Review: MG4
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MG4 EV Review
MG has shed its old-school skin of late to emerge as one of the UK’s leading electrification-focused brands. These days, people head MG’s way when they want cutting-edge technology at a budget-friendly price and the MG4 - which is the car we’re looking at today - has been core to that revolution.
It isn’t an area of the market that it has to itself, mind you. The ever-increasing small EV segment is now packed with options, so why should you be looking at the MG4? We’ve been checking it out to see.
What’s new?
You can get the MG4 is two different flavours - Standard Range and Long Range. The former has a 51.1kWh battery and a range of up to 218 miles, while the latter - which is the one we’re testing - has a larger 64kWh battery which inlocks a range of 281 miles, or 270 miles in our more powerful Trophy-spec model.
In fact, the Trophy taps into an impressive 200bhp and 250Nm of torque, which results in a 7.7 second 0-60mph time and a top speed of 100mph
What’s new?
MG has kitted the MG4 out with a new platform that will go on to be used on a number of its other cars in the future. A rear-wheel-drive setup and an ultra-thin battery means it’s able to maximise interior space without being too large outside.
Obviously, one of the key draws to the MG4 is its striking design, but it has also been created to offer a good amount of range and equipment at a more affordable price - it’s a method which has seen MG undercut many of its key rivals by considerable margins.
What’s under the bonnet?
You can get the MG4 is two different flavours - Standard Range and Long Range. The former has a 51.1kWh battery and a range of up to 218 miles, while the latter - which is the one we’re testing - has a larger 64kWh battery which inlocks a range of 281 miles, or 270 miles in our more powerful Trophy-spec model.
In fact, the Trophy taps into an impressive 200bhp and 250Nm of torque, which results in a 7.7 second 0-60mph time and a top speed of 100mp
What’s the MG4 like to drive?
From behind the wheel the MG4 feels like a notable departure from this brand’s older models. It’s got spot-on weight distribution so it feels even through the bends, while the instant delivery of torque - something you get on all EVs - adds a level of urgency to the throttle which helps to make the MG4 feel quite exciting through the bends.
You can toggle through loads of different driver modes to adjust the car’s settings and feel, while a decent ride quality ensures that it’s not quite as crashy as some of its rivals. There’s a fair bit of wind and road noise, however, which does interrupt the otherwise quiet interior.
How does it look?
The MG4 is not what you’d call conservative in the styling department. It’s ultra-futuristic from all angles, with sharp lines and plenty of areas to get people talking. It definitely gives no impression that it’s a budget-friendly option, that’s for sure.
On this Trophy model you also get some bonus features, sich as the LED lights which incorporate a racing flag-esque ‘hatched’ pattern, while the twin aero roof spoiler gives it a more dynamic edge. All in, it’s quite an exciting car to look at.
What’s MG4 like inside?
As we’ve seen in some of the MG’s rivals, the interior of the MG4 takes a decidedly stripped-back approach with very few buttons and the use of a large central touchscreen as a main point of control between driver and the car’s settings. However, it’s all very slick looking but it’s backed up by some decent space, with the cubby underneath the drive selector being a particularly useful addition. We even quite like the squared-off steering wheel which gives the MG4 another dose of futuristic style.
When it comes to boot space, there’s more than enough on offer. In fact, the 363-litre boot is usefully proportioned and while it’s slightly smaller than the ones in the Volkswagen ID.3 or Nissan Leaf, it’s still a very usable space.
What’s the spec like?
MG hasn’t scrimped on the in-car features here either. All versions get LED front and rear lights, the 10.25-inch touchscreen at the heart of the cabin and a seven-inch digital dashboard which is both clear to read and easy to configure.
Top-spec Trophy-grade cars, like our test example, do bring in further luxuries such as a 360-degree parking camera, wireless smartphone charging and heated front seats. However, there’s no need to feel like you need to go for the tip-top model in order to get the best features, as even entry-level versions come equipped with enough features to keep most drivers happy.
Verdict
It’s hard to not find the MG4 appealing. It’s packed with technology, has a decent range and looks cool from all angles. Against its rivals it does well to stand out and not only through its eye-catching looks; it’s well-made and feels pleasantly appointed inside.
We’d like a slightly larger boot, but aside from this small gripe there are very few reasons to not consider the MG4 if you’re in the market for a new EV.
MG4 Lease Deals
Like what you hear? If you're tempted by the new MG4 and are ready to get behind the wheel, we have some unbelievable MG4 electric lease deals available for both personal and business customers. Or if you're looking for a salary sacrifice option we can help there too! View our salary sacrifice car scheme page for more info.
