The MG 4 EV is part of a dedicated EV platform that offers impressive range options, quick charge times, and more techy gadgets than you can shake a stick at, so it is an awesome alternative to internal combustion vehicles.
This comprehensive guide covers the MG 4 EV variants, specifications, performance, charging infrastructure, safety features, liveability, pricing, ownership costs, pros and cons, and its future, and should assist you in deciding if this EV is appropriate for your lifestyle.
Why Choose the MG 4 EV?
The MG 4 EV has a unique approach to the EV segment, delivering stylish and practical features. It’s built on a Modular Scalable Platform with a low center of gravity of 490 mm and a 50:50 weight distribution, promoting stability and handling properties when driving, especially on winding roads. It’s battery system is a “One Pack”, which is only 110 mm thick maximum, and use the best efficiency of its interior space with the ability to support swappable battery technology—a potential game changer for the future of EV ownership.
MG 4 EV Variants and Specifications
The MG 4 EV comes in multiple variants, which have different driving requirements and prices:
- Standard Range, which has a 49-51 kWh battery and is rated for a 218-425 km range (WLTP certified). The Standard Range gets you a single electric motor producing around 170 PS (125 kW) and roughly 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds.
- Long Range, which is fitted with a 64 kWh battery and rated for a 281-435 km range. It has a 204 PS (150 kW) electric motor and can achieve 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds, making it a better option for intercity travel and a more efficient battery.
- Extended Range: Those looking for range and likely travelling more distance than speed will opt for Extended Range, features a 77 kWh battery with 520 km’s of range available to users. Offering 245 PS (180 kW), it will reach 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, ideal for longer distance drivers enjoying the drive as they travel.
- XPower: High performance variant, has a 64 kWh battery dual electric motors producing 435 PS (320 kW) and 350 Nm of torque. The vehicle achieves 0-100 km/h in the thrilling time of 3.8 seconds, includes all-wheel drive technology to maximize traction for performance interested drivers.
It uses a rear-wheel drive (RWD) platform, with a variety of options including LED headlights, a twin aero rear spoiler and on some trims, a dynamic two-tone black roof. Because of its long wheelbase (2,707 mm) and short overhangs, the headroom and legroom available is maximized. The lightweight construction (1570 kg) provides agility.
Performance and Driving Experience
The MG 4 EV provides a lively driving experience with its immediate electric torque enabling sharp handling. In XPower specification, it is faster than the Volkswagen Golf R 333, reaching 0-100 km/h in 3.8 versus 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of 180 km/h (electronically limited). The Kinetic Energy Recycling System (KERS) offers three levels of regenerative braking—light, moderate, and heavy—allowing for the recovery of energy thus extending the range and improving control, particularly in traffic.
TThe MG 4 EV offers battery options of 49 kWh, 64 kWh, and 77 kWh, all using CATL-supplied cells with Cell-to-Pack (CTP) technology to enhance energy density and life span. Charging information.
Standard Charging – A 7.4 kW home charger or normal wall plug takes 6-8 hours to achieve a complete charge which is great for overnights.
Battery and Charging
The MG 4 EV offers three battery choices, 49 kWh, 64 kWh, and 77 kWh, with CATL battery cells using Cell-to-Pack (CTP) technology to improve energy density and battery life. In terms of charging:
- Standard Charging – A 7.4 kW home charger or normal wall socket will take 6-8 hours to fully charge the battery.
- Fast Charging: With a 150 kW DC ultra-fast charger, the 64 kWh battery charges from 10% to 80% in 35 minutes, while the 77 kWh version takes around 40 minutes. The XPower and higher trims can achieve this in 26 minutes under optimal conditions (e.g., 20-25°C temperature).
- Real-World Considerations: Range numbers and charging times will vary from factors such as the weather, driving style, battery degradation (typically 5-10% after 5 years), and accessory use (bumped on the heat or AC).
Safety
The MG 4 EV is equipped with the MG Pilot advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), standard across all variants:
- Active Emergency Braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane Keep Assist with Departure Warning
- Traffic Jam Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control for highway ease
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and High Beam Assist
- Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (available on Trophy and XPower trims)
Six airbags, a high-strength steel body, and an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) enhance safety.
Also Read: MG Cyberster: The Ultimate Electric Roadster
Interior and Comfort
The MG 4 EV makes the most of its space with its thin battery technology and long wheelbase. It has a lot of space with lots of legroom (up to 1,050 mm in the rear) and headroom. The minimalist cockpit has a floating centre console, slim air conditioning vents, and two spoke steering wheel – all with integrated controls. In higher trims, like Trophy, the car features leather or vegan leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated steering wheel and ambient lighting with different colours to choose from.
The 2024 edit offered a refresh with the common comforts of improved materials (soft-touch plastics), a better infotainment system (perceived lag issues mitigated), and storage space (363 liters with rear seats up, 1177 liters with rear seats folded). The optional panoramic sunroof and wireless charging pad are great additions that provide comfort.
Pricing and Ownership Costs
Prices in India for the MG 4 EV start around ₹25 lakh for the Standard Range and go up to around ₹35 lakh for XPower, based on region, taxes, and optional extras. On-road prices will have registration, road tax, and insurance costs and will range from ₹27 lakh to ₹38 lakh depending on the city (e.g., Mumbai ). Ownership costs are reduced by:
- Financial Incentives: A 0% APR financing option with a 30% deposit and potential EV subsidies (e.g., ₹3,000 off in some markets).
- Warranty and Support: A 10-year/160,000 km battery warranty and 5-year roadside assistance.
- Running Costs: Lower than conventional ICE vehicles, vehicle maintenance costs are typically incurred annually, on a 12-month or 15,000 km basis, generally costing you somewhere in the region of ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 every year. Overall, a little cost pinch!
Conclusions
The MG 4 EV is exceptionally different across electric hatchbacks in India with all the offerings spanning the Standard Range variant to the high-performance XPower. There is a lot to like here, with a new EV platform, safety and comfort-focused design, an roomy cabin, and expanding charging infrastructure. There is something for everybody! The MG4 EV is practical for city commuting as well for long range travelling selecting the Standard Range version, and yet for the performance seekers, going for the performance version means there is no compromise on style, sustainability or efficiency.
