It was a bright Thursday morning and as I headed to the gym, I encountered the silent dilemma of modern times. Here I am in the all new MG4, an electric car, and we all know electric cars are fast.
Except I wasn't going fast at all. I was barely moving. Because I was stuck behind a cyclist.
The MG4, silent as a whisper, couldn't make its presence known to the blissfully unaware cyclist ahead. This is the curse and blessing of electric vehicles: stealthy, but sometimes too stealthy for their own good.
The MG4 stands out not just for its silence, but for what it represents: an affordable step into the future of motoring with pricing starting at $42,936 driveaway in NSW.
I was driving the 2023 MG4 64 Essence, which starts at $51,236 driveaway, coated in a striking Diamond Red metallic paint – an option that adds an extra $700 to its price tag – and it exemplifies this leap forward, blending performance with aesthetics in a package that is hard to ignore.
What's the MG4 like to drive?
The MG4 offers a range of models, from the 51kWh Excite 51 to the 77kWh Long Range. The entry-level model has enough for those who only use a vehicle for city commutes, while the higher-capacity batteries provide the range and performance needed for longer journeys.
Driving the MG4 64 Essence, I found the experience to be a mixed bag of electric enthusiasm and reality checks.
The MG4 64 that we drove gets a 64kWh battery that on paper is capable of 435km, 15km less than the Excite trim before it. The electric motor produces 150kW and 250Nm is put to the ground via the rear wheels.
While the ride was indeed smooth and the steering responsive, offering that instant torque and agility that are a point of difference for EVs, the real-world range estimation for longer trips (traveling between Sydney, the central coast and back) proved to be slightly optimistic. Around town we found it to be fairly accurate.
There could be any number of factors as to why this occurred, given our recent soaring temperatures this deviation from the official figures could highlight the impact of Australia's diverse weather conditions – from the scorching heat of summer to the unexpected downpours – which can influence battery performance and, consequently, the vehicle's range.
Another thing I really appreciated about the MG4 was its impressive tight turning circle, underscoring its urban agility. This feature, often overlooked, significantly enhances the driving experience, especially in city conditions where navigating tight spots or executing sharp turns is part of the daily drive.
But while this is a positive for inner city drivers, rearward visibility is hindered a little by chunky C-pillars and the quality of the reversing cameras do leave a little to be desired, but get the job done.
What's the MG4 like inside?
The interior of the MG4 Essence offers up an interior similar to that you will find in competitors. Plenty of space, storage where a transmission tunnel would normally be and overall it is pretty clean and minimalistic.
Front and centre is a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which houses Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While it gets the job done, the responsiveness can be a little slow.
The cabin layout is simple, with a black-on-black finish, a rotary dial gear selector and an electric parking brake. Above and beyond the Excite trim, the 64 Essence we reviewed also received wireless phone charging, heated front seats and steering wheel and a 6-way electronically adjustable driver's seat.
The steering wheel leans towards that of a Peugeot, in that it is somewhere between a square and a circle, but is pleasant to hold.
As mentioned, the cabin offers decent storage, including low-mounted cup holders and a covered centre armrest. Seating in our MG4 64 Essence was trimmed with vegan leather upholstery, which is better than it sounds and overall provides a good level of comfort.
The rear seats are spacious but lack features like a fold down arm-rest, air vents which isn't uncommon on a vehicle this size and multiple USB-ports with only one fitted. However there are other additions that you wouldn't get on other vehicles such as device pockets stitched into the back of the front 2 seats.
How safe is the MG4?
The MG4 64 Essence is equipped with the full MG Pilot system, a suite of advanced safety features (includes 5 more systems than the Exite) designed to aid the driver. These include:
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
Lane keep assist
Adaptive cruise control
Traffic sign recognition
Driver attention alert
High beam assist
Multiple airbags
For the price, there is a high level of safety systems working to keep everyone safe. One thing I noticed while reviewing the MG4 though was the lane keep assist can be a little bit sensitive, making multiple small adjustments. It works, but the system could be a bit smoother.
How does the MG4 price compare to competitors?
It competes closely with the BYD Dolphin, starting at $41,190 driveaway, and the GWM Ora, beginning at $42,163.
These vehicles represent the most budget-friendly electric cars available in Australia at the moment, with the MG4 competing strongly with them at $42,936 driveaway in NSW.
What's the boot like on the MG4?
The MG4 offers a practical boot with 363 litres of space, expanding to 1,177 litres with the seats folded down.
This capacity is competitive for the compact EV segment, ensuring that the MG4 is as practical for family outings as it is for daily commutes.
Servicing and warranty
MG supports the MG4 with a comprehensive 7-year, unlimited kilometre warranty for both the vehicle and the battery, including roadside assistance and capped-price servicing coverage.
The servicing schedule is a little different to a conventional combustion vehicle. It is:
20,000km or 24 months: $296.00
80,000km or 48 months: $907.00
120,000km or 72 months: $296.00
160,000km or 96 months: $907.00
200,000km or 120 months: $296.00
240,000km or 144 months: $907.00
280,000km or 168 months: $296.00
The verdict
The MG4 emerges as a commendable entry-level electric car, particularly striking for its price point. It's an affordable option for those looking to step into the world of electric vehicles without breaking the bank.
While it has some drawbacks, such as the infotainment system and rear visibility, these are offset by its practicality and the overall value.
The MG4 may not be a groundbreaking revolution in the EV market, but it certainly makes a strong case for itself as a solid, budget-friendly choice for everyday electric driving.
We got behind the wheel of the Mazda CX-5 GT, which sits at the pointy end of the range in the current stable – between the Touring and the Akera – to see why 30.34% of Mazdas sold are CX-5s.
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The MG4, silent as a whisper, couldn't make its presence known to the blissfully unaware cyclist ahead. This is the curse and blessing of electric vehicles: stealthy, but sometimes too stealthy for their own good.
Driving the MG4 64 Essence, I found the experience to be a mixed bag of electric enthusiasm and reality checks.
