| MG4 EV | |
| Manufacturer: | SAIC Motor |
| Model Code: | EH32 |
| Aka: | MG Mulan (China, 2022–2023) |
| Production: | 2022–present |
| Class: | Small family car (C)[1] |
| Body Style: | 5-door hatchback |
| Platform: | Modular Scalable Platform / Nebula[2] |
| Related: | MG ES5 |
| Motor: | Permanent magnet synchronous |
| Wheelbase: | 27051NaN1 |
| Length: | 42871NaN1 |
| Width: | 18361NaN1 |
| Height: | 1504– |
| Weight: | 1635– |
| Sp: | uk |
The MG4 EV or MG4 Electric is a battery electric small family car (C-segment) produced by the Chinese automotive manufacturer SAIC Motor under the British MG marque. First released in June 2022 as the MG Mulan in China (later renamed to MG4 EV in August 2023),[3] it was introduced in Europe in July 2022.[4]
The MG4 EV is the first vehicle to be based on SAIC's battery-electric Modular Scalable Platform (marketed as the Nebula platform in China). It adopts a hatchback body style with rear-wheel drive layout. Since 2023, a performance-focused version became available as the MG4 XPower.
The MG4 EV was developed under the codename EH32.[5] It was developed as a global model with the European market set as the primary target.[6] The model was part of a collaboration between SAIC Motor Design Center in Shanghai, the Advanced Design Studio in London and the Royal College of Art.[7] [8]
Based on the Modular Scalable Platform built ground-up specifically for battery electric vehicles, the MG4 EV has a wheelbase longer than typical cars in the segment, short overhangs and only a very short front bonnet. It is claimed to have a 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity of 4901NaN1 for superior handling. The model has an active air intake grille to achieve a low drag coefficient of 0.279.
MG also engineered a thinner and flatter battery compared to typical battery electric vehicles with its "One Pack" battery system (called Rubik's Cube battery system in China), with a cell-to-pack (CTP) technology. The battery is only 1101NaN1 thick for the smallest capacity, which reduces the height of the car. The "One Pack" battery is also designed to be swappable.[9]
A performance-oriented model, the XPower, was introduced in July 2023. The Extended Range model with a 77 kWh battery and a 1800NaN0 motor became available in Europe since August 2023.[10] Since this period, the MG4 EV became equipped with a rear wiper, which was not included previously. Some variants also gained a larger 18-inch wheels with a new design.[11]
An estate / station wagon body style will be released for the European market to replace the MG5 SW EV.[12] [13]
A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive, performance-oriented model of the MG4 EV called XPower has been available since July 2023. It was marketed in China as the MG Mulan Triumph Edition.[14] Exterior changes compared to the standard MG4 include a 18-inch alloy wheels, orange-painted XPower brake calipers, trim accents, and a Racing Green exterior paint option.
The powertrain combines dual electric motors, 1500NaN0 at the front and 1700NaN0 at the rear– for a combined output of 3200NaN0 and 600abbr=onNaNabbr=on of torque. It is equipped with Dynamic Cornering Control System that combines an electronic locking differential with torque vectoring. MG claimed a 0– acceleration figure in 3.8 seconds. It also uses a modified chassis setup, by using a 25 percent stiffer suspension with recalibrated spring and dampers and stiffer anti-roll-bars, sharper steering, larger 3451NaN1 disc brakes, and a stronger setting for the regenerative braking.[15]
At the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, MG revealed the EX4, a one-off tribute designed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the MG Metro 6R4 rally car of the 1980s.[16] Based on the MG4 XPower and using the same 3200NaN0 dual electric motor powertrain as the XPower, the EX4 was designed in collaboration with high performance engineering company RML Group, featuring widened wheel arches, aero disc wheels, a front splitter and a large rear spoiler, much like the original 6R4.[17] The EX4 was driven by BTCC driver Daniel Rowbottom in demonstration runs up the Goodwood hill-climb course.[18]
The MG 4 EV is available with four basic combinations (Standard Range, Long Range, Extended Range and XPower). All models are equipped with batteries supplied by CATL.[19]
| Type | Battery (usable) | Layout | Electric motor | Power | Torque | NaN0NaN0 (claimed) | Range (claimed) | Calendar years | Note | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLTC | NEDC | WLTP | ||||||||||
| Standard Range | 49 kWh LFP | RWD | Rear | 1250NaN0 | 250Nm | 7.7 seconds | 4150NaN0 | 4230NaN0 | N/A | 2023–present | China and Thailand | |
| 51 kWh (50.8) LFP | 1250NaN0 | 250Nm | 7.7 seconds | 4250NaN0 | 4250NaN0 | 3500NaN0 | 2022–present | |||||
| Long Range | 64 kWh (61.7) NMC lithium-ion | 990NaN0 | 250Nm | 8.5 seconds | N/A | N/A | 4500NaN0 | 2024–present | Singapore and Nepal only | |||
| 1500NaN0 | 250Nm | 7.9 seconds | N/A | N/A | 4500NaN0 | 2022–present | 17-inch wheels | |||||
| 5200NaN0 | 5400NaN0 | 4350NaN0 | 2022–present | 18-inch wheels | ||||||||
| Extended Range | 77 kWh (74.4) NMC lithium-ion | 1800NaN0 | 350abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 6.5 seconds | N/A | N/A | 2023–present | |||||
| XPower | 64 kWh (61.7) NMC lithium-ion | AWD | Front | 1500NaN0 | 600abbr=onNaNabbr=on | 3.8 seconds | 4600NaN0 | 4800NaN0 | 2023–present | |||
| Rear | 1700NaN0 | |||||||||||
| Combined: | 3200NaN0 | |||||||||||
| References: [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] | ||||||||||||
The Chinese market model was marketed as the MG Mulan. It was launched in September 2022 and went on sale in November 2022. It was available in 425km (Flagship version) and 520km (Deluxe version) cruising ranges. The 520km range Deluxe version is equipped with Level 2 driving assistance functions.[29] In August 2023, the Mulan was renamed to the MG4 EV, aligning to its export market name.
