With its introductory price of less than €30,000 (excluding bonuses), the MG4 breaks prices on the electric vehicle market. What is the top-of-the-range Luxury model worth at less than €36,000? Response after a week at the wheel.
During our first test of the MG4 Standard of 51 kWh in October 2022, we were very pleasantly surprised by the excellent price/performance ratio of this 100% electric compact. Our first test with measurements of the 64 kWh Luxury version also demonstrated that it was largely on a par with its European competitors. We were therefore looking forward to getting it back in hand on a long-term one-week test with a return trip from Paris to Strasbourg in more demanding weather conditions.
An original and well motorized MG4.
If the first Chinese cars imported into Europe lacked originality and were clumsily inspired by European productions, the MG4 completely changes the situation. The Chinese compact from SAIC flying the English flag displays a style with sharp lines with a pointed front end and a massive rear part which is certainly not unanimous but gives it a real personality. In its Luxury version, the MG4 is based on 17-inch rims (covered by hubcaps) and receives remote LED turn signals in the front bumper as well as a grille with active shutters to promote aerodynamics or cooling. At the rear, the prominent optical unit acting as a spoiler adds decorative LEDs while the roof includes two additional fins. The Luxury version also incorporates electrically folding mirrors. On the mechanical side, this model uses a brand new “skateboard” type platform with the battery pack in the center of the floor and a motor integrated in the rear axle. The permanent magnet synchronous motor identical to that of the standard version offers the same torque value of 250 Nm but its power goes from 170 to 204 hp. The battery pack is also different since it is based on NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) type cells with a capacity of 64 gross kWh, i.e. 61.7 useful kWh, while the standard version is content with 51 gross kWh with LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) type cells.
A richly endowed and well-built MG4
In addition to its original design, the MG4 can count on rigorous manufacturing quality with thick seals and regular and precise bodywork and furniture adjustments. The paint is perfectly applied even in the underframes and the sound of the doors when closing remains very qualitative. On board, the rigid plastics on the top of the storm doors affect the perceived quality, but the dashboard is adorned with padded materials and the numerous storage spaces incorporate a non-slip coating (except the small glove box unfortunately). Glossy black veneers leave fingerprints like mirrored screens. On the multimedia side, the small touch screen does not offer exemplary responsiveness, the ergonomics of certain controls is not always obvious and it is absolutely necessary to connect your smartphone with a wire to benefit from Apple Car Play or Android Auto. But only Teslas or vehicles with Google Automotive (like the Renault Megane or Volvos) do better. The 6-hp car radio broadcasts a clear tone with fairly strong bass that does not saturate but does not have a “fader” to distribute the sound. On the upholstery side, this Luxury version is adorned with a rather basic fabric and imitation leather covering which is not really more rewarding than the fabric covering of the standard version. As for the electrical adjustments, they are reserved for the driver who cannot even adjust the lumbar support. The main shortcoming, however, remains the lack of height adjustment on the passenger side.
A very welcoming MG4
Thanks to its generous size for a compact (4.29 m long and 1.84 m wide), the MG4 provides good roominess with a width at the elbows much greater than that of an electric Renault Mégane. The rear legroom is also very generous and the well-padded central seat allows the transport of three adults in the back. The very wide rear doors with large tinted windows facilitate access on board. Too bad there is no grab handle, ventilation nozzles or even lighting. The trunk announced for 363 liters on the Standard version increases to 350 liters on the Luxury which incorporates a Subwoofer under its floor. An average volume compared to that of a Renault Megane which announces 440 liters. But in fact, if the trunk of the MG4 is less dug, it is deeper and above all more practical thanks to its lower threshold and its removable floor. It is also wider behind the wheel arches and helps to form a flat surface once the bench seatbacks have been folded down. The double bottom is not huge but sufficient to house its type 2 cable. On the other hand, there is no trunk at the front where the standard heat pump takes up a large part of the space under the bonnet.
