First driving test MG 4 Electric – this is how the electric hatchback drives with potential

It wasn’t even that long ago that we had a good laugh at the attempts of the Chinese car industry to gain a foothold in Europe, such as those of Landwind, Brilliance and Qoros. The fact that it does not always help to stick the name of an illustrious Western brand on your car is made clear by Borgward’s failed resurrection. However, MG is living proof that it is possible, as long as your product is of acceptable quality and has a pleasant price tag, supplemented with a unique selling point.

MG ZS pioneered compact electric SUVs

The MG ZS pioneered the compact electric SUV segment and it paid off. Now the brand is focusing on the segment in which the Nissan Leaf and the Volkswagen ID.3, among others, are active. Incidentally, on paper we see quite a few similarities with that Volkswagen and that is not surprising, because the parent company of MG listens to the name SAIC and has been building cars for Volkswagen for decades. Formerly the Santana and today the ID models.

MG 4 is 4.29 meters long and spacious

Not that we want to call this car a copy, because that is certainly not the case. The MG 4 has a length of 4.29 meters (for comparison, the aforementioned ID.3 is 4.26 meters long) and offers the rear passengers an enormous amount of space. It is therefore certainly not a punishment to sit in the back. Getting in and out is also comfortable. The luggage compartment is fully lined, which creates a high-quality impression. When you fold the rear seat, you create an (almost) flat loading floor. To be fair, no one really needs more car. And no more driving pleasure either.

We drive the 204-hp MG 4 in Luxury version, which can be recognized by the double rear spoiler. He has been given a strong, dynamic set-up. The engine and drive are located in the rear, which provides a good dose of driving dynamics. The steering is direct and it feels sporty. It is certainly not a punishment to drive this EV on winding roads. But how fast did we actually drive? How many kilometers have we covered? How on earth are we supposed to enter the destination into the navigation system while driving? The small numbers and print on the two displays may be readable by young computer kids, but not by middle-aged automotive journalists. Given the enormous development steps that MG is taking, we hope that the brand may still get to work.

51 kWh, 170 hp under €30,000

Furthermore, there is very little to grumble about this car. The 64 kWh battery is good for a range of more than 400 kilometers and charging is very good with a capacity of 135 kW. The entry-level version has a smaller battery with 51 kWh and less power, namely 170 hp. According to MG, that implementation should cost less than 30 grand, although the Dutch price is not yet known at this time. We would probably opt for the Comfort version with a large battery and large engine, but without a heat pump, heated seats and navigation system.

We already said it, he has everything it takes to become a true folk hero. The 4 drives well, offers enough space and the EV properties are also very good. There is even more in the barrel at MG, because they are working hard on an electric roadster. After all, those who are successful should treat themselves once in a while.