Get ready, EV enthusiasts, because the updated MG4 is set to shake up the budget electric vehicle scene! MG has confirmed that their new electric hatchback, making its official debut on August 5, will be the first mass-produced EV globally to feature a semi-solid-state battery. This is a big deal for affordability and performance in the EV market.
Advanced Battery Technology for the Masses
MG Brand General Manager Chen Cui revealed on July 17 that the new MG4 will pack a game-changing semi-solid-state battery from QingTao Energy. Why is this exciting? Well, this isn’t your grandpa’s battery. It contains a mere 5% liquid electrolyte, signaling a leap forward in battery tech. MG isn’t cutting corners on safety either, boasting rigorous testing, including a 360-degree puncture test. What does this mean for you? A solid CLTC-rated range of 537 kilometers (about 334 miles) and an energy density of 180 Wh/kg. Plus, for those of us living in colder climates, MG claims a 13.8% better range retention at -7°C compared to traditional lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries. That’s a chill-beating performance!
Aggressive Pricing and Punchy Performance
Now, let’s talk numbers. The updated MG4 is expected to hit the market with a price tag between 80,000 and 120,000 yuan (roughly 11,000 to 16,400 USD). This aggressive pricing directly targets competitors like the BYD Dolphin, a current leader in China’s compact EV segment. Chen Cui confidently stated that with such competitive pricing, there’s “no reason customers wouldn’t choose MG4.”
Under the hood, or rather, at the rear, the MG4 is said to house a 70 kWh battery pack. This powers a 120 kW rear-mounted electric motor, offering a single-motor rear-wheel-drive configuration. This setup could give the MG4 a distinct edge in driving dynamics and performance, especially when compared to the BYD Dolphin’s front-wheel-drive, which starts with a 70 kW motor and offers an optional 150 kW motor in higher trims. For those who appreciate a bit more zest in their ride, the MG4 might just be the ticket.
More Space, Smart Tech and Striking Looks
Size does matter, and the new MG4 has grown. It stretches a commanding 4,395 mm in length and 1,842 mm in width, with a generous 2,750 mm wheelbase. This is a noticeable step up from the Dolphin’s 4,280 mm length and 2,700 mm wheelbase, promising more interior space and cargo capacity for your daily adventures or weekend getaways.
Inside the cabin, MG is stepping up its tech game. The MG4 debuts the MG×Oppo cockpit system, a collaboration with Oppo. This intelligent system seamlessly integrates smartphone functions with the car’s interface, offering voice commands, intuitive gesture navigation, and effortless phone app synchronization. Keeping you connected and in control has never been smoother.
Production of this exciting new EV has already begun at SAIC’s Nanjing facility, buzzing with anticipation for its August launch. Visually, the MG4 draws inspiration from MG’s sleek electric roadster, the Cyberster. Expect a sculpted front fascia, distinctive separated headlamp units, and an illuminated front emblem that truly makes a statement. And for those who love to personalize, two fresh exterior colors are joining the lineup: Donglai Purple, a metallic purple with a pearlescent effect, and Qingbo Green, which uses imported European pearlescent pigments. It’s clear the MG4 is designed to turn heads while delivering a compelling electric driving experience.
