There is nothing that’s as fast as the MG 4 XPower for the same kind of money. The battery-electric hot hatch packs a 320kW, 600Nm twin-motor all-wheel drive powertrain, and dispatches the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 3.8 seconds, yet costs less than $60,000 drive-away in most states.
So the flagship MG 4 is quicker than a base Porsche 911 for less than a quarter of the price. And now, MG Australia is trying to make it more fun.
The Chinese carmaker has set upon a journey that could lead to its answer to Hyundai’s N performance sub-brand with this one-off example of the XPower, which has been modified by the local division of MG in-house in a sort-of skunkworks build.
“This is a local project pioneered by MG Motor Australia that tunes the steering, accessories and suspension of its models to suit Australia’s unique – and often challenging – road conditions,” says MG.
The brand’s EV and accessories manager, Matt Kavanagh, said: “Perceptions are difficult things to change. In Australia, we have always wanted to do local tuning to complement our MG range, however, previously there wasn’t the right product.
“Who is the right person in the company? Because the product engineering team – are involved in vehicle dynamics, I thought, ‘okay, let’s join efforts and make this happen’. Now, we’ve got this proof of concept, we’ve got the know-how, let’s do it and get started.
“If you look at this car, the effort the engineers in Shanghai put into it is amazing, they are not just concepts, pictures; it is a well balanced car that has been enhanced. We’re really looking for market feedback on this one from media, dealers and customers of what could be for our brand’s local tuning program.
WATCH: Paul’s video review of the MG 4 XPower
“I hope this is the start of big things to come with MG and tuning in Australia – it’s the first step really, the rest is up to the market.”
So has MG done a good job? We snaffled the keys to this hotter homegrown MG 4 XPower to find out.
How much does the MG 4 cost?
Prices seem to be regularly changing in the MG range, especially with the MG 4, at least for a limited time.
| Model | Drive-away price |
|---|---|
| MG 4 Excite 51 | $32,990 (before December 31, 2024) |
| MG 4 Excite 64 | $34,990 (before December 31, 2024) |
| MG 4 Essence 64 | $46,990 |
| MG 4 Essence 77 | $52,990 |
| MG 4 XPower | $60,000 (approx.) |
But remember, this particular example of the MG 4 XPower is a one-off, and that means you can buy one… yet.
Here are the additional components compared to the standard car:
- H&R 30mm lowered springs
- König flow-formed 18×8.5-inch Ampliform wheels
- Custom body kit: lower bumper, side skirts, rear diffuser
- Floor mats
Frustratingly, MG Australia was unable to offer any indication of what a package like this might cost, should it be made officially available.
You’d imagine the wheels, body kit and suspension would cost at least $5000 extra, maybe even $10k – but if MG can get a program like this off the ground, the package could be relatively cheap given the economies of scale.
To see how the MG 4 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool.
What is the MG 4 like on the inside?
Apart from floor mats, nothing has changed inside this amped-up XPower, and that’s perhaps a little disappointing. This modification package focusses only on the exterior and chassis, and many buyers may also desire extras like sportier front seats to glow-up the interior too.
That isn’t to say it’s unpleasant inside the XPower, it’s just that the electric driver’s seat sits a little higher than some might find ideal, and it isn’t a super supportive seat when things get speedy in the esses. At least you’re getting the goodness of Alcantara trim on the seats, and the cabin looks a bit nicer than in base grades, too.
A criticism of the MG 4 has been that it feels a little austere and not overly soulful inside, and if you’ve read any of our other reviews you’ll know that the controls for the media screen are a little bothersome, with buttons for some functions but not others, and many menus hidden in the media screen.
You get used to those controls, but other cars do it better. Honestly though, the most annoying thing about it is having to jump through screens each time you drive the car if you want to disable some of the overly pushy safety features.
Besides that, you get used to controlling almost everything through the screen reasonably fast, and in this instance I found myself getting to terms with the drive mode controls as well. And yes, there’s a Launch Control setting in there, as well as a dedicated Track Mode that alters the traction control system and unleashes all of the powertrain’s silent speed.
