MG has a reputation for producing great value cars. The MG ZS EV and its Long Range version drew a new line for affordability, followed by the MG5 EV and its Long Range version. In 2022, the MG4 EV set yet another benchmark. Now there’s an updated version of the MG4 called the Extended Range. It takes what was great about the original model and makes it even better. I spent the last week putting it through its paces.
The key thing about the Extended Range is a bigger battery – 77kWh gross (74.4kWh net) compared to 64kWh gross (61.7kWh net) for the MG4 Long Range. That has also been combined with an increased motor power, from 201hp to 241hp. This means that despite being 63kg heavier than the Long Range, the Extended Range is faster, taking just 6.1 seconds to reach 60mph, versus 7.5 seconds. Before the EV era, that would have been a sportscar level of performance. MG’s portfolion includes the even quicker MG4 XPOWER, which hits 60mph in a Tesla-challenging 3.7 seconds. But for an everyday hatchback, 6.1 seconds is more than adequate.
The performance of the MG4 Extended Range is somewhat secondary to its headline feature, however – the WLTP range that the larger battery enables, which is 323 miles. I managed to achieve about 280 miles in Normal (not Eco) mode about town, and about 240 miles on a 70mph motorway. To put that in perspective, the base level Tesla Model 3 only has a r WLTP range of 305 miles. Obviously, there are cars that go well beyond this number, and Peugeot is bringing out a mid-market crossover in 2024 that will offer up to 435 miles. But the MG4 Extended Range is not expensive. I’ll get to that in a bit.
First, it’s worth underlining the basic features of this car. The MG4 is a small(ish) hatchback like the Volkswagen ID.3, with four doors. In fact, it’s almost the same length and width as the latter, albeit not quite as tall. This is a format that is more popular in Europe than the US, fitting the bill better for cramped European cities than giant SUVs and pickups, although SUVs are still inexplicably popular even in urban areas.
The MG4 is well designed to fulfil this role of an urban-focused family hatchback. The Extended Range is only available with MG’s top Trophy trim, so includes an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, although the front passenger seat is still mechanical. Both front seats are heated, however, as is the steering wheel. The sense of space in the front is increased by the central console being quite low, and with the Trophy Trim this integrates a wireless phone charger. MG has modernized the cockpit for the MG4 compared to previous models, with fewer buttons and switches, although it’s still essentially traditional in approach.
The MG4 may have a lower roof than the Volkswagen ID.3, but it still has a decent amount of space for rear passengers. An adult up to six feet tall should have sufficient head and leg room. The middle seat is much thinner and won’t be great for adults for long journeys. Its back also doesn’t fold down to make an armrest. There are no air conditioning controls or vents in the rear, and only one USB port. There’s also no panoramic sunroof to improve the sense of space, although this is an option in some regions other than the UK. But the rear seats are comfortable enough for longer journeys.
Rear cargo space is also decent. With the seats up, this equates to 363 liters, and with them down, it extends to 1,165 liters. Both are less than a VW ID.3, but around the same as other cars in this class, such as the venerable Renault Zoe. However, the MG4 Extended Range’s rear luggage space has an almost flat floor, which will make loading certain items a lot easier than the Zoe. The MG4 also has a 500kg towing capacity, which will be enough for a small trailer or a light boat.
One thing that has let previous MG cars before the MG4 down was the technology. The instrument panel was often still mostly made of analog dials, and the infotainment rudimentary. This has been upgraded considerably with the MG4, although the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support is still through a wire rather than wireless. The instrument panel is now a 7in digital display with even simulations of dials banished to the past. The infotainment screen is a 10.25in widescreen with widgets and a competent satnav that supports live traffic updates. There’s live weather and the ability to stream Amazon Music built in too.
The menu system for configuring car settings is also much better laid out and more intuitive than MGs prior to the MG4. MG has reduced the number of discrete buttons, with most of the air conditioning controls via the infotainment panel and no dedicated controls over engine power or regeneration level. But there are two “favorite” buttons on the steering wheel that enable the right-hand steering wheel joystick to control these things. By default, the left-hand one lets you change climate control fan speed and temperature, while the right-hand one varies regeneration. But you can alter these funcitons in the menu.
When I test drove the original MG4, the handling was surprisingly good thanks to the rear-wheel-drive, despite it not being that quick by EV standards. The Extended Range version keeps that light but responsive steering. But with faster acceleration the experience is much more fun. It’s a nippy little car for urban environments, and great for windy British A-roads, with enough performance to overtake slow traffic. Auto hold is enabled by default, but you must give the brake pedal an extra push once the car has come to a stop to engage it. Alternatively, it’s possible to switch to full one-pedal mode where the car will come to a stop and engage the auto hold automatically.
The MG4 is competent on motorways, and this is the primary area where the Extended Range surpasses previous models. That healthy real-world range means you could drive from London to Devon or Manchester in one go, although you’d probably want to be sure of the charging at your destination. If you do need to charge on route, DC charging goes up to 144kW, meaning you can replenish the battery from 10 to 80% in just 39 minutes. AC charging is only supported at 7kW, so a full charge from empty takes a little over 10 hours.
There is nothing too exceptional about any of these characteristics of the MG4 Extended Range. It is quite fast, but plenty of EVs are faster. The range is great, but again there are EVs that go further. It’s got decent space for passengers or cargo, and the technology is now much better than earlier MGs. But it doesn’t stand out in these areas either. Nevertheless, it is good in all categories, making it a great all-rounder with no obvious weaknesses.
Best of all, it has MG’s usual unique feature – the cost. In the UK, the MG4 Extended Range has been price-matched to the ridiculously quick XPOWER – £36,495 ($44,500). In other words, for the same money, you can either have good performance and great range or incredible performance and acceptable range. No car from Stellantis, Volkswagen Group, Ford, or Tesla can offer such a comprehensive package as the MG4 Extended Range for this little money. If you want an EV that ticks all the boxes for everyday family transport, it’s a bargain.
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