We’re currently test-driving the all-new MG 4 Essence, equipped with a 64kWh battery and a powerful 150kW motor. We’re taking it through some challenging corners, and it’s handling them with ease. The mid-spec version of the MG 4 is a rear-wheel drive vehicle with a well-designed chassis, making it a fun and enjoyable ride.
MG 4 Excite shown Credit: CarExpert
It’s hard to believe that MG, a brand that entered the Australian market just six years ago with average budget cars, has now introduced an affordable electric hatch. The MG 4 is still priced competitively, starting at under $40k. The design of the MG 4 is the result of a collaboration between the SAIC Design Centre in London, The Royal College of Art, and SAIC headquarters in Shanghai. It is visually appealing from every angle, and even the wheels are interesting.
2023 MG 4 Essence Credit: CarExpert
Underneath its sleek exterior, the MG 4 is built on SAIC’s latest Modular Scalable Platform, which will be used for future electric car models. In addition to that, MG has plans to introduce luxury vehicles. But before we explore those, let’s focus on whether the MG 4 is the best affordable EV option in 2023.
What is the pricing of the MG 4? The MG 4 range offers three battery sizes and two trims, with prices starting at $38,990 for the Excite 51, which comes with a 51kWh battery and a 125kW motor, providing a WLTP range of 350km.
MG 4 Essence shown Credit: CarExpert
The next model in the lineup is the MG 4 Excite 64, priced at $44,990. It has the same features as the Excite 51 but comes with a larger 64kWh battery and a more powerful 150kW motor, providing a range of up to 450km.
Moving up to the top trim level is the MG 4 Essence 64, priced at $47,990. It shares the same battery capacity as the Excite 64 but has a slightly lower range of 435km. It is equipped with a 150kW motor.
The highest trim level currently available is the MG 4 Essence 77, priced at $55,990. This model includes a 77kWh battery and a powerful 180kW motor, offering a range of 530km. Please note that a dual-motor MG 4 X-Power is expected to be released in a few months.
Compared to other electric vehicles in Australia, the MG 4 is the second-cheapest option, only behind the BYD Dolphin, which starts at $38,890 but offers a smaller battery and lower power and range capabilities.
2023 MG 4 Essence Credit: CarExpert
You can place your order for the MG 4 now, with deliveries scheduled for the same month. BYD is expecting Dolphin orders to be delivered in September/October of this year. There are not many affordable alternatives available, except for the GWM Ora, which has reduced its price to $39,990 but offers a slightly lower EV driving range of 320km.
2023 MG 4 pricing:
MG 4 Excite 51: $38,990
MG 4 Excite 64: $44,990
MG 4 Essence 64: $47,990
MG 4 Essence 77: $55,990
All prices exclude on-road costs.
What is the interior of the MG 4 like? One of the appealing features of electric car interiors is their minimalistic design, and the MG 4 follows suit. Unlike many combustion engine cars, the MG 4 does not have a stop/start button. As long as the key fob is with you, the car is ready to go once you turn the tactile rotary dial to ‘D’ and press the throttle. This allows for quick and silent getaways.
The interior is simple and less distracting than traditional cars, with functionality integrated into the flat-bottom steering wheel. However, the dashboard lacks volume control and air-conditioning operation dials. These functions can be found in the climate-control menu on the 10.25-inch touchscreen, along with volume controls in a set of shortcut buttons below.
2023 MG 4 Essence Credit: CarExpert
The touchscreen is a decent size with good clarity and color. However, it can be slow to respond and may require firm presses. This issue can likely be resolved with some sensor recalibration.
The driver’s seat offers excellent ergonomics, with a comfortable cushioned seat and good bolstering. It is upholstered in a combination of faux leather and fabric. Unfortunately, only the driver’s seat has electric adjustment even in the top-spec Long Range 77 variant. The front passenger seat is manually adjustable and positioned higher than the driver’s seat, which taller passengers should keep in mind.
Most of the materials in the interior are of good quality and there is a good fit and finish. However, there are also hard plastics present below eye-level and on the door cards. But considering the MG 4’s price point, this is a minor drawback. Overall, the interior offers a smart and interesting design that delivers excellent value for money.
The second row is less impressive, with enough space for three adults in terms of leg and headroom. However, there are no air vents or rear-seat armrests, so longer trips may be less comfortable with five passengers.
Measuring at approximately 4287mm in length, the MG 4 offers adequate boot space with 363 litres for the Excite trim and 350 litres for the Essence trim. However, folding the rear seats expands the cargo space to 1177 litres for Excite and 1165 litres for Essence. Charging cables can be stored in the shallow compartment beneath the boot floor.
What powers the MG 4? The entire MG 4 range is rear-wheel drive, which sets it apart from front-wheel drive competitors like the GWM Ora and BYD Dolphin. Moreover, a forthcoming all-wheel drive MG 4 X-Power is expected to be released soon.
The MG 4 Excite 51 features a 51kWh battery pack, providing a claimed driving range of 350km (WLTP). It is equipped with a single, rear-mounted electric motor that generates 125kW of power and 250Nm of torque. The claimed 0-100km/h time is 7.7 seconds.
The Excite 64 and Essence 64 models have a more powerful motor with 150kW and 250Nm. They come with a larger 64kWh battery, offering a WLTP driving range of 450km for Excite and 435km for Essence. However, due to the increased weight of the larger battery, the 0-100km/h time is 7.9 seconds.
The Long Range 77 variant features a bigger 77kWh battery, providing a WLTP range of 530km. It is equipped with a motor that produces 180kW of power and 350Nm of torque. The claimed 0-100km/h time is 6.5 seconds.
The 51kWh battery can be charged using AC and DC charging. DC fast charging is limited to 88kW, and there is also a 6.6kW AC charging speed available.
The 64kWh battery can be charged at up to 140kW using a DC charger. It takes approximately 26 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent at its maximum DC charging rate.
MG 4 energy consumption:
Excite 51: 14.5kWh/100km
Excite 64: 13.7kWh/100km
Essence 64: 14.2kWh/100km
Long Range: 14.0kWh/100km
During our test drive, the 64 Essence model achieved energy consumption as low as 17.6kWh/100km over a distance of approximately 125km, even though it was driven aggressively. The 77 Essence model recorded an energy consumption of 19kWh/100km during the return journey, which included 90 percent motorway driving.
How does the MG 4 perform on the road? During our test drive, we solely focused on the MG 4 Essence 64, and…