The European market MG4 EV is available with three battery options, which are 51 kWh LFP battery, 64 kWh NMC lithium-ion marketed as Long Range, and 77 kWh NMC lithium-ion usually marketed as the Extended Range.[30] [31] The MG4 EV XPower introduced in mid-2023 uses the 64 kWh battery and all-wheel drive. The versions are split into several levels of features and trim depending on the market.
In Australia, the MG4 EV went on sale in August 2023.[32] It is sold in five variants with three grades of features and trim, which are Excite with both 51 kWh and 64 kWh battery, Essence with 64 kWh battery, Long Range with 77 kWh battery, and XPower.[33]
The MG4 EV is marketed in Thailand since November 2022,[34] and started being assembled locally a year later in November 2023. During this period, the MG4 EV is available only with a 51 kWh battery, with two grade levels, D and X. In March 2024, MG Motor Thailand adjusted the specifications of the MG4 EV in Thailand by adding the V Long Range trim with a 64 kWh battery. The D and X trims for the 2024 model uses a slightly smaller 49 kWh LFP battery from previously 51 kWh. At the same time, the XPower variant also went on sale. Rear wiper became a standard equipment for the 2024 model.[35]
The MG4 EV was previewed in Indonesia in February 2023 at the 30th Indonesia International Motor Show,[36] and launched on 14 June 2023 with two trims, Ignite and Magnify, identical to the D and X trims in Thailand.[37] In January 2024, MG Motor Indonesia announced the local assembly of the MG4 EV at the SGMW Motor Indonesia plant, and significantly reduced its price. Only the Magnify trim became available since 2024.[38]
The MG4 EV was launched in Singapore on 16 January 2023 at the 2023 Singapore Motor Show, alongside the facelifted ZS EV.[39] In January 2024, a 990NaN0 model with a 64 kWh battery became available, qualifying it for the cheaper Category A Certificate of Entitlement (COE) bracket.[40]
The MG4 EV was launched in the Philippines in October 2023 alongside the Marvel R.[41] The XPower variant was added in April 2024.[42]
The MG4 EV was launched in Malaysia on 27 March 2024 alongside the ZS EV, as part of MG Motor's entry to the country. In Malaysia, the MG4 EV is available with four variants: Standard, Lux, Lux Extended Range and XPower.[43]
The MG4 EV was launched in Mexico on 20 April 2024, with three variants available: Style (51 kWh), Extended Range (77 kWh) and XPower.[44]
The MG4 EV was launched in Taiwan on 13 June 2024, with two variants available. The base model is a 64 kWh variant, and the range-topping model is the XPower.[45]
The MG4 EV was launched in the GCC markets on 19 August 2024. It is available with four variants; STD (51 kWh), COM (64 kWh), LUX (64 kWh and 77 kWh), and XPower (64 kWh).[46]
The MG4 EV has received praise from several UK automotive publications for its balance between affordability, performance, and features. Top Gear highlighted the car's value, stating it "has range, charging, and zippy dynamics" at a lower price compared to competitors like the VW ID.3. However, it noted that the seats could be uncomfortable for larger people, and the infotainment system stutters occasionally.[47] Autocar commended its handling and ride quality but mentioned the cabin noise insulation could be better.[48] The Auto Express review appreciated its affordability, with solid range and driving dynamics, but pointed out the lack of premium materials in the interior as a downside.[49]
In 2023, the MG4 is the second best-selling EV in the United Kingdom, below the Tesla Model Y. With 138,736 units exported from China, the MG4 EV was also the most exported Chinese EV in 2023.[50]
| Year | Sales | Total production | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | UK | Germany | Thailand | Australia | |||
| 2022 | 2,685[51] | 37,562[52] | |||||
| 2023 | 11,186[53] | 21,715[54] | 13,263[55] | 4,833[56] | 3,134[57] | 152,337[58] | |