SAIC Motor is revving things up for the Chinese market with a fresh take on the MG4 electric hatchback, sporting a captivating new color called “Donglai Purple” (东来紫). This isn’t just any purple, either. SAIC says “Donglai,” meaning “coming from the East,” is crafted to shimmer with a metallic gloss in direct sunlight while revealing a subtle, mist-like pearlescence from other angles. Pretty cool, right?
Mark your calendars: pre-orders for this updated MG4 kick off on August 5, with deliveries slated to begin a month later on September 5.
Under the hood, the MG4 rides on SAIC’s Nebula EV platform. It measures 4,395 mm long, 1,842 mm wide, and 1,551 mm high, boasting a 2,750 mm wheelbase. Power comes from a rear-mounted 120 kW permanent magnet synchronous motor, juiced by a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery from Rept Battery Energy. While top speed is a respectable 160 km/h, specific range and battery capacity details are still under wraps.
Oppo-Linked Cockpit and a Slick New UI
Inside, the new MG4 is getting a tech injection thanks to a collaboration with Oppo. This translates to an innovative cockpit system that offers things like smartphone mirroring, voice-activated functions, and gesture-based navigation. MG claims this interface plays nice with devices from Oppo, Huawei, and Apple. The best part? App updates happen right through your smartphone, ditching the need for pesky in-car downloads.
Design Refinements and Future Battery Whispers
On the exterior, you will notice a closed front grille, new arrow-style taillights, and a sleek full-width light bar. The car keeps its traditional door handles, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a charging port on the left front side.
Interestingly, MG’s brand director Chen Cui hinted that future versions of the MG4 might even roll out with a semi-solid-state battery. That’s not confirmed for this September launch, but it’s an exciting prospect for what’s next.
Strong Global Performance, Despite China’s Numbers
Despite a somewhat slow start in Mainland China, with only 52 units sold in the first four months of 2025, the MG4 is absolutely crushing it overseas. In Q1 2025, MG Motor Europe saw an impressive 33.5% year-over-year increase, registering 78,505 vehicles, with the MG4 being a major player. The UK alone has seen over 40,000 MG4 units sold since its initial launch. The company’s global ambitions don’t stop there either. MG plans to launch 13 new electrified models globally by 2027, backed by a massive 100 billion yuan (approximately 14 billion USD) investment. Clearly, the MG4 remains a cornerstone of that ambitious plan.