There’s a rotary dial selector that is essentially the way you start the car, too. Sit in the seat, press the brake pedal, and it might take a twist or two to start the car (it won’t move unless you’ve got your seatbelt on).
Storage through the cabin is good, with bottle holders in the doors and a stowage section between the front seats, and rear seat space is impressive for adults and kids alike (with ISOFIX child seat anchor points in the window seats and three top-tethers, too).
Boot space is 363 litres with the rear seats up, expanding to 1165L when they’re folded. There’s no spare wheel, though – just a repair kit.
To see how the MG 4 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool.
What’s under the bonnet?
There are two electric motors in the MG 4 XPower, with one for each axle resulting in all-wheel drive. And their performance outputs are mind-blowing.
There is up to 320kW of power on offer, with the front motor outputting 150kW/250Nm, and the rear churning out 170kW/350Nm. MG states a combined continuous output of 300kW/600Nm available, and claims a 0-100km/h time of just 3.8 seconds.
There’s a single-speed transmission, so the power is linear and instantaneous – though the Bridgestone Turanza tyres mightn’t be quite as good as something from Michelin or Pirelli, and I think you might even see a quicker time with these mods and better boots.
What about charging, then?
MG claims an electric driving range of 400km (WLTP) for the MG 4 XPower, with efficiency rated at 15.2kWh per 100km… but you won’t see that if you try and beat the acceleration claim.
Suffice to say, during my testing I saw energy consumption displayed at 20.3kWh across a mix of driving.
The battery pack is a Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) unit with a 64kWh capacity.
AC charging is a maximum rate of 6.6kW using a Type 2 CCS plug, meaning a charging time of approximately nine hours on a home or office wallbox. If you are aiming for faster charging, there is DC charging at a maximum rate of 140kW, meaning a 10-80 per cent charge time of 28 minutes, according to MG.
To see how the MG 4 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool.
How does the MG 4 drive?
The XPower was already blisteringly fast in a straight line, but with the changes made here it also adds a bit more fun-factor in the bends.
Don’t get me wrong – they don’t make this a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N in terms of fun factor, but for about half the price it makes a pretty convincing argument in terms of thrills for the bills.
Yes, when you plant your foot it whiplashes your scone into the head restraint – even in Comfort mode. In Sport or Track, or using Launch Control, it’s a dead-set chiropractor’s dream, with immense acceleration from a standing start… in most situations.
There is some evidence of tyre slippage in those hard-out moments, which – in my opinion – would be eliminated by a better set of tyres. The Bridgestone Turanza rubber is decent and no doubt more affordable than a set of Pirelli P Zero, Michelin Pilot Sport or Continental Contisport tyres, but I think it could be an even more convincing vehicle overall with better rubber underneath it.
It would likely also have a bit more front-end bite with stickier tyres, although the way this modified X Power flows through corners is more convincing than the standard version.
The steering hasn’t been retuned – the budget for this pilot program didn’t allow that – but there has been a geometry change courtesy of the lowered suspension setup, and the lighter wheels also lower unsprung weight, adding to a more dynamic feel.
The suspension feels a bit firmer but still comfortable and well resolved, and the new springs also help iron out corners better than the standard units, which already do a decent job. Of course, they also lower the body, helping hide the mass of the battery pack a little better.
In my mind, the chassis upgrade make a more convincing case for the X Power, which seems a little soft in standard form, making it somewhat of a fast-but-not-quite-fun-enough EV.
And there is still room for improvement in this vehicle. The brakes – which incorporate regen braking – aren’t as strong or precise as you might want them to be when you’re hurtling towards a corner and don’t get the response you’re hoping for from the pedal, which has an airy feel to it.
You can configure the car for single-pedal driving, which is great for mixed and urban driving, but there’s not an ‘on-off’ switch for a one-pedal mode like there is in the Ioniq 5 N, which can decelerate at up to 0.6g!
