MG4 Electric launches in Europe featuring brand's new EV platform

MANILA: The brand-new MG4 Electric is a small, all-electric hatchback that represents a fresh turning point in MG Motor's upward trajectory.

The 2023 MG4 Electric is the first in a line of MG models built on the sophisticated new MSP ("Modular Scalable Platform") platform from its parent company SAIC Motor, making it the most significant vehicle produced by MG Motor to date. 

It features incredibly small proportions, a superb design, good handling, high electrical efficiency, cutting-edge driver aid systems, and excellent usability.

With a choice of three models, the MG4 Electric will launch in the crucial compact sector in Europe in 2023.

The MG4 Electric Standard is the base model and has a battery capacity of 51 kWh, a WLTP cycle range of up to 350 km, and a rear electric motor producing 170ps. The starting price for this version is €28,990 (P1.6 million).

Both the MG4 Electric Comfort and the MG4 Electric Luxury use a 204ps electric motor and a 64kWh battery. The Comfort variant may now offer a range of up to 450km thanks to this powertrain combination.

The first automobiles will be shipped to pre-order program participants. 

“The MG4 Electric marks another milestone in the long history of MG Motor”, said Xinyu Liu, CEO of SAIC Motor Europe. 

“It provides a smarter alternative to the consumers who want more. As the first vehicle based on our technologically sophisticated and extremely flexible MSP platform, it combines impressive electric performance, excellent driving behavior and innovative assistance systems with ease of use and an outstanding, dynamic design.”

The SAIC Motor Design Center in Shanghai, the Advanced Design Studio in London, and the Royal College of Art, also in the British capital, collaborated on the dynamic design of the 2023 MG4 Electric.

The five-door hatchback's dimensions — 4.2 meters length, 1.8 meters wide, and only 1.5 meters tall — are ideal for the competitive market. Even for a family of five, the vehicle's spacious interior and appealing proportions are made possible by its long wheelbase of 2.7 meters. The volume of the luggage compartment may hold 350 to 1,165 liters.

The MG4 Electric has an instantly recognizable front end that is highlighted by 28 LEDs and six vertical fiber-optic stripes. It boasts striking headlamps and tilted upright indicators. With LED turning lights, three units for low beam and fog lamps are merged. The effect of these lines is carried to the rear end's intricate LED tail lights by a variety of similar light edge designs.

Additional optical highlights include 172 LEDs and a rear light strip that spans the entire width of the car. The dual-wing roof spoiler that the two-tone roof transitions into optically extends the line of the vehicle and enhances aerodynamics.

Due to the active configuration of the application of cooling air in the front skirt, the air resistance coefficient varies depending on the model version, ranging from CW 0.27 to 0.287. (from Comfort). It seals the air entrance when less cooling air is needed, increasing aerodynamic performance by up to 30% and extending range by up to 10%.

Together with the Continental low-resistance 215/55 R17 tires, the Tomahawk design of the 17-inch alloy wheels, which come in a two-tone color scheme for the Comfort and Luxury variants, is also aerodynamically optimized.

The body colors Pebble Black, Dover White, Medal Silver, Andes Grey, Diamond Red, Brighton Blue, and Fizzy Orange will be offered for the 2023 MG4 Electric.

The spacious inside of the MG4 Electric has been purposefully created with a minimalist aesthetic, putting special emphasis on the fundamental values of simplicity, innovation, and quality. The cockpit makes the most of the available space by employing high-quality materials and meticulous installation to create light, thin instrument panels and control elements.

In the Luxury edition, the center console's floating design expands the available space and incorporates practical features like smartphone storage and wireless charging.

The double-spoke steering wheel can be adjusted in height and position. In addition to being heated in the Luxury version, the steering wheel is also available in a leather finish in the Comfort version. Additionally, a reduced MG Motor function key design is used. The front seats in the Luxury are likewise heated, and the driver's seat has six different electric arrangement options.

The dramatic visual appeal of the 2023 MG4 Electric is built on the ground-breaking "One Pack" battery. It is the thinnest battery in its class and even lower than a Coke can thanks to the horizontal layout of the battery cells, which also allows for a lower vehicle height and more inside headroom. Its height is just 110 millimeters. The battery is a component of the SAIC Motor-developed MSP platform for battery-electric cars. 

Benefits provided by the architecture’s clever and modulating design are flexible, efficient use of space, safety, and driving pleasure. Wheelbases between 2.6 and 3.1 meters are acceptable for the structure, which is scalable. As a result, it is possible to create different bodywork parts for numerous vehicle types based on the same platform, including hatchback and notchback variants as well as SUVs, vans, and even sports cars. 

