MG4 makes electric affordable

May 20, 2023

Protecting the planet doesn’t have to cost the earth.

That much is true with the all-new MG4, which has arrived in Australian showrooms as one of the most affordable electric cars ever.

Since relaunching in Australia in 2017, MG quickly established itself as one of the fastest-growing automotive brands and, since then, has cemented its position among the most popular car makers in the country with a range of stylish and feature-packed vehicles that offer Australians the opportunity for great value on a brand-new car.

MG has also been a leader in empowering the transition to zero-emission transport by offering some of the most affordable fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles – the MG ZS EV and MG HS Plus EV SUVs respectively.

Now, it is set to build on those foundations with the MG4 – the newest model to soon launch locally – as the company’s first fully electric vehicle built on its new and dedicated EV platform.

Let’s take a closer look at the MG4 to discover more about what makes it such remarkable value, and how it is potentially more economical to own than a similar-sized hatchback with an internal combustion engine.

As we’ve already mentioned, the MG4 is one of the most affordable EVs ever sold in Australia with a starting price of just $38,990 (plus on-road costs) for the entry-level Excite 51 with a 51kWh battery pack.

This makes the MG4 the company’s most affordable EV, being the lower-priced alternative to the small SUV-sized MG ZS EV, which was for a long time Australia’s lowest priced entry point into the portal of electric cars, showing that MG is focused on making electric cars attainable for all Australians and supporting the EV transition across the nation.

The Excite 51 is the first in the line-up of four available variants of the MG4, the others being the Excite 64 with 64kWh battery, priced from $44,990 (plus ORCs), and two top-trim models – the Essence 64 , with 64kWh battery, from $47,990 (plus ORCs), and the Long Range 77, with 77kWh battery, from $55,990 (plus ORCs).

And we have recently caught wind of a flagship performance X-Power model with dual electric motors and up to 300kW of power, recently confirmed in the UK market, which MG Australia is also currently evaluating for our local market.

However, with an array of government incentives on offer, there is potential for further value in most Australian states, as all four currently confirmed variants of the MG4 fall under the threshold for state government electric vehicle rebates, where available.

At present, Queensland offers the most generous incentive to transition to EVs, with eligible buyers receiving up to $6000 cash back. This covers the entry-level MG4 Excite 51, and now puts an EV on the list of options for Australians looking for an affordable and zippy hot hatch – buyers who would otherwise have looked towards the likes of a few popular petrol hatchbacks from other reputable brands.

The MG4 is also eligible for a $3000 rebate to buyers in NSW and SA, and $3500 in WA.

In Queensland , NSW, Tasmania, the ACT, and the NT there are exemptions – or discounts – for stamp duty fees, and in some regions there is free registration for electric vehicles, which further adds to the value equation when buying an MG4.

And for business fleets, or employees who can salary sacrifice the cost of a vehicle through a novated lease scheme, the MG4 is applicable for the federal government’s Electric Car Discount, which abolishes any Fringe Benefits Tax payments.

As the MG4 has been designed from the ground up as a dedicated electric vehicle, it is the first MG model to utilise the company’s innovative new Modular Scalable Platform (MSP).

This has allowed the engineers to create a series of efficient powertrain solutions to suit the individual model variants built around the same fundamental backbone.

All four MG4 variants feature a new lightweight battery pack mounted under the floor of the vehicle, giving each of them a perfect 50:50 weight distribution and low centre of gravity for improved dynamics while also maximising interior space. And all current models are powered by a rear-mounted electric motor that drives the back axle.

The entry-level Excite 51 with the 51kWh battery pack produces 125kW of power, has an estimated driving range of 350km, and a maximum DC charging rate of 88kW.

With the larger 64kWh battery pack, both the Excite 64 and Essence 64 models feature a more powerful 150kW motor, increased maximum charging rate of 140kW, and can travel up to 450km on a single charge.

The Long Range 77 offers more performance across the board. It has a 180kW motor that allows it to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in just 6.5 seconds – making it as quick as some petrol-powered hot hatches – while its 77kWh battery provides it with an estimated driving range of up to 530km.

MG claims the 64kWh models can replenish their battery between 10 to 80 per cent in less than 30 minutes when using a 150kW rapid charger.

As mentioned, the Modular Scalable Platform ensures the MG4’s cabin is optimised for interior space and the comfort of its occupants.

While the overall footprint of the car is around the same size as a conventional small hatchback, the cabin offers space that is comparable to a medium-sized SUV, with generous levels of head and leg room for five adult occupants as well as myriad convenient storage solutions.

The MG4’s sharp exterior styling not only introduces a stunning new, athletic design language from MG’s Advanced Design Team in London but boasts the latest in innovative aerodynamics to improve efficiency, which, in turn, increases driving range. Some key highlights include the MG4’s unique twin aero rear spoiler on top-trim Essence 64 and Long Range 77 models, an all-new LED rear light design and wind-cheating 17-inch (Excite 51 and Excite 64 models) and 18-inch aero covers on alloy wheels (Essence 64 and Long Range 77 models).

The MG4 is offered in a range of distinctive colour options including the standard tone (Dover White), three metallics (Black Pearl, Camden Grey, and Sterling Silver), and standout tri-coat colours (Brixton Blue, Diamond Red and Volcano Orange). Top-trim models feature a unique two-tone black roof that also brings a unique rear centre light bar constellation design.

Cementing the MG4’s value for money, all models come with a long list of standard equipment and the latest in cutting-edge safety features.

In Excite trims, the MG4 has luxury conveniences like climate control air conditioning, keyless entry with push-button start, power windows, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and twin digital displays – a configurable 7.0-inch instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen for infotainment with smartphone mirroring for Apple and Android mobile devices.

Stepping up, the top-trim Essence 64 and Long Range 77 brings PU leather and fabric trim, electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, heated front seats, wireless phone charging, satellite navigation, a premium six-speaker audio system and a 360-degree parking camera.

All models feature a suite of advanced MG Pilot safety systems, including adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, traffic jam assist, forward collision warning and lane keeping assistance. The Essence 64 and Long Range 77 models build on that with additional functions such as blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, door opening warning, emergency lane keeping assistance and lane change assist.

The MG4 helps drive your dollar further long after you have driven it out of the showroom, potentially attracting lower ownership costs than similar-sized, petrol-powered alternatives.

On top of being eligible for a variety of state and federal government rebates, including those states that offer free registration, the MG4 has been designed to offer low running costs and affordable maintenance.

If you’re savvy on how, when and where you recharge the battery pack of the MG4, this electric car can cost appreciably less to refuel than a petrol vehicle.

This variance can be further increased with an investment in renewable energy, such as solar power and battery storage, at home or the office.

To maximise this, MG offers cost-effective home charging solutions with the MG Charge Hub, an elegant, award-winning wall charger that is easy to install, has RFID card access for greater security and can be connected to the internet via Wi-Fi, 4G or ethernet. The MG Charge Hub is currently available in both 7kW and 11kW outputs.

Lastly, all MG models in Australia, including the all-new MG4, are covered by a factory seven-year warranty, offering buyers more peace of mind than many other mainstream car makers.

So, there you go, the MG4 proves that protecting the planet doesn’t have to cost the earth.

For more information on the all-new MG4, visit the MG website.

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