The most recent MG4 represents a basic shift in path for SAIC’s MG model. Beforehand identified for its rear-wheel-drive structure and European-tuned dealing with, the brand new mannequin adopts a front-wheel-drive configuration and a redefined chassis aimed toward maximising effectivity and house utilisation. Positioned within the compact electrical hatchback section, the MG4 continues to focus on entry-level EV consumers, with pricing ranging from roughly 68,800 yuan (9,560 USD) for the Chinese language home market.
In contrast to earlier iterations developed primarily for export markets reminiscent of Europe, the 2025 MG4 was recalibrated with the home purchaser in thoughts. It emphasizes usability, packaging, and affordability over sporty dealing with, reflecting shifting priorities in China’s rising funds EV section.
Towards rivals such because the BYD Dolphin, Wuling Binguo S, and Geely Geome Xingyuan, the MG4 goals to distinguish itself by means of its recognisable design and the MG badge, which retains legacy enchantment amongst consumers aware of the model’s heritage.
Our check automobile is the best-selling trim, the entry-level mannequin, outfitted with a 42.8 kWh battery and a 437 km vary, CLTC.
Exterior
The entrance finish integrates projector-style headlamps, a segmented honeycomb grille motif and an illuminated MG badge on increased trims. Outstanding entrance corners move into facet air ducts that intensify the automobile’s visible width.
The automobile measures 4,395 mm in size, 1,842 mm in width, and 1,551 mm in peak, with a wheelbase of two,750 mm. Our check automobile is supplied with 16-inch wheels.
Rear therapy features a steady mild signature and a tapered tailgate profile that helps management wake. Wheel sizes and tyre choice fluctuate by trim and are chosen to stability rolling resistance and grip. The outside match and end on the displayed automobiles matched section norms, with constant panel gaps and meeting tolerances.
Inside
Inside, the MG4’s cabin structure follows present design developments within the sub-100,000-yuan EV market, that includes a minimalist dashboard, twin screens, and a robust emphasis on digital integration. The central 10.25-inch touchscreen controls most main capabilities, accompanied by a separate digital instrument cluster that shows important driving knowledge. Bodily buttons are restricted to essentially the most important controls.
Materials high quality stays in line with expectations at this worth degree. Delicate-touch surfaces are utilized to the center of the dashboard and door caps, although tougher plastics dominate the higher and decrease sections.
Cargo capability consists of 471 litres within the trunk and a further 98-litre sub-trunk. Rear seatbacks recline at a slight angle, enhancing long-distance consolation and value.
Ergonomically, the driving place is easy, with enough steering wheel and seat adjustment.
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, the infotainment system helps over-the-air updates and options smartphone connectivity by way of the Oppo Good Mobility System. The inside presentation emphasises perceived modernity and digital comfort over conventional luxurious cues.
Driving Expertise
The brand new MG4 includes a front-wheel-drive configuration, utilising MacPherson struts on the entrance and a torsion-beam axle on the rear, changing the sooner rear-wheel-drive, five-link structure. Suspension calibration leans towards softness to enhance impression absorption, however restricted damping management results in noticeable vertical motion and fore–and–aft pitch over uneven surfaces. On patched or undulating city roads, the suspension handles minor irregularities acceptably but takes time to settle after bigger bumps, leading to a much less composed experience in contrast with the sooner rear-driven platform.
At increased speeds, physique stability improves, although steering precision stays modest. The electrical energy steering is tuned for mild effort in Regular and Eco modes, the place suggestions feels considerably synthetic and steering return is sluggish. As speeds enhance, self-centring improves, however directional sensitivity rises, requiring small however frequent corrections to keep up a straight line. Switching to Sport mode sharpens throttle response and will increase steering weight, offering the wheel with extra on-centre resistance. Nonetheless, the general tuning nonetheless prioritises ease of operation over precision.
The 120 kW front-mounted electrical motor delivers immediate torque, and through wet-road acceleration, the entrance tyres can briefly lose traction. That is typical for single-motor front-wheel-drive EVs outfitted with efficiency-focused tyres. Torque steer sometimes seems underneath heavy throttle, particularly mid-corner or on slippery asphalt, however the traction management system intervenes shortly and easily to keep up stability.
Noise, vibration, and harshness ranges align with the MG4’s worth class. The electrical motor stays quiet at low speeds, whereas wind and tyre noise turn out to be noticeable past 80 km/h, particularly from the mirrors and A-pillars. The automobile’s total experience character leans extra towards mild and compliant than sporty or tightly managed.
The shift to a front-drive structure displays a packaging and cost-efficiency resolution slightly than a dynamic enchancment. Relocating the motor ahead permits for better cabin and baggage quantity, simplifying manufacturing, however sacrifices a few of the balanced really feel as soon as related to MG’s European-market fashions.
The brand new MG4’s driving expertise emphasises predictable management and on a regular basis usability over engagement. It performs as anticipated for an electrical hatchback in its worth section, buying and selling mechanical sophistication for effectivity, house, and ease of use. Its steady high-speed manners and clean low-speed drivability make it well-suited to day by day commuting in city and suburban environments.
Verdict
The most recent MG4 represents a exact repositioning of the nameplate. The shift to front-wheel drive simplifies packaging and reduces price, however strikes the automobile away from the driver-oriented DNA that when outlined MG’s enchantment overseas. What stays is a technically competent, sensible compact EV that focuses on vary effectivity, ease of use, and inside packaging slightly than outright driving precision.
Within the context of China’s present EV market, this trade-off seems deliberate. Consumers on this worth vary prioritize digital performance, usable house, and affordability over chassis nuance. On these fronts, the MG4 performs as anticipated and supplies a stable day by day answer for metropolis drivers transitioning from small petrol hatchbacks to their first EV.
The market response underscores this positioning: MG4 reportedly secured over 30,000 orders inside 24 days of its launch (as of September 22), reflecting robust client curiosity in a value-focused compact EV in China.
Whereas fans might lament the departure from rear-wheel-drive dynamics, the brand new MG4 aligns with the home market’s sensible realities, a compact electrical hatch designed to satisfy price targets and vary effectivity objectives, slightly than to rekindle MG’s efficiency heritage.