The pleasant and powerful MG4 Luxury
Thanks to its low center of gravity and optimal weight distribution, the MG4 provides excellent driving pleasure. In worthy propulsion, it provides excellent traction when exiting corners and can even be playful. The well-calibrated steering is coupled with a progressive and fairly biting brake pedal which gives a natural feel and good progressiveness. Regenerative braking offers four types of settings, including an automatic mode, but remains fairly weak and does not allow the vehicle to come to a complete stop. In addition, a slight lag time is felt between taking your foot off the accelerator and slowing down the vehicle. Less pleasant than in a Kia, a Hyundai or a Renault Megane. The suspensions, on the other hand, provide a good compromise between maintaining the body and filtering out roughness. Sporty driving enthusiasts will no doubt find them floaty, but body roll and pitch remain limited. And if the followers of old Citroën will judge it a little dry at low speed, the shock absorbers do not knock on their stops even when taking a nasty speed bump with five people on board. The rear passengers of a Tesla Model 3 or a Megane will be shaken more. On long journeys, the level of comfort seemed very satisfactory to us, even if we would have liked to have had more lumbar support. In terms of soundproofing, rolling noise is heard more than aerodynamic noise, which is rather well contained even above 130 km/h. Officially restrained to 160 km/h, the MG4 easily reaches 170 km/h on the meter (168 km/h on the GPS) and provides clear pick-ups. The acceleration given for 7.9 s on the 0-100 km/h is sufficient to start promptly and remains constant even unloaded as noted Soufyane during her first try.
A greedy but fast to load MG4.
During its test in Aix en Provence in October, Soufyane had noted a very correct consumption of 23.7 kWh / 100 km at 130 km / h. But during our journey between Paris and Strasbourg in January at night in the rain, our MG4 proved to be much more voracious with an average of 27.5 kWh/100 km. Even in town, we struggled to go below 19 kWh per 100 km, whereas Soufyane was able to display 15 kWh/100 km. Note, however, that we had left the air conditioning on throughout the week and especially the battery preheating system which proves to be energy-intensive and whose disconnection button is hidden in a sub-menu. Finally, our autonomy on the motorway was limited to 210 km, which required us to make three 20-minute stops between Paris and Strasbourg to recharge at very expensive direct current motorway terminals (0.70 cents per kWh). That said, the MG4 Luxury charges quickly. Although the manufacturer announces a maximum charging power of 135 kW, we have reached 142 kW on several occasions and the power remains high until the battery reaches 50%. Then the drop in power remains gradual, which allows you to fill up from 10 to 80% in 30 minutes.
Bugs to fix on the first MG4s
During our one-week test, we noted some youthful flaws of which the manufacturer is aware and which he intends to correct with remote updates or workshop returns. The first downside concerns the driving aids, which lack fluidity and precision. The line keeping aid tends to pull too far to the right and requires forcing on the steering to correct the trajectory which makes it very uncomfortable. The heating also lacks precision and requires choosing a higher temperature (28° for 21°) and switching on the air conditioning to operate. Another display concern is the pressure sensor which refuses to reset after a tire change and the on-board computer whose consumption cannot exceed 28.9 kWh. Finally, we noted that the alternating current (AC) charging interrupted each time the doors were unlocked. Very painful especially on public terminals! Hence the importance of being well connected to the car through the smartphone application in order to be able to monitor the charge remotely.
The MG4 Luxury sold off and guaranteed for 7 years
Billed €35,990 in its Luxury finish, the MG4 claims €10,810 less than a Renault Megane EV60 with an equivalent level of equipment. An astronomical difference that the French can in no way justify even if its multimedia system, its regenerative braking and its driving aids are more advanced. The MG4 is indeed just as comfortable, offers a fairly close autonomy, comparable driving pleasure and better habitability. Added to this is a 7-year or 150,000 km warranty and a network of more than 130 dealerships in France. Note that the Standard version with the small 51 kWh battery is available from €29,990 with a good level of equipment, while the Comfort version of 63 kWh starts at €33,990. Claims much more in line with the purchasing power of households than those proposed by European manufacturers who increase their prices so as not to overshadow their thermal offer.
