The MG4 was one of the most important electric cars launched in 2022. It set a new benchmark for affordability and has understandably been selling like hot cakes ever since. But even in 2022 MG was teasing a future version that could be equally momentous – a dual-motor model. This has now arrived in the form of the MG4 XPOWER. It’s the first true electric hot hatch and will give traditional internal combustion-powered fast compact cars a lot to worry about. I took it for a test drive.
MG4 XPOWER: They Mean Power
The MG4 XPOWER has a significant motor power upgrade over the Long Range version upon which it is based. While it still uses the same 64kWh battery as the latter, there are now two motors. The Long Range had a 150kW (201hp) motor on the rear, but the XPOWER shifts this to the front and adds a 170kW (228hp) unit on the rear instead. This gives a total of 320kW (429hp) and 600Nm (443lb/ft) of torque, which is an obscene amount for a relatively small hatchback.
MG claims the XPOWER can hit 62mph in just 3.8 seconds, which is around the same as a Tesla Model Y Performance or Ford Musang Mach-E GT. However, this requires the invocation of launch control, where you hold down the brake and accelerator at the same down, then let go of the brake to take off. Either way, MG says this is the company’s most powerful production car ever. The bonkers but ill-fated MG Xpower SV-R only had 385hp and wasn’t as fast accelerating as the MG4 XPOWER by some margin, although the latter’s stop speed is only 124mph.
The 64kWh (61.8kWh net) battery delivers a lower WLTP range than the Long Range MG4 – 239 miles versus up to 281. The extra motor adds 115kg over the Long Range, for a total of 1800kg, and overall efficiency is lower. That’s not hugely encouraging for long-distance driving, but DC charging hits 140kW, so on a fast enough device the MG4 XPOWER can be replenished from 10 to 80% in just 35 minutes. A top-up of this duration every 2-3 hours on a lengthy journey wouldn’t be too onerous.
MG4 XPOWER: Sober Appearance
If the performance potential is outrageous, the appearance isn’t. MG calls it “understated”. The only real signs that this car is the XPOWER version are the 18in “Cyclone” alloy wheels and orange brake calipers with the model name on them. The latter highlights the considerable brake upgrade from 300mm to 345mm ventilated discs, which MG claims can bring the car to a complete stop from 62mph in just 33.9m. It’s reassuring that the company has considered this aspect of a car that can hit high speeds so rapidly.
However, I’d like to have seen a few more visual indications of the special status of the MG4 XPOWER. It doesn’t even have a badge on the rear. That would be nice, along with perhaps some differently colored stitching and seatbelts. MG UK says it will be pushing for this in the future, but the sober look of the car will be a downside for some, even if it gives the XPOWER considerable Q car appeal. Also on show at the launch was the EX3 race car based on the MG4 XPOWER, which was on its way to the Goodwood Festival of Speed for the hill climb. That’s the other end of the scale for appearance. Something in between the two would suit this car nicely.
That said, this is still a practical hatchback. The front seats, covered in Alcantara, are very comfortable. The driver’s seat is also electrically adjusted, although the passenger’s seat isn’t. The rear seats have adequate space for a couple of adults. There’s no armrest in the middle, and you’d only want to put a child in that place. There’s also a reasonable amount of luggage space in the rear. You get 363 liters with the rear seats up, and 1165 liters with them down, which is a bit behind a Volkswagen ID. 3 and almost exactly the same as a Nissan Leaf.
MG4 XPOWER: How Does It Drive?
If you just wanted a practical, affordable electric hatchback, however, you’d go for one of the standard MG4 versions. The XPOWER is all about the driving experience. It’s obviously quicker than the regular car. The throttle response isn’t quite as immediate as a Tesla, but even a light press of the accelerator will get this vehicle moving fast. I found a quiet section of road with a 60mph limit and tried the launch control. It was very fierce, although it’s worth mentioning that you can get something similar from a Tesla Model 3 or Y Performance without needing any special pedal combinations.
The MG4 XPOWER has a Dynamic Cornering System, which includes locking electronic differentials and Intelligent Motor Control. This enables torque vectoring, so power can be distributed to individual wheels to improve handling and traction. The springs and dampers have been recalibrated and tuned, with stiffer anti-roll bars. MG claims the suspension is 25% stiffer. During my test drive, there weren’t that many opportunities to push this to the limit, but I still found myself throwing the car into corners with enthusiasm.
Thanks to the rear-wheel-drive, the original MG4 was already quite fun, despite not being particularly quick. The XPOWER is a bit heavier but instils you with confidence immediately. Although it’s only 47kg lighter than a Tesla Model 3, it’s over 40cm shorter. It feels very capable of being chucked round bends. The grip from the Bridgestone Turanza tires feels very sure footed. Even without the full power of launch control, the MG4 XPOWER can thrust away from the apex of a corner with considerable satisfaction.
It also sits comfortably at highway speeds and has a decent amount of torque to perform decisive overtakes. However, the power is clearly optimized for lower speeds. The MG4 XPOWER is an A road monster, which is exactly what you need from your Hot Hatch. For those who want to take their driving even more seriously, the software allows you to display live lap times and G-force data.
MG4 XPOWER: Surprisingly Affordable
You might be expecting the significant extra power and performance would cost a fortune, but MG is offering the XPOWER in the UK for £36,495 ($47,000), which makes it cheaper than a Volkswagen Golf GTI and a lot cheaper than an Audi RS3. It beats the former soundly and matches the latter in straight-line speed. MG doesn’t offer any option packs, other than color choices, including a rather fetching green, so there’s not much to push the price higher. You get a seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty, including the battery. Although this isn’t exactly a cheap car, costing around £10,000 ($13,000) more than the base model, the value is still obvious, even compared to internal combustion alternatives.
MG also presented a second model at the XPOWER launch – an Extended Range version with 77kWh battery for same price as the XPOWER, giving it an impressive 323 miles of WLTP range. This is equipped with a 180kW (241hp) rear motor, so it’s a bit quicker than the Long Range, taking just 6.5 miles to reach 62mph. It comes with the same Trophy specification as is available with the Long Range.
That car might be the more practical option for many, as the range is in Tesla territory and beats many more expensive cars from Kia or Hyundai. But if you don’t need this mile-munching capability, the MG4 XPOWER delivers something we’ve spent years hoping for – a truly fast small EV. There are others on the way, such as the smart #1 Brabus. But they won’t match this car for price. MG has done it again, delivering a huge amount of EV for a very keen cost. In terms of electric thrills for the money, the MG4 XPOWER is hard to beat.
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