One more thing. The sound. There isn’t any, apart from the occasional squirming tyre squawk, tyre noise as speeds rise, and the constant e-motor whine. It needs a bit more theatre, I reckon. It might be fast and more fun in corners than it was, but with some audible trickery it could be great. To me, it’s like doing the deed in the dark: still awesome, but not as involving an experience.
What do you get?
While you can’t buy THIS spec of XPower yet, here’s a rundown of the standard equipment across the MG 4 range.
MG 4 Excite 51 equipment highlights:
- WLTP range – 350km
- 0-100km/h – 7.7 seconds
- One-pedal driving functionality
- Four-mode regenerative braking
- Five-link independent rear suspension
- 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Keyless entry
- Automatic idle stop/start
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 4-speaker sound system
- Black fabric upholstery
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic high-beam
- Electric side mirrors with heating functionality
- Six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat
- MG Pilot
- iSmart Lite connectivity
MG 4 Excite 64 adds:
- WLTP range – 450km
- 0-100km/h – 7.2 seconds
- Active grille shutters
- 66kWh battery pack
Essence 64 adds:
- WLTP range – 435km
- 0-100km/h – 7.2 seconds
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Black roof
- Rear light bar
- iSmart connectivity
- Six-speaker sound system
- Satellite navigation
- Wireless phone charger
- Synthetic leather/cloth upholstery
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Height-adjustable load floor
- EV trip planner
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 360-degree view camera
- Two-tone roof
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Long Range 77 adds:
- WLTP range – 530km
- 0-100km/h – 6.5 seconds
- 77kWh battery pack
MG 4 XPower adds:
- 64kWh battery pack
- Orange brake caliper covers
- Black roof
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Polished trim accents
- Alcantara interior trim
MG 4 XPower modified adds:
- H&R 30mm Lowered Springs
- König flow-formed 18×8.5-inch Ampliform wheels
- Custom body kit – lower bumper, side skirts, rear diffuser
- Floor mats
To see how the MG 4 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool.
Is the MG 4 safe?
The MG 4 has been awarded the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating for Australia based on 2022 tests conducted in Europe under Euro NCAP criteria.
In that testing it scored 83 per cent for adult occupant protection, 86 per cent for child occupant protection, 75 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 81 per cent for safety assist.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- Front, rear parking sensors
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Front, rear seat belt reminders
- ISOFIX child restraint anchorage points (outer rear seats)
- Front, front side, full-length curtain airbags (6 in total)
MG 4 Essence, Long Range and X Power add:
- Surround-view camera
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic assist
How much does the MG 4 cost to run?
The Chinese brand recently offered an unprecedented and unbeaten 10-year, 250,000km new-car warranty across its model range.
And the best news for battery longevity sceptics is that it applies to the high-voltage battery pack, too. That’s right – while most other brands only back their batteries for eight years/160,000km (and some even less than that), MG is backing its tech and offering the decade-long warranty on its EV batteries.
However, note that the 10-year, 250,000km warranty applies only to private buyers, or ‘non-commercial use’, whereas commercial buyers get a seven-year, 160,000km warranty.
There is also a staggering aftersales service offer, with intervals set at 24 months/40,000km, and a capped-price servicing plan running out past the ultra-long warranty to 280,000km (or 14 years!).
Under that plan, the service rates are: $296, $962, $296, $962, $296, $962, $296 – for a total of $4070. That might seem a big number, but over 14 years, it works out to $290 per annum.
Roadside assistance is included as well, for the duration of the warranty period. That’s right, 10 years of roadside assistance, at no cost.
To see how the MG 4 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool.
CarExpert’s Take on the MG 4
There is no doubt in my mind that if MG offered a version of the X Power that looked and drove like this, many Aussies buyers would be interested. How much it should or could cost is another thing…
Reps from MG Motor Australia have told us they are actively seeking feedback from potential buyers, so be sure to have your say below in the comments, and tell them whether you think these cosmetic and chassis upgrades should be standard for the XPower, if they should be part of an option pack, if elements of them should be available across other MG 4 variants… or anything else!
Interested in buying an MG 4? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
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