The 2026 MG MG4 has debuted in China with a significant price cut, updated design, and a shift in technical specifications aimed at boosting competitiveness in the crowded domestic EV market. The model now starts at just under €9,000, nearly half the previous price and far below international market levels.
Exterior: Softer Styling, Larger Dimensions
The new MG MG4 adopts a more approachable design language, moving away from the sharp, aggressive styling of its predecessor. The rear lights now echo the MG Cyberster, and the car has grown by 10 cm overall, with 5 cm added to the wheelbase, improving rear passenger legroom.
Interior: Modern Layout and Larger Screens
Inside, the cabin receives a complete overhaul. The previous floating shift knob has been replaced by a column-mounted shifter, freeing up space for a new one-piece center console with phone storage, cup holders, and a wireless charging pad.
Screen options vary by trim:
- 10.25-inch display in the base €9,000 model
- 12.8-inch 1080p display in mid-range versions
- 15.6-inch 2.5K display in the €13,000 top trim
The MG4 also introduces deeper integration with Oppo smartphones, allowing near-complete screen mirroring—an industry-first feature that extends partially to iPhones and other brands.
Comfort upgrades include available ventilated front seats, though material quality has been downgraded, with more hard plastics replacing soft-touch finishes.
MG MG4 Powertrain and Chassis: From RWD to FWD
The most notable mechanical change is the switch from a rear-wheel drive (and previously available all-wheel drive) layout to a front-wheel drive-only setup. The new single-motor unit delivers 120 kW and 250 Nm, offering a 0–100 km/h time of 7.2 seconds.
Suspension has also been simplified: the previous five-link independent rear has been replaced with a torsion beam setup, reducing costs but also limiting high-speed stability and cornering sophistication.
Practicality: More Cargo Space
While driving dynamics have been sacrificed, practicality has improved. The MG4 now offers 471 litres of boot space, thanks to a larger underfloor compartment made possible by removing the rear motor and compacting the rear suspension design.
MG MG4 Battery Options: LFP Packs and Semi-Solid State Promise
The 2026 MG MG4 introduces new LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery packs:
- 43 kWh pack with a claimed 437 km CLTC range
- 54 kWh pack with 530 km CLTC range
MG has also announced plans for a semi-solid-state battery option, though past promises from parent company SAIC raise questions about its real-world availability.
Global Outlook: Different Strategy for Overseas Markets
While these changes are designed to cut costs in China’s highly competitive EV segment, analysts expect that international markets such as Europe, the UK, and Australia will retain the more premium RWD-focused MG4 models. The affordable FWD variant is unlikely to be exported, as MG’s overseas strategy emphasizes higher-quality, better-equipped vehicles.
Conclusion
The 2026 MG MG4 marks a major repositioning of MG’s popular electric hatchback in its home market. With dramatically lower pricing, increased practicality, and cutting-edge tech integration, the Chinese-market MG4 is tailored for affordability and efficiency. However, enthusiasts abroad can expect the sportier rear-wheel-drive versions to remain the global standard.
Also Read –
