MG4 review – a great-value electric hatchback

Verdict – is the MG4 a good car?

The MG4 to the EV market now is what the Tesla Model 3 was a few years ago; the electric hatchback marks another milestone in terms of electric cars becoming increasingly affordable for the average consumer. It’s not just cheap, either; with a generous list of standard equipment, usable electric range and sporty drive, there’s little not to like about the MG4 – especially considering how much it undercuts rivals on price. We’re big on value here at Carbuyer and MG’s latest EV creation really begs the question: why pay more? It's our favourite electric family car.

MG4 models, specs and alternatives

MG’s return to the UK market after Chinese ownership was a little shaky to start off with – the original MG3 was a largely forgettable supermini with an ancient engine, but the tide has massively shifted since the brand started to focus on its electrified cars. The MG4 is a bit of a game-changer in that sense as a great value-for-money EV that has kept European rivals on their toes since it launched in 2022.

The market evolves lightning quick these days, however, and although the MG4 was very cheap for an electric car when it launched, it seems as though there’s a new ever more affordable EV in showrooms every month. Now aside from mainstream rivals like the Volkswagen ID.3 or Renault Megane E-Tech Electric, the MG4 must fend off other Chinese-made newcomers like the BYD Dolphin.

The 10 best electric cars in 2025

For the size, at least, the MG4 is still competitive at just under £27,000, and it’s not jumped up in price since launch. Unlike its sibling, the MG5, the MG4 was designed to be an EV from the outset.

Four powertrains are available for the MG4: the entry-level 168bhp electric motor is paired with a 51kWh battery, providing a range of up to 218 miles – surpassing that of many similarly-priced electric supermini rivals. If you plan to take the MG4 on longer trips, you can opt for the Long Range (64kWh) or Extended Range (77kWh) versions, which can manage up to 281 miles and 323 miles respectively – the latter of which being the “lowest priced car available with a range over 300 miles” according to MG.

That said, the Extended Range’s higher asking price puts it into a new bracket in terms of rivals, going up against the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV, where its comparably lacklustre infotainment and interior means it starts to feel less of a bargain.

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Then there’s the new MG4 XPower, which uses the Long Range car’s 64kWh battery, but boosts power to 439bhp thanks to an additional motor on the front axle for all-wheel drive. This version sacrifices some range (239 miles) but can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds.

Owners needn’t compromise on charging, though; speeds of between 117kW and 140kW depending on spec means that all models should be able to top up from 10-80% in less than 40 minutes when connected to a suitably fast rapid charger. Pretty impressive given the MG4’s price.

There are also two trims (not including the standalone XPower variant), called SE and Trophy, with the latter exclusive to the biggest batteries. A generous amount of kit is standard on all cars, including a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights and a full suite of safety kit. Trophy adds some luxury and conveniences such as a 360-degree camera, heated front seats and wireless phone charging, while XPower is mainly about performance enhancements, including uprated brakes and suspension, and that aforementioned extra motor. 

Even priced less aggressively, the MG4’s neat design, fun handling and efficient electric powertrain should see it score well with buyers. Factor in its low price tag and generous equipment list and the MG4 seems destined to fly out of showrooms as more buyers look to make the switch to electric.

MG4 alternatives

The MG4 finds itself in a unique position in the electric car market as it undercuts electric family hatchback rivals so significantly that it’s actually priced in line with smaller plug-in superminis from the class below…

Small electric cars

When it launched, the MG4 was more affordable than much smaller EVs like the Fiat 500, but these have now come down in price in part because cars like the 4 and other Chinese newcomers have proved there’s better value to be had elsewhere. Some may still be swayed by a premium badge or desirable image at the same price, however…

• Fiat 500
• BYD Dolphin
• Vauxhall Corsa Electric
• Renault 5
• Citroen e-C3

Electric family hatchbacks

The plug-in successors to the traditional family hatchbacks like the Golf and Focus, these cars all mirror the MG4 in terms of design, although are likely to be more expensive to buy. For your hard-earned money, however, expect plusher interiors and a little more space…

• Volkswagen ID.3
• Cupra Born
• Renault Megane E-Tech
• Fiat 600e

Small electric SUVs

Electric SUVs seem to offer it all: a high-up driving position, a desirable image and a spacious interior. Though typically much more expensive than an MG4 and probably a bit less fun to drive, electric crossover models will appeal to buyers looking for something that’s practical as well as stylish…

• Kia Niro EV
• Hyundai Kona Electric
• Peugeot E-2008
• Vauxhall Frontera
• Citroen e-C3 Aircross