The MG4 will rub shoulders with the Tesla Model 3 Performance with these two new versions

A little less than a year after its launch, MG is preparing to expand the MG4 range with two new, never-before-seen variants. The first will be distinguished by its increased autonomy, while the second will offer top-flight performance. To the point of competing with the Tesla Model 3 Performance?

While many Chinese electric car manufacturers have been invading Europe for some time, such as Nio, BYD and even Xpeng, one brand had already taken a bit of a lead. This is MG, which made its big comeback in France in 2020, after its death in 2005. The former British firm, which has become a subsidiary of the SAIC Motor group, now markets several models with us, including the ZS EV, EHS, Marvel R and other MG5s. Not to mention the MG4, which is a great success.

Encouraging figures

Indeed, as announced by the Chinese brand in a press release just published, the electric compact, rival of Renault Mégane E-Tech and other Volkswagen ID.3 appeals to the public. Thus, she places herself at 5th in electric car sales in January 2023. A great performance for the one with an unbeatable price, from 29,990 euros, ecological bonus of 5,000 euros not deducted.

With such a positioning, it is therefore not surprising that the brand’s new star has recorded more than 7,000 orders since September last in France alone. If it currently exists in two versions with two battery sizes, 51 and 64 kWh, the first represents no less than 35% of sales, which is a very good figure.

But the manufacturer does not intend to rest on its achievements, especially since the compact electric could have to deal with another rival. This one would also come to us from China, since it would be the Zeekr 003, which should make its arrival on the European market in the coming years, probably in 2024.

Thus, MG is taking advantage of the publication of its results for the past year to provide some information on its plans for the future. And among them, the arrival of new versions for the MG4, in order to attract an even larger clientele, and thus grab market share from its rivals. As a reminder, the ranking of electric car sales was dominated in December by the Dacia Spring, the Tesla Model 3 and the Renault Mégane E-Tech. The Chinese compact came in 10th position.

More autonomy and a performance version

Thus, and as MG officially announces, customers will soon be able to afford a new variant benefiting from an extended autonomy, which will then probably exceed 500 kilometers according to the European WLTP cycle. For memory, the MG 4 currently peaks at 450 kilometers in its intermediate Comfort version equipped with the 64 kWh NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) battery. The 51 kWh variant uses LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) technology. Rumors announce a 77 kWh battery for this new version .

But that’s not all. Because the Chinese firm will also introduce in Europe a more sporty version already marketed in its native country under the name of Mulan Triumph Edition. With us, the compact will then be called X-Power but it will resume more or less the same technical specifications, while offering an all-wheel drive. According to the company, it will then claim a power of 450 horsepower and a torque of 600 Nmagainst 204 horsepower and 250 Nm for the currently most efficient version.

Quite a development for the compact therefore, which will be able to achieve 0 to 100 km / h in less than four seconds, against 7.9 seconds at present. Thus, the new MG4 X-Power will be able togo hunting in the lands of the Tesla Model 3 Performance, which requires 3.3 seconds to perform the same exercise. The 64 kWh battery will be kept, but nothing has been said about the autonomy, which should be slightly lower. MG specifies that the running gear has also been reworkedas well as the electronics without giving more details.

As the site says Clean AutomotiveMG promises the arrival of a range planner on its cars, as well as one-pedal driving, as on the Nissan Leaf among others.

By 2025, the company plans to launch no less than ten cars, including the MG4 already on the market as well as an electric roadster inspired by the Cyberster concept. The latter should then compete with the Tesla Roadster and the next generation of the Mazda MX-5who will continue his career as promised by the brand’s European boss, Martijn ten Brink at Coach.

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