So far, the former British China brand has offered electric cars for the low-expectation customer on a tight budget, which are based on remodeled combustion engine platforms. But now the MG4 is celebrating its European premiere – and with it a variable electric platform as a counterpart to the modular electric kit from VW. They will take a close look in Wolfsburg – and probably do the math.
MSP instead of MEB is the motto, Modular Scalable Platform is the name of the development of the parent company SAIC. And they can have wheelbases between 2.65 and 3.10 meters and battery capacities of 40 to 150 kilowatt hours. Pretty much everything can be covered that customers in the most diverse segments want. The MG4 is just the beginning. The basic model called Standard for a cheap 32,990 euros (minus subsidy) stores 51 kWh in the eleven centimeter flat modules in the vehicle floor, which are intended to feed the 125 kW/170 hp electric motor on the rear axle for 350 WLTP kilometers. It is probably no coincidence that you know the motor performance data from the direct competitor VW and its IDs. For a surcharge of 4000 or 6000 euros, there is a 64 kWh battery in the Comfort or Luxury model (in addition to better equipment), the motor performs here 150 kW/204 hp. This is also known as a value from VW, most recently experienced in the VW ID.Buzz. The maximum torque is 250 Nm for both. For comparison: The VW ID.3 can currently only be ordered with the 204 hp engine. With a 58 kWh battery, the base price is 45,290 euros before deducting the subsidy. Moderate charging capacity The maximum charging capacity is not exactly the best in the base class. The basic version only manages 6.6 kW with alternating current and just 117 kW with direct current. The more powerful MG4 has the usual 11 or 135 kW. Charging from 10 to 80% SOC (state of charge) should take 40 or 35 minutes. Lively and spacious Both versions weigh less than 1.7 tons and accelerate from standstill to speed in 7.7 or 7.9 seconds 100. As with VW, the top speed is limited to 160 km/h. With a wheelbase of 2.71 m, the MG4 measures 4.29 m in length, which should be enough interior space, as with electric cars designed vehicles is generally so. The trunk volume is average and is 363 to 1177 liters (Comfort/Luxury 350 to 1165 liters). Tidy and without “touch stuff” The interior looks tidy, two displays (seven and 10.25 inches) provide information as usual. Physical buttons and switches are almost non-existent, save for a few buttons under the touchscreen, so pretty much everything has to go into the on-screen menus. After all, MG does without touch elements on the steering wheel. The buttons give hope that they will be easier to use than the touch-sensitive elements on various more expensive competitors. The gears are selected using a rotary switch on the center console. Many assistance systems are available, some at an additional cost. The radar cruise control with traffic jam assistant is even standard. Ten new models are to come onto the market by 2025, from the smallest car to the sports car. The latter should then probably keep what the MG4 promises with its aggressive looks. We will only know how good the offer really is when MG publishes the equipment lists. But you can assume that the MG4 will be cheap when it comes onto the market in autumn. With all models you can still deduct the subsidy of 5400 euros, so you can put a chic electric car in front of your door from 27,590 euros. A first test in autumn has to show whether it is cheap or just cheap.
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