The MG4 Anxin Edition is set to make a splash at the Guangzhou Auto Show on November 21, marking a significant milestone as one of the first mass-production passenger cars to feature a semi-solid-state battery. This isn’t just another EV hitting the market, it’s a peek at what’s next for battery technology.
SAIC, MG’s parent company, teamed up with QingTao Energy to develop this cutting-edge manganese-based lithium-ion battery pack. It promises a respectable 530 kilometers of range on the CLTC cycle. For context, the current MG4 lineup offers options priced from 68,800 to 102,800 yuan, roughly 9,690 to 14,490 USD.
Design and Dimensions: Familiar Yet Refined
Even though the MG4 Anxin Edition hasn’t had its full reveal, regulatory filings hint that its exterior keeps the same sleek, sporty look we’ve come to expect from the MG4. Think wide-body hatchback, that cool Cyberster-inspired front end, and the illuminated MG badge. It’s a winning formula, so why change it?
Dimensions remain untouched, measuring in at 4,395 mm long, 1,842 mm wide, and 1,551 mm high, with a 2,750 mm wheelbase. The rear still sports that distinctive full-width light bar with arrow-style position lights, ensuring it stands out whether it’s day or night.
Stepping Inside: Tech Upgrades and Comfort
Slide into the Anxin Edition, and you’ll find an updated interior that feels both modern and intuitive. The central touchscreen has grown from 12.3 inches to a more expansive 15.6 inches, making navigation and media control a breeze. They’ve even ditched the mechanical buttons below the display for a cleaner look and swapped out the rotary shift controller for a slicker column-mounted selector. Plus, a 50-watt wireless charging pad in the lower console means your devices stay juiced up on the go. Powering this tech-forward cabin is the MG–Oppo intelligent cockpit system, driven by a capable Snapdragon 8155 chip.
Performance and Power: A Minor Weight Gain for Major Tech
The battery capacity holds steady at 53.95 kWh, mirroring the 530-km LFP variant. What’s interesting is that the semi-solid-state pack adds about 15 kilograms, bringing the curb weight to 1,500 kg. This slight increase is a small trade-off for the advanced battery chemistry. Under the hood, a single front motor delivers a lively 120 kW and 250 Nm, pushing the Anxin Edition from 0 to 50 km/h in just 3 seconds. With MG reporting a solid 11,480 MG4 sales in October, the Anxin Edition is poised to be a compelling addition to the lineup once it rolls off the production line.
The Science Behind Semi-Solid-State Batteries
So, what exactly are semi-solid-state batteries? Essentially, they’re a hybrid of traditional liquid-electrolyte batteries and the upcoming fully solid-state systems. They incorporate both solid and liquid electrolyte components, with solid materials making up over 90 percent of the total electrolyte structure. This innovative design offers a couple of big advantages: higher energy density, meaning more range from a similar-sized pack, and improved thermal stability for added safety. What’s more, they’re designed to be compatible with existing production lines, which helps bring this advanced tech to market faster.
As China continues to lead the charge in EV innovation, regulators are moving to standardize the terminology. Soon, you’ll hear semi-solid-state batteries referred to as “solid-liquid batteries,” a clearer distinction from the purely solid-state systems still in development. This move underscores the rapid pace of battery evolution and China’s commitment to defining the future of EVs.
This isn’t just about a new car, it’s about the future of electric mobility. With advances like the MG4 Anxin Edition, the dream of longer-range, safer, and more efficient EVs is becoming a reality, cementing China’s role as a leader in the global EV landscape. The country’s automotive industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and models emerging regularly, like the new MG4 EV arriving in China with major upgrades and the ongoing efforts to standardize EV data for global markets. Even within the luxury segment, manufacturers like BYD are making waves, as seen with the 1300 hp Yangwang U7 EV.