Read also
Video test – MG4 Luxury: electric at the right price
With its introductory price of less than €30,000 (excluding bonuses), the MG4 breaks prices on the electric vehicle market. What is the top-of-the-range Luxury model worth at less than €36,000? Response after a week at the wheel.
During our first test of the MG4 Standard of 51 kWh in October 2022, we were very pleasantly surprised by the excellent price/performance ratio of this 100% electric compact. Our first test with measurements of the 64 kWh Luxury version also demonstrated that it was largely on a par with its European competitors. We were therefore looking forward to getting it back in hand on a long-term one-week test with a return trip from Paris to Strasbourg in more demanding weather conditions.
An original and well motorized MG4.
If the first Chinese cars imported into Europe lacked originality and were clumsily inspired by European productions, the MG4 completely changes the situation. The Chinese compact from SAIC flying the English flag displays a style with sharp lines with a pointed front end and a massive rear part which is certainly not unanimous but gives it a real personality. In its Luxury version, the MG4 is based on 17-inch rims (covered by hubcaps) and receives remote LED turn signals in the front bumper as well as a grille with active shutters to promote aerodynamics or cooling. At the rear, the prominent optical unit acting as a spoiler adds decorative LEDs while the roof includes two additional fins. The Luxury version also incorporates electrically folding mirrors. On the mechanical side, this model uses a brand new “skateboard” type platform with the battery pack in the center of the floor and a motor integrated in the rear axle. The permanent magnet synchronous motor identical to that of the standard version offers the same torque value of 250 Nm but its power goes from 170 to 204 hp. The battery pack is also different since it is based on NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) type cells with a capacity of 64 gross kWh, i.e. 61.7 useful kWh, while the standard version is content with 51 gross kWh with LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) type cells.
A richly endowed and well-built MG4
In addition to its original design, the MG4 can count on rigorous manufacturing quality with thick seals and regular and precise bodywork and furniture adjustments. The paint is perfectly applied even in the underframes and the sound of the doors when closing remains very qualitative. On board, the rigid plastics on the top of the storm doors affect the perceived quality, but the dashboard is adorned with padded materials and the numerous storage spaces incorporate a non-slip coating (except the small glove box unfortunately). Glossy black veneers leave fingerprints like mirrored screens. On the multimedia side, the small touch screen does not offer exemplary responsiveness, the ergonomics of certain controls is not always obvious and it is absolutely necessary to connect your smartphone with a wire to benefit from Apple Car Play or Android Auto. But only Teslas or vehicles with Google Automotive (like the Renault Megane or Volvos) do better. The 6-hp car radio broadcasts a clear tone with fairly strong bass that does not saturate but does not have a “fader” to distribute the sound. On the upholstery side, this Luxury version is adorned with a rather basic fabric and imitation leather covering which is not really more rewarding than the fabric covering of the standard version. As for the electrical adjustments, they are reserved for the driver who cannot even adjust the lumbar support. The main shortcoming, however, remains the lack of height adjustment on the passenger side.
A very welcoming MG4
Thanks to its generous size for a compact (4.29 m long and 1.84 m wide), the MG4 provides good roominess with a width at the elbows much greater than that of an electric Renault Mégane. The rear legroom is also very generous and the well-padded central seat allows the transport of three adults in the back. The very wide rear doors with large tinted windows facilitate access on board. Too bad there is no grab handle, ventilation nozzles or even lighting. The trunk announced for 363 liters on the Standard version increases to 350 liters on the Luxury which incorporates a Subwoofer under its floor. An average volume compared to that of a Renault Megane which announces 440 liters. But in fact, if the trunk of the MG4 is less dug, it is deeper and above all more practical thanks to its lower threshold and its removable floor. It is also wider behind the wheel arches and helps to form a flat surface once the bench seatbacks have been folded down. The double bottom is not huge but sufficient to house its type 2 cable. On the other hand, there is no trunk at the front where the standard heat pump takes up a large part of the space under the bonnet.
