MG intends to strike a blow in order to continue its expansion in Europe. With the electric MG4, a model designed and developed for the Old Continent, the Chinese brand has great ambitions. An entirely new model that could reshuffle the cards in compacts. Exclusively, we have already been able to take the wheel of the latest development prototypes.
After three SUVs (thermal, hybrid-rechargeable and electric) set out to scout, it’s the turn of the electric MG4, to enter the arena. A sizeable model for the brand, which intends to reach hitherto unknown sales volumes. A 4.28m saloon, designed and developed primarily for the needs and expectations of European customers. It is also the very first model based on the unprecedented platform developed by the brand’s parent companye, SAIC Motor.
A modular technical base (a first for the group) called MSP, which can be used for very different models (wheelbases ranging from 2.65 m to 3.10 m). Interesting in its design, it may, in the longer term, offer the unprecedented possibility of changing the battery during the life of the vehicle (the MG4 is not currently concerned). She will also be able to pass on a voltage of 800Vthus offering optimum charging powers in the future.
It was during the final stages of development, carried out in Europe, that we were able to take, exclusively, the steering wheel of this compact for the less ambitious. Indeed, a group of engineers is currently operating a road trip of approximately 35,000 km throughout Europe, to fine-tune the various electronic components of the vehicle. It was during their stopover in Rome that we went to meet them. This MG4, certainly heavily camouflaged and still devoid of certain aerodynamic appendages, is quite short (4.29 m), but rather wide (1.87 m). An impression reinforced by the marked shoulder of the body line.
On board, the MG 4 offers an up-to-date layout. The dashboard, horizontal and particularly aerial, creates remarkable space in the front seats. The impression of traveling on board of a real minivan, an extinct species, is very real. It is still early to gauge the quality of manufacture, our prototypes do not yet benefit from their final materials. But relying on the rather successful interiors of the brand’s current models, and the few details detected on board the MG4, the level of perceived quality should be satisfactory.
Up to 450 km range
At launch, this MG will be available in two versions. The first, with a 51 kWh battery, has a 170 hp electric motor and promises a range of 350 km (WLTP). The second opts for a 64 kWh battery, develops 204 hp and would be capable to make journeys of 450 km. But the brand does not intend to stop there, and a four-wheel drive version is already in the cards.
What the brand does not yet officially confirm is that this version will be credited with power and performance hitherto unknown in the segment. We are talking about more than 400 hp and a 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds. Another indiscretion, a larger battery would be under study for this MG4, which will then be able to cross the 500 km in autonomy. If the brand does not yet speak precisely of charging power, it promises on the other hand recover 80% of the battery in 30 minutes. We can therefore count on 135 kW when recharging with direct current. To confirm.
Habitability remains a major argument for electrics, benefiting from a very specific interior layout. This MG4 is no exception to the rule and goes even further by providing more space, on all axes. If the legroom is always convincing in a zero-emission vehicle, the roof guard suffers from the location of the batteries. Floors and bases generally high. But it is not the case here. The MG4 benefits from a particularly thin battery (11 cm high, compared to 14 for an ID.3), to offer remarkable roof guard, much more generous than on board its German rival, yet 6 cm higher.
An electric and inexpensive MG4?
It was in town, in the maze of the Italian capital and on the surrounding roads, that we were able to briefly take the wheel of this compact, between two measurements taken by the engineers. Right in the center of Rome, between the Colosseum and the entrance to the Vatican, the cobblestones, the tram rails and the very uneven road surface have paradoxically highlighted the very good level of comfort of this MG4. Progressive damping (conventional spring, piloted suspension not being offered) made up moreover with rims in a reasonable 17-inch format. Light steering, good peripheral visibility and above all an ultra-short turning circle make it a rather talented city girl.
Outside the ramparts of the Roman city, the MG4 benefits from the solid performance that one is entitled to expect from an electric vehicle (we are trying the 64 kWh, 204 hp version). On winding roads and at a more dynamic pace, the Chinese compact reveals a behavior that is pleasant to say the least. Taking advantage of a particularly low center of gravity and50:50 weight distribution, this rival of the ID.3 and Mégane E-Tech has nothing to envy to its competitors, quite the contrary. Led by a precise front axle, itself controlled by a rather direct, stable and fairly agile steering, the MG4 surprises and reassures at the same time. More engaging to lead than an ID.3 but without offering the well-felt dynamism of the French car, this newcomer demonstrates an unexpected mastery on the road.
An MG4 which therefore seems well born, and which risks above all throwing a huge stone in the fed up of electric compacts in Europe. Indeed, the brand aims to offer an access ticket for less than €30,000. A price that should go up around €35,000 for the version with the large battery and an already generous equipment. A strong argument, which places this MG4 at the prices of rivals in the lower segment (Peugeot e-208, Renault Zoé) or even against traditional thermal compacts.
