MG4 EV Review

Motors & Performance

The MG4 comes in a wide range of power outputs all depending on which battery you choose. The entry-level Standard Range comes with a 167bhp electric motor on the back axle and drives the rear wheels, while the Long Range cars come with a 201bhp electric motor. With their extra power you would expect the Long Range models to be quicker from zero to 60mph, but the Standard Range is the faster performer – it dashes to 60 in 7.5 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster, thanks to its lower weight. In the real world both feel as quick as each other, though.

The MG4 Extended Range gets a more powerful 242bhp electric motor for the rear wheels, meaning it gets to the 0-60mph benchmark sprint time in 6.1 seconds – that’s around half a second faster than the 58kWh Cupra Born, and that car is marketed as a performance hatchback. But for hair-raising performance there’s the XPower – its twin electric motors (one for each axle) push out a stonking 429bhp and consequently 0-60mph takes a frankly ludicrous 3.7 seconds. To put that into perspective, the XPower costs £700 less than an entry-level Volkswagen ID.3 and yet has TWICE the power, and accelerates quicker than an Audi RS4. 

Drive & Handling

The MG4 is the sportiest and most engaging to drive car MG currently makes. The steering is well weighted, the ride quality is good, and the 201bhp of the Long Range models is more than quick enough.The MG4 doesn’t feel quite as composed as an ID.3 or a Cupra Born though, and gets a bit fidgety on rougher roads, but it's not uncomfortable. However there is quite a lot of tyre and wind noise, especially at motorway speeds, with whistling from around the windscreen.

There are five – yes FIVE – drive modes selectable in the screen menu, and the normal feels surprisingly sporty. Almost too sporty in fact, with sharp throttle responses which aren't the most relaxing in traffic. We suspect most owners will select Eco mode, which is nicer all round and more efficient too. 

The XPower – which pinches a name used on ultra high performance and racing MGs of the early 2000s – comes with launch control and torque vectoring (which moves the motors’ torque between different wheels for the best traction and performance). It’s hugely fast and thanks to four-wheel drive very grippy, too. You can read more about the MG4 XPower in our dedicated review here.