Long Range is a little behind, offering a claimed 270 miles before you need to plug in.

The Extended Range, with its larger 77kWh battery, extends your driving radius by over 50 miles to an impressive 329 miles. With the additional weight of four-wheel drive and its larger tyres adding extra rolling resistance compared with the skinnier wheels of regular MG4s, the 64kWh MG4 XPower manages only 239 miles.

The regular MG4 has proven itself to be pretty efficient during our own testing, returning up to 4.2 miles per kilowatt-hour of energy when we first drove the top-spec Trophy Long Range model, which equates to a real-world range of 259 miles – just 11 miles shy of the car's official range. 

We’ve also pitted the same version head-to-head against a Kia Niro EV. While the Kia managed to return 3.8mi/kWh, the MG4 got 3.5mi/kWh, and we expect you'll get closer to this figure if you do a lot of motorway miles or spirited driving. Like all electric cars we've tested, the MG4 is not impervious to cold weather, managing 3.1mi/kWh during our twin test against the Ora 03 (formally known as the Funky Cat) in the winter. Although the Ora 03 only mustered 2.8mi/kWh in the same conditions.

Longer journeys shouldn’t prove to be too much of a chore, because the MG4 has a maximum charging speed of 150kW. That means if you plug any MG4 into an ultra-rapid charger capable of 150kW speeds or faster, and a 10 to 80 per cent top-up will take just over half an hour in the base SE and SE and Trophy Long Range cars. Even the Extended Range with the largest battery size isn’t much slower, with a 40-minute charge time from 10 to 80 per cent.

If you’re transitioning to an all-electric car for the first time and have off-street parking, it would be sensible to invest in a wallbox home charger so that you can charge your car overnight. A standard 7.4kW home wallbox will take just over nine hours to fully recharge the 49kWh battery in the base MG4, 11 hours for the Long Range MG4's 64kWh unit, or close to 13 hours for the MG4 Extended Range with its 77kWh unit.

Insurance

As a result of higher purchase prices and increased repair costs, all-electric cars can often attract more expensive insurance premiums than petrol and diesel models, and the same is true of the MG4. The 49kWh SE model is in group 27 (out of 50), while the 64kWh SE Long Range and Trophy Long Range versions are in groups 28 and 29, respectively. The extra power of the MG4 Trophy Extended Range increases this to 33, but that’s nothing compared with the group 40 rating for the high-performance XPower.

If you want a small EV that’s cheaper to insure, look at the Fiat 500, which starts in just group 16, or the Renault 5, which starts from group 18 for the Urban Range Evolution, and goes up to group 22 for the Comfort Range Techno trim.

Depreciation

According to our expert resale value data, after a typical three-year ownership period or 36,000 miles, the MG4 will retain between 41 to 43.5 per cent of its original value. Our preferred SE Long Range hangs on to the most value, while the Trophy Extended Range loses the most. 

In comparison, the Vauxhall Corsa Electric maintains 30 to 35 per cent of its value over the same period, while Renault 5 maintains 49 to 50 per cent. The BYD Dolphin does slightly better at 51 per cent.

To get an accurate valuation for a specific model, check out our free car valuation tool... 

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The all-electric MG4 benefits from sitting on the manufacturer’s new Modular Scalable Platform (MSP). This architecture will underpin the next generation of battery-powered MG models, including a range of hatchbacks, SUVs and sports cars.

The exterior of the MG4 will polarise opinion, but its sharp, dramatic lines, angular headlights and twin aero rear spoiler (on Trophy and XPower versions) mean it won’t get lost in the crowd – particularly if you specify Volcano Orange (also only available on Trophy and XPower trims), Dynamic Red or Holborn Blue colour options. MG4 XPower models also get a few new colours, as well as unique 18-inch alloy wheels and a set of orange brake calipers behind them. Inside, there’s red stitching, some aluminium pedals, and the seats get some Alcantara trim, but don’t expect the kind of bold visual cues you’d have found in MG’s range in the early 2000s – the overall look isn’t much different to the Trophy.

What is the MG4 like inside?

A minimalist, spacious cabin is in keeping with current EV fashion, while there is more than a hint that MG has drawn inspiration from premium German brands in developing the MG4’s interior style. The steering wheel has a slightly squared-off look similar in design to the one found in the BMW iX, the digital instrument display could have come from the VW ID.3, and the column stalks wouldn’t seem out of place in an Audi model. All this should be seen as a positive because MG has made a solid attempt to create a modern, up-to-date interior.

What is the interior quality like? 

Admittedly, some of the materials do reflect the cheaper price point of the MG4 EV, with the fit and finish not entirely up to the standard of other mainstream brands such as Hyundai and Kia. But the overall impression remains positive, and the cabin looks smart enough.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

The first thing that strikes you about the 10.25-inch display is how sharp the resolution is, while the row of physical buttons below are welcome. It’s also useful that there’s a row of shortcuts permanently on the right of the screen within easy reach of the driver (unlike in the Fiat 500, which places them on the far left, closer to the passenger), making it easier to get to the sat-nav, stereo, phone, and car setting screens. You can also set the air-con controls up as a shortcut from a button on the steering wheel that will allow you to adjust the fan speed and temperature using one of the thumb-controlled toggle switches.  