The pleasant and powerful MG4 Luxury
Thanks to its low center of gravity and optimal weight distribution, the MG4 provides excellent driving pleasure. In worthy propulsion, it provides excellent traction when exiting corners and can even be playful. The well-calibrated steering is coupled with a progressive and fairly biting brake pedal which gives a natural feel and good progressiveness. Regenerative braking offers four types of settings, including an automatic mode, but remains fairly weak and does not allow the vehicle to come to a complete stop. In addition, a slight lag time is felt between taking your foot off the accelerator and slowing down the vehicle. Less pleasant than in a Kia, a Hyundai or a Renault Megane. The suspensions, on the other hand, provide a good compromise between maintaining the body and filtering out roughness. Sporty driving enthusiasts will no doubt find them floaty, but body roll and pitch remain limited. And if the followers of old Citroën will judge it a little dry at low speed, the shock absorbers do not knock on their stops even when taking a nasty speed bump with five people on board. The rear passengers of a Tesla Model 3 or a Megane will be shaken more. On long journeys, the level of comfort seemed very satisfactory to us, even if we would have liked to have had more lumbar support. In terms of soundproofing, rolling noise is heard more than aerodynamic noise, which is rather well contained even above 130 km/h. Officially restrained to 160 km/h, the MG4 easily reaches 170 km/h on the meter (168 km/h on the GPS) and provides clear pick-ups. The acceleration given for 7.9 s on the 0-100 km/h is sufficient to start promptly and remains constant even unloaded as noted Soufyane during her first try.
A greedy but fast to load MG4.
During its test in Aix en Provence in October, Soufyane had noted a very correct consumption of 23.7 kWh / 100 km at 130 km / h. But during our journey between Paris and Strasbourg in January at night in the rain, our MG4 proved to be much more voracious with an average of 27.5 kWh/100 km. Even in town, we struggled to go below 19 kWh per 100 km, whereas Soufyane was able to display 15 kWh/100 km. Note, however, that we had left the air conditioning on throughout the week and especially the battery preheating system which proves to be energy-intensive and whose disconnection button is hidden in a sub-menu. Finally, our autonomy on the motorway was limited to 210 km, which required us to make three 20-minute stops between Paris and Strasbourg to recharge at very expensive direct current motorway terminals (0.70 cents per kWh). That said, the MG4 Luxury charges quickly. Although the manufacturer announces a maximum charging power of 135 kW, we have reached 142 kW on several occasions and the power remains high until the battery reaches 50%. Then the drop in power remains gradual, which allows you to fill up from 10 to 80% in 30 minutes.
Bugs to fix on the first MG4s
During our one-week test, we noted some youthful flaws of which the manufacturer is aware and which he intends to correct with remote updates or workshop returns. The first downside concerns the driving aids, which lack fluidity and precision. The line keeping aid tends to pull too far to the right and requires forcing on the steering to correct the trajectory which makes it very uncomfortable. The heating also lacks precision and requires choosing a higher temperature (28° for 21°) and switching on the air conditioning to operate. Another display concern is the pressure sensor which refuses to reset after a tire change and the on-board computer whose consumption cannot exceed 28.9 kWh. Finally, we noted that the alternating current (AC) charging interrupted each time the doors were unlocked. Very painful especially on public terminals! Hence the importance of being well connected to the car through the smartphone application in order to be able to monitor the charge remotely.
The MG4 Luxury sold off and guaranteed for 7 years
Billed €35,990 in its Luxury finish, the MG4 claims €10,810 less than a Renault Megane EV60 with an equivalent level of equipment. An astronomical difference that the French can in no way justify even if its multimedia system, its regenerative braking and its driving aids are more advanced. The MG4 is indeed just as comfortable, offers a fairly close autonomy, comparable driving pleasure and better habitability. Added to this is a 7-year or 150,000 km warranty and a network of more than 130 dealerships in France. Note that the Standard version with the small 51 kWh battery is available from €29,990 with a good level of equipment, while the Comfort version of 63 kWh starts at €33,990. Claims much more in line with the purchasing power of households than those proposed by European manufacturers who increase their prices so as not to overshadow their thermal offer.
Read also
Video test – MG4 Luxury: electric at the right price
