SAIC is gearing up for a do-over with the MG4 electric hatchback in China, and it looks like they’re pulling out all the stops. Spy shots of the redesigned model, shared by Chinese auto blogger 燕赵女司机, reveal a car that’s bigger, smarter, and betting on a bold new look to win over a tough home crowd. With pre-orders slated for August 5 ahead of a September 5 launch, this isn’t just a minor refresh. It’s a strategic reset.
The current MG4, despite its success in Europe, has been a ghost in its own backyard, selling just 10 units in China this past June. Facing a market saturated with fierce competitors, a simple color update wouldn’t cut it. This is MG’s answer to that challenge, a ground-up rethink of what the MG4 needs to be to survive and thrive.
A Fresh Face and a Bigger Footprint
The prototype was spotted wearing a striking new color called Donglai Purple. The name, translating to “coming from the East,” feels symbolic. MG says the paint plays with light, shifting from a metallic shine in the sun to a pearlescent glow from other angles. It’s a trick that gives the car a sense of personality before you even step inside.
More importantly, the new MG4 has physically grown. It now measures 4,395 mm long with a 2,750 mm wheelbase. That makes it noticeably larger than its predecessor and puts it ahead of chief rivals like the BYD Dolphin and Volkswagen ID.3 in size. For the daily driver, this translates directly into more legroom and cargo space, addressing a key factor for Chinese buyers who often use their car as a family vehicle.
Minimalist Cockpit with a Tech Upgrade
Inside, the MG4 embraces the minimalist aesthetic popular in today’s EVs. A clean dashboard features a floating central screen and a sharp, rectangular digital instrument cluster. A new two-spoke multifunction steering wheel keeps the look modern and uncluttered.
The big news is the integration of Oppo’s in-car system. This isn’t just about mirroring your phone. It’s a deep connection that lets you prep the car remotely, run apps seamlessly between your phone and the car, use an AI assistant, and even control navigation with gestures. For comfort, the seats come with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, while a column-mounted gear shifter and wireless charging pad add to the streamlined feel. The car is also set to support L2+ assisted driving, including a highway Navigate on Autopilot feature, though full details remain under wraps.
Under the Skin
Regulatory filings confirm the new MG4 will come with a 120 kW rear-mounted motor. While not a headline-grabbing number in a market obsessed with power, it’s a sensible output for a compact EV focused on efficiency and daily usability. SAIC is wisely sticking with the current model’s well-regarded suspension setup, a MacPherson strut front and a five-link independent rear. This combination has given the MG4 its fun-to-drive character in other markets, and it’s a great sign that they aren’t sacrificing handling for comfort.
Whispers in the Chinese media suggest the updated MG4 might feature a semi-solid-state battery, potentially pushing its CLTC range to an impressive 800 km. However, SAIC has stayed quiet on this front, so we’ll have to wait for official confirmation. The prospect is exciting, but for now, it remains speculation.
This relaunch is a critical moment for the MG4. With its larger size, upgraded tech, and sharp styling, SAIC is giving it the tools it needs to compete in China’s relentless EV sales race. It is a much-needed push against domestic titans like the BYD Dolphin and shows that MG is serious about carving out its space in the world’s most competitive auto market.
