The new MG4 EV has started rolling into dealerships across China, giving us a real-world look at the redesigned electric hatchback before its official pre-sale kicks off on August 5. This isn’t just a minor facelift. It’s a complete overhaul that beefs up the design, tech, and powertrain, with a full market launch expected in early September.
This updated MG4 is SAIC Motor’s latest attempt to grab a bigger slice of the fiercely competitive domestic market. It’s a direct response to the growing popularity of the compact segment, where cars like the BYD Dolphin have been cleaning up.
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak power | 120 | kW | Equivalent to 163 hp, rear-wheel-drive |
| Range (CLTC) | 437 / 537 | km | Two battery versions offered |
| Battery capacity | 70 | kWh | Features new semi-solid-state battery tech |
| DC Fast Charge (30-80%) | ~20 | min | Under ideal conditions |
| Length | 4,395 | mm | Longer than the outgoing model and BYD Dolphin |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 | mm | Contributes to more interior space and stability |
A Fresh Face and a Bigger Footprint
Right away, you can see the MG4 has matured. The front end is softer and more modern, with a smooth, closed-off grille and sleek, teardrop-shaped LED headlights. Even the MG logo lights up, which is a nice touch. The lower part of the bumper looks more aggressive with its trapezoidal grille and C-shaped air deflectors, giving it a sportier vibe than the last model.
It’s not just a visual trick, the car is genuinely bigger. It measures 4,395 mm long, 1,842 mm wide, and 1,551 mm tall, with a 2,750 mm wheelbase. That makes it larger than both its predecessor and the BYD Dolphin, which should translate to better road presence and more room inside. The rear gets a sharp, full-width arrow-style taillight, and the whole thing rides on a set of 17-inch petal-style alloy wheels.
An Interior That’s All About Tech and Comfort
Inside, the cabin feels clean and modern. The symmetrical dashboard houses a floating central infotainment screen and a tidy rectangular digital instrument panel. The MG × Oppo smart cockpit, powered by Qualcomm’s snappy 8155 chip, is the star of the show. This isn’t just about a big screen. It’s an integrated system that lets you use your voice to get the car ready, syncs seamlessly with your apps, and supports clever features like gesture-based navigation.
MG didn’t skimp on materials, either. You’ll find leather-wrapped surfaces, chrome accents, and ambient lighting that give the cabin a more premium feel. They’ve also thought about daily usability. A 50W wireless phone charger means your phone won’t die on long trips, and moving the gear selector to the steering column frees up valuable console space. The front seats are now integrated sport-style units with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, which is a fantastic feature for a car in this class.
Rear passengers get a flat floor for more legroom, a panoramic roof with a sunshade, dedicated air vents, and USB ports. The 60:40 folding seats and a clever three-layer trunk floor add a dose of practicality that’s essential for a daily driver.
Semi-Solid-State Power
Under the skin, the MG4 is just as interesting. It’s the first MG to feature semi-solid-state battery technology. In simple terms, this tech packs more energy into a smaller space and can improve safety and charging speeds. The car is powered by a 70 kWh battery pack and a 120 kW (163 hp) rear-mounted motor, making it a peppy rear-wheel-drive hatchback.
According to MG, two versions will be available, offering CLTC ranges of 437 km and 537 km. A 20-minute fast charge from 30% to 80% is seriously impressive and helps eliminate range anxiety. The MG4 is built on a Cell-to-Body (CTB) platform, where the battery is part of the car’s structure. This lowers the center of gravity and stiffens the chassis, which almost always results in better handling. Suspension is a straightforward setup with MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear.
The new MG4’s combination of increased size, a smart cockpit, and updated battery tech positions it to compete directly with other strong entries in the compact EV segment. While final pricing and specs for features like its potential L2+ driver assistance system are still under wraps, the MG4 is shaping up to be a compelling option for anyone looking for a stylish and tech-forward electric hatchback.