However, we have noticed that it isn’t the most responsive screen during our long term testing of the MG4. We’ve found that the menu screens can be awkward to use due to the small icons and text being hard to see at a glance while on the move. The Renault Megane E-Tech, has a much larger and more responsive screen that’s much easier to use on the move.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity is standard, though neither is wireless. Speaking of wireless, you’ll need to get a top-spec Trophy or XPower to get a wireless phone charging pad. It is a shame you can’t add an upgraded sound system like you can on some of its rivals because you’ll need to crank up the volume at motorway speeds to offset the wind noise.

Despite the MG4’s relatively low roof line it still offers good space inside, while there are plenty of useful storage options. Up front, there is a cubby with a sliding lid that sits just behind two cup holders, and lifting the top of the central armrest uncovers a deep bin for larger items. The glovebox isn’t very practical in terms of size or shape, but there is space in each of the front door bins for bottles and other items.

Keyless entry, automatic headlights, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors and a height and reach-adjustable steering wheel are all standard for the MG4. The top-of-the-range Trophy adds extras such as a heating function for the front seats and steering wheel, a six-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, an adjustable boot floor and a wireless smartphone charger.

Dimensions and size

The MG4 is 4,287mm long, 1,836mm wide and stands 1,504mm tall, which makes it 26mm longer and 27mm wider than the Volkswagen ID.3. Meanwhile, the more expensive Renault Megane E-Tech is 77mm shorter and 56mm narrower than the MG4.

Seats & space in the front

The front seats are fairly comfortable but they don’t have a big range of adjustment, while the small back window and large rear headrests compromise rear visibility.

With less space needed for their mechanical parts, most EVs offer good cabin space and storage, but the MG4 could be better. While the centre bin beneath the armrest is deep, the covered tray ahead of it is large but shallow, and the glovebox is quite slim, too. At least the twin cup-holders ahead of that are deep, while the door bins have space for bottles.

The MG4’s all-black interior is a little dreary when compared with the ID.3’s. The overall layout is still functional, although we’d appreciate some physical controls for the air-conditioning. The driving position has plenty of adjustment and the squared-off steering wheel is good to hold, if a little odd to look at. 

The cabin looks a little bare at first glance, but the MG is loaded with nearly as many useful cubbies as the ID.3. Much like its rival, there’s a low but long covered storage bin between the front seats (with a little netted bag at its leading edge), but this raises up at the back to form a central armrest with a deep bin inside. 

The front door bins are impressively large, too. As with the VW, only the glovebox is a disappointment – although, in this case, it’s due to its very shallow depth.

Seats & space in the back

Interior packaging is good in the MG4, and passengers benefit from a decent amount of rear legroom. Kneeroom is also fine, although there isn’t too much space underneath the front seats for passengers to stretch their feet into. The EV powertrain means that the central hump in the floor is quite low, which helps accommodate three passengers across the rear seats – the middle of which is surprisingly comfortable.

We found access to the ISOFIX mounting points was awkward when fitting a child seat; we prefer the plastic surrounds used by the likes of VW rather than the large velcro fabric panels featured in the MG4.

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Boot space 

With a luggage capacity of 289 litres, the MG4’s boot isn’t the biggest in its class. Both the Cupra Born and ID.3 offer more cargo space, while the Megane E-Tech tops the lot with its 440-litre boot. The MG4’s boot is still adequate, and there's no load lip to contend with, unlike in the Renault. You get some extra storage space under the boot floor that’s ideal for your charging cables, but there's no 'frunk' storage area under the bonnet to keep dirty cables away from your clean luggage. Should you need to carry more stuff, the MG4's rear seats fold flat in a 60:40 split, opening up 986 litres of cargo space for you to play with.

However, if a bigger boot is one of your key priorities, the Kia Niro EV offers an extra 406 litres of capacity over the MG4.

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Following Euro NCAP’s crash test assessment, the MG4 EV achieved the maximum five-star safety rating. While that is one star ahead of the Renault 5, that rival was tested under the more stringent 2023 testing standard, whereas the MG4 was measured against standards set in 2020, making comparisons difficult. 

All versions of the MG4 feature six airbags, active emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, lane-keep assist with a departure warning function, adaptive cruise control and a driver attention alert system. Upgrading to the top-spec Trophy Long Range adds blind-spot detection, lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, which warns of vehicles approaching from either side as you’re reversing.

The MG4 is too new to have appeared in our Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, but MG will want to improve on its showing in the manufacturer ratings because the brand finished in last position in a 32-strong list. Renault did slightly better, although it too could improve in this area because its 28th place finish out of 32 is nothing to write home about either.

Warranty

MG offers a reassuring seven-year/80,000-mile warranty for all of its models and includes the battery pack (which guarantees repairs or replacement if the capacity drops below 70 per cent during the warranty period), which is almost on par with Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile policy. This extended coverage might be enough for buyers to consider choosing the MG4 over other brands, particularly when compared with Volkswagen’s three-year/60,000-mile warranty.

Servicing

All versions of MG4 need servicing once a year or every 15,000 miles, whichever comes first. MG Service Plans offer flexible options to help manage scheduled maintenance and also allow you to set your own mileage limits.

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