The MG4 Electric, which will initially be available in two battery variants, is the brand's first automobile in Europe built on the MSP platform. A 125kW electric motor positioned at the back of the MG4 Electric Standard drives the back wheels while being powered by a 51kWh battery. This entry-level vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 7.7 seconds, has a top speed of 160 kilometers per hour, and has a WLTP cycle range of up to 350 kilometers.

A 64kWh battery and a 150kW motor power the rear wheels of the MG Comfort and Luxury variants. They run the normal sprint in 7.9 seconds and can go as fast as 160 kph. The distance is 450 kilometers (435 km for the Luxury).

With a speed of up to 135 kW, the battery of an EV may be fast-charged (DC) from 10 to 80 percent in 35 minutes, providing enough juice to travel about 300 kilometers in 32 minutes. Additionally, all three models have a maximum torque of 250 Nm.

The MG4 Electric offers exceptional handling and driving pleasure because to its rear motor, rear-wheel drive, and balanced 50:50 weight distribution. Similar to larger vehicles from top European automakers, MG Motor equips the MG4 Electric with a MacPherson front axle and a sophisticated five-link single-wheel suspension for the rear axle.

The MG4 Electric may also be stopped using the electric motor, and different amounts of energy can be recovered. 

The MG4 Electric uses a number of advanced driver assistance and safety systems. In addition to Front Collision Warning (FCW) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), all versions also offer Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Traffic Jam Assistance (TJA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA) as standard, grouped under the name MG Pilot and which enable a degree of autonomous driving. These are joined by the Intelligent Headlamp Control (IHC) and the Speed Assist System (SAS) with traffic sign recognition.

With the MG4 Electric Luxury, MG Pilot also boasts Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Lane Change Assist (LCA). In addition, it warns for crossing traffic behind the vehicle thanks to Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and for oncoming traffic when opening the doors due to Door Opening Warning (DOW). The Unsteady Driving Warning (UDW) is also supported by an interior camera. A 360-degree camera shows the driver the environment all around the MG4 Electric on the display.

Plenty of space for up to five passengers and a variety of storage choices can be found with the MG4 Electric. The air conditioning system is significantly more effective in the Luxury version thanks to an extra heat pump. With its Vehicle-to-load capability, the car battery may also function as a portable power bank by using an adapter connection to power external gadgets like e-bikes, smartphones, and PCs. 

“The introduction of the latest MG4 Electric is our most important achievement yet. And there is more to come”, said Xinyu Liu.

 “MG Motor aims to democratize smart mobility solutions to the many with affordable, yet well-equipped, great quality cars that offer a great driving experience. We have had a continuous commitment to make desirable vehicles accessible.

By 2025, the brand’s portfolio will be enriched to ten models to satisfy customer needs across different segments, from A segment to sports cars. MG is ready to offer more fun driving models and latest technologies to its customers.”

To know the specs of the MG4 in detail, refer to its spec sheet below. 

Design	5-door, hatchback, monocoque body structure
Length/Width/Height	4,287 mm 2,060 mm (incl. mirrors) 1,504 mm
Wheelbase	2,705 mm
Track front/rear	1,550 mm / 1,551 mm
Weight	Standard:                               1,655 kg unladen weight 2,103 kg gross vehicle weight 448 kg load capacity Comfort & Luxury: 1,685 kg unladen weight 2,133 kg gross vehicle weight 448 kg load capacity
Towing capacity	500 kg
Luggage capacity	Standard & Comfort: 363 – 1,177 litre Luxury: 350 – 1,165 litre
Loading sill height	692 mm
Peak electrical output	Standaard: 125 kW (@ 6,500 rpm) Comfort & Luxury: 150 kW (@ 7,000 rpm)
Electrical torque	250 Nm (1,000 – 3,500 rpm)
Battery type	Standard: Lithium iron phosphate battery, 104 individual cells, 6 modules Comfort & Luxury: Nickel cobalt manganese battery, 104 individual cells, 6 modules
Battery capacity	Standard: 51 kWh Comfort & Luxury: 64 kWh
Acceleration	Standard:       0 – 50 km/h: 3.1 seconds 0 – 100 km/h: 7.7 seconds Comfort & Luxury: 0 – 50 km/h: 3.5 seconds 0 – 100 km/h: 7.9 seconds
Top speed	160 km/h (electronically limited)
Range WLTP**	Standaard: 350 km Comfort: 450 km Luxury: 435 km
Power consumption (combined**)	Standard: 170 Wh/km Comfort: 160 Wh/km Luxury: 166 Wh/km
CO2 emissions (combined**)	0 g/km
Max. charging power (AC)	Standard: 6.6 kW Comfort & Luxury: 11 kW
Max. charging power (DC)	Standard: 117 kW Comfort & Luxury: 135 kW

 

Photos from MG

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