MG intends to strike a blow in order to continue its expansion in Europe. With the electric MG4, a model designed and developed for the Old Continent, the Chinese brand has great ambitions. An entirely new model that could reshuffle the cards in compacts. Exclusively, we have already been able to take the wheel of the latest development prototypes.
After three SUVs (thermal, hybrid-rechargeable and electric) set out to scout, it’s the turn of the electric MG4, to enter the arena. A sizeable model for the brand, which intends to reach hitherto unknown sales volumes. A 4.28m saloon, designed and developed primarily for the needs and expectations of European customers. It is also the very first model based on the unprecedented platform developed by the brand’s parent companye, SAIC Motor.
A modular technical base (a first for the group) called MSP, which can be used for very different models (wheelbases ranging from 2.65 m to 3.10 m). Interesting in its design, it may, in the longer term, offer the unprecedented possibility of changing the battery during the life of the vehicle (the MG4 is not currently concerned). She will also be able to pass on a voltage of 800Vthus offering optimum charging powers in the future.
It was during the final stages of development, carried out in Europe, that we were able to take, exclusively, the steering wheel of this compact for the less ambitious. Indeed, a group of engineers is currently operating a road trip of approximately 35,000 km throughout Europe, to fine-tune the various electronic components of the vehicle. It was during their stopover in Rome that we went to meet them. This MG4, certainly heavily camouflaged and still devoid of certain aerodynamic appendages, is quite short (4.29 m), but rather wide (1.87 m). An impression reinforced by the marked shoulder of the body line.
On board, the MG 4 offers an up-to-date layout. The dashboard, horizontal and particularly aerial, creates remarkable space in the front seats. The impression of traveling on board of a real minivan, an extinct species, is very real. It is still early to gauge the quality of manufacture, our prototypes do not yet benefit from their final materials. But relying on the rather successful interiors of the brand’s current models, and the few details detected on board the MG4, the level of perceived quality should be satisfactory.
Up to 450 km range
At launch, this MG will be available in two versions. The first, with a 51 kWh battery, has a 170 hp electric motor and promises a range of 350 km (WLTP). The second opts for a 64 kWh battery, develops 204 hp and would be capable to make journeys of 450 km. But the brand does not intend to stop there, and a four-wheel drive version is already in the cards.
What the brand does not yet officially confirm is that this version will be credited with power and performance hitherto unknown in the segment. We are talking about more than 400 hp and a 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds. Another indiscretion, a larger battery would be under study for this MG4, which will then be able to cross the 500 km in autonomy. If the brand does not yet speak precisely of charging power, it promises on the other hand recover 80% of the battery in 30 minutes. We can therefore count on 135 kW when recharging with direct current. To confirm.
Habitability remains a major argument for electrics, benefiting from a very specific interior layout. This MG4 is no exception to the rule and goes even further by providing more space, on all axes. If the legroom is always convincing in a zero-emission vehicle, the roof guard suffers from the location of the batteries. Floors and bases generally high. But it is not the case here. The MG4 benefits from a particularly thin battery (11 cm high, compared to 14 for an ID.3), to offer remarkable roof guard, much more generous than on board its German rival, yet 6 cm higher.
An electric and inexpensive MG4?
It was in town, in the maze of the Italian capital and on the surrounding roads, that we were able to briefly take the wheel of this compact, between two measurements taken by the engineers. Right in the center of Rome, between the Colosseum and the entrance to the Vatican, the cobblestones, the tram rails and the very uneven road surface have paradoxically highlighted the very good level of comfort of this MG4. Progressive damping (conventional spring, piloted suspension not being offered) made up moreover with rims in a reasonable 17-inch format. Light steering, good peripheral visibility and above all an ultra-short turning circle make it a rather talented city girl.
Outside the ramparts of the Roman city, the MG4 benefits from the solid performance that one is entitled to expect from an electric vehicle (we are trying the 64 kWh, 204 hp version). On winding roads and at a more dynamic pace, the Chinese compact reveals a behavior that is pleasant to say the least. Taking advantage of a particularly low center of gravity and50:50 weight distribution, this rival of the ID.3 and Mégane E-Tech has nothing to envy to its competitors, quite the contrary. Led by a precise front axle, itself controlled by a rather direct, stable and fairly agile steering, the MG4 surprises and reassures at the same time. More engaging to lead than an ID.3 but without offering the well-felt dynamism of the French car, this newcomer demonstrates an unexpected mastery on the road.
An MG4 which therefore seems well born, and which risks above all throwing a huge stone in the fed up of electric compacts in Europe. Indeed, the brand aims to offer an access ticket for less than €30,000. A price that should go up around €35,000 for the version with the large battery and an already generous equipment. A strong argument, which places this MG4 at the prices of rivals in the lower segment (Peugeot e-208, Renault Zoé) or even against traditional thermal compacts.
