MG Motor UK MG4 review

Here's a Chinese EV that defies Chinese-EV stereotypes. It's not generic to look at, not dull to drive, and not absurdly cheap. It's quite a lively feeling rear-drive hatchback. It has now had its mid-life refresh.

The MG4 even comes as a 435bhp dual-motor version called the XPower that does 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds. But other than the whump of acceleration it actually isn't much more fun and certainly isn't a hot-hatch stand-in.

The 'facelift' doesn't change the face. There are some alterations to the rear spoiler – the distinctive split roof wing is now a single plane. This is still an angular looking car. Which, given this is supposed to be a sporty hatch, sits rather oddly with the organic curves of MG's Cyberster. There are actually more Cyberster cues in the non-sporty MG4 Urban. We have the benefit of hindsight that the original product planners didn't.

The 2026 upgrades are to the cabin: displays, seats, switchgear and materials. Needed it. The screens are bigger and have nicer and clearer graphics with better menus. There are useful metal switches on the console. The seat shape and upholstery are improved.

Oh and model for model, prices are cut for the facelift too. Again, it had to happen given the harsh competition.

So how does it relate to other MGs?

MG has simplified the MG4 range by removing the smallest battery versions and cheap trims. Those low-price ones have been replaced by the MG4 Urban, which is a very different kettle of fish: more roomy but less sophisticated and shorter in range. It has a front-only motor, simple torsion beam rear suspension, and a new kind of cell-to-body battery structure.

Under the skin this 4 is similar to MG's electric crossovers, the MGS5 and MGS6. They're RWD single-motor or AWD twin-motor, and have multi-link rear suspension.

Rivals?

The MG4 is very similar in size to the VW ID.3 and Cupra Born, and like them is RWD. Kia is in there with the EV4, also available with a twin-motor GT version. There's also the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric and Peugeot E-308 although they're FWD but still feel perky to drive. Nissan's third-gen Leaf is bigger and softer and splits the gap between crossover and hatch.

So what are the options?

There's just one main trim now, called Premium. A choice of two battery sizes sit under the floor – Long Range and an Extended Range. Extended is longer than Long. It goes to 11. They are respectively 61.7kWh net at £29,995 and 74.4kWh for £32,995.

Finally there's the XPower hot version. It costs £33,995, which is crazy cheap for the performance. But it gets just 61.7kWh of battery.

The WLTP electric range numbers are 280 miles (Long), 338 (Extended) and 251 (XPower). We got 3.9 mi/kWh in some wintry non-motorway driving in an Extended Range, which would net you a very useful 290 miles. It'd be further if it were warmer, less far at motorway speed. Much less far in the XPower, on account of the smaller battery and the fact there's no way you'd drive it as gently as a WLTP tester.

Charge times are 30 minutes (Long), 40 minutes (Extended) from 10-80 per cent.

What’s it like to drive?

It's relatively low to the ground, has a long wheelbase, is rear drive and has full multi-link rear suspension. In other words, the mechanical foundations for a sophisticated and enjoyable drive are in place. Also, MG has an engineering base in Britain, and those people did the final set-up, both of the suspensions, and now the safety-assist systems, which felt like safety-hinder systems in the pre-facelift car.

Sure enough, the MG4 corners with quick wits and a sense of play. The motors are strong enough to take advantage, and the steering and braking are calibrated to react just as your hands and foot expect. The ride is pretty firm, but that's an acceptable tradeoff. Among the rivals we listed, the MG4, Born and Megane stand as the three fun-biased hatches; the Leaf and EV4 lean into comfort.

The XPower version sure is fast, but it drains its battery quickly if you make use of it and the ride is stiffer and the cornering is no more engaging than the rear-drive version. It makes sense mostly if you live somewhere the roads are often slippery.

For more details on the dynamic experience, click on the Driving tab of this review.

What about the inside?

MG's screen systems are improved lately – the MG4 now has the same setup as the MG electric crossovers and the MG4 Urban. The driver's screen is bigger and more legible than it was when the car was launched in 2022, and the main screen is also better organised. Phone mirroring is wireless and there is also a handy screen shortcut so you can get to your preferred combination of ADAS settings. Handy metal switches control a fair bit of other business.

The seats are better than they were if you're broad-shouldered. Although trim material is more plush than originally, this is still a rather dull looking cabin if an ergonomically sensible one. The rear motor means it isn't very roomy in the back. Again, if that's what you need your MG dealer will point you to the MG4 Urban or MGS5 crossover.

As a strong-value and fun hatch, the MG4 sent a wake-up call to a market fixated on crossovers, and no doubt also nudged down prices of subsequent hatch rivals. Some 50,000 have sold in little over three years, and most of them were versions with bigger batteries and upper trims.

Three years ago it had a pretty well unmatched blend of range, charging speed, equipment, zippy dynamics and style. If you like, an EV heir to the Ford Focus.

Things have moved on a bit. A lot of very competent rivals, some of which qualify for a big government grant at the time of writing. And they mostly have more interesting cabins, and often more space.

MG doesn't just have to deal with them. It's also got literal shiploads of Chinese rivals undercutting it on price. The MG4 will survive because it's more interesting to look at and better to drive than most compatriots. But you don't want a Chinese car per se. You want a car.

As a car the MG4 is engaging to drive and good-ish value. Even so, in this era of rapidly shifting prices and manufacturer and state incentives, do shop around.