The new MG4 all-electric hatchback was revealed by a regulator in China. It is larger than the previous version and has a brand-new design. This might signal that the company decided to start all over again with its entry-level EV, as current MG4 sales are very low in China.
MG is a former British automaker acquired by the state-owned SAIC Motor in 2005. Its EVs are not very popular in China, but they sell quite well overseas, such as in India, Thailand, and the EU.
The new hatchback has dimensions 4395/1842/1551 mm (length/width/height) and a wheelbase of 2,750 mm.
For comparison, the previous MG4 has dimensions 4287/1836/1516 mm and a wheelbase of 2,705 mm. The new MG4 is larger in all directions β 108 mm longer, and its wheelbase is 45 mm longer. This suggests it is not just a regular facelift but basically a whole new model.
Moreover, it has a redesigned front, doors, and rear end, and the greenhouse (structure between A and C pillars) has been reworked. The overall design looks like MG got inspiration from MG3 and made it bigger with some elements from Cyberster.
In the rear, MG4 features a wide light strip, and the lights have an arrow shape, like those on MG Cyberster.
MG4 is powered by a TZ180XS1001 electric motor with a peak output of 120 kW and a top speed of 160 km/h. The curb weight is 1,485 kg.
For comparison, the current MG4 has a slightly more powerful 125 kW motor but is heavier, with a curb weight of 1,641 kg.
The battery pack will have a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery from Rept Battero Energy. The capacity wasnβt disclosed yet.
The information was revealed by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), which publishes a list of vehicles for approval every month. No car can be sold in China without MIIT approval, and being listed is one of the last steps before the car hits the market.
To make things more confusing, MG applied for two more badges for this car β MG3 and E5. Automakers often do it to either confuse people or because they are simply not yet sure about the final name, so it is better to have more options
MG4 doesnβt sell well in China. It started deliveries in mid-2022 and had short-term success, which faded away with the new year. So brutal is the Chinese EV war. And no wonder, as an entry-level hatchback, MG4 is standing against BYD Dolphin, Wuling Bingo, or Geely Geely Xingyuan. In February, MG4 sold only 13 units in China.
In February, MG brand sold 7,002 cars in China, up 17.6% year-over-year. The deliveries were powered by MG5, which was responsible for 75% of MG sales and MG7, which contributed 20%. Both are ICE vehicles.
