Following an extensive 10,000km drive with the MG 4 over a span of five months, we can confidently affirm that the 2024 MG 4 stands out as one of the most outstanding electric vehicles available in the Australian market today.
With its competitive pricing, reliable range performance, safety features, and user-friendly design, the MG 4 proves to be not only a practical choice but also an enjoyable driving experience with commendable dynamics, a comfortable ride, and a thoughtfully designed interior suitable for urban commuting or as a secondary vehicle for most drivers.
Despite its strengths, the MG 4 does suffer from some minor yet persistent software glitches that dampen the overall ownership satisfaction. Addressing these issues through simple software updates could significantly enhance the user experience.
Let me recount my encounter with the MG 4. It’s worth noting that this was my initial long-term experience with an electric vehicle, despite having previously evaluated numerous EV models available today (ranging from the GWM Ora to the Rolls-Royce Spectre).
The Diamond Red Metallic 2024 MG 4 Essence 64 I acquired in Sydney served as my transport back to Brisbane via the M1 freeway, although the public charging infrastructure along the route turned into a challenging ordeal.
The condition of the public charging network, particularly on the major M1 corridor in Australia, reflects the prevalent issues faced by electric vehicle owners in our country. The lack of reliable, functional charging stations significantly hampers the convenience and practicality of EV ownership.
Despite manufacturers boasting about rapid charging capabilities, the practical experience often falls short in Australia, with most stations unable to deliver the advertised high speeds. The scarcity of functional high-power chargers further complicates long-distance travel and extends charging times significantly.
The need for efficient charging infrastructure became strikingly evident during my Sydney to Brisbane journeys, which stretched well beyond the typical duration due to unreliable charging stations, elongating what should have been a straightforward trip.
While these challenges don’t reflect the MG 4’s capabilities, the availability of robust high-speed charging options could potentially reduce the travel time to a more manageable level comparable to ICE vehicles.
Upon reaching Brisbane, the inconveniences encountered with charging facilities were offset by the improved experience of EV ownership thereafter.
Initial attempts involved utilizing local charging points on a weekly basis, requiring multiple charges to accommodate regular usage patterns, albeit with lengthy charge times due to station congestion and slower than advertised charging rates.
Eventually, the necessity for home charging became evident for seamless electric vehicle operation, emphasizing the importance of reliable charging access for EV owners.
While the journey with the MG 4 highlighted the challenges of EV infrastructure in Australia, the overall experience underscored the benefits of electric vehicles alongside the need for continual enhancements in charging facilities and network accessibility.
the bother!
The discussion revolved around the choice of the charging system, and initially, the plan was to utilize the MG-provided one. However, being single phase and limited to 7kW for AC charging – while that’s the maximum this specific MG 4 model supports (the Long Range variant can achieve 11kWh on AC), the decision was made to future-proof the charger.
Since three-phase power was already installed in the garage during the house construction, we opted for the Tesla wall charger (third-generation). This charger is compatible with any electric vehicle we’ve tested and can deliver up to 22kW charging capacity. Moreover, it offers outstanding software functionality to schedule charging during off-peak electricity rates.
The choice of the wall charger is yours to make, and MG now offers three-phase wallboxes that provide faster charging speeds. However, after thorough investigation and considering the relatively modest cost of around $700, the Tesla system seemed the most logical choice. So far, it has been trouble-free.
After the installation of the wall charger, living with the MG 4 became significantly more convenient compared to owning a petrol-driven car. All the inconveniences associated with waiting for the car to charge vanished overnight.
Simply plug it in upon arrival home, set your wallbox to commence charging between 1am and 6am for reduced electricity costs; by morning, you’re always back to a full charge.
It reached a point where my spouse grew irritated when having to drive another vehicle reliant on fossil fuels, highlighting the uncleanliness of petrol stations and the inconvenience of having to halt somewhere for refueling – the irony.
How does the MG4 fare?
Check out a comprehensive comparison of the MG4 against similarly sized cars.
MG
MG4
What is the price of the MG 4?
Some MY23 stock remains available at select dealers at a reduced price, but for the 2024 model years, the prices are as follows.
| Model Variant | $RRP |
|---|---|
| 2024 MG 4 Excite 51 | $40,990 (+$1000) |
| 2024 MG 4 Excite 64 | $45,990 (+$1000) |
| 2024 MG 4 Essence 64 | $47,990 (+$1000) |
| 2024 MG 4 Long Range 77 | $53,990 (+$1000) |
| 2024 MG 4 XPower | $59,990 (+$1000) |
Please note that the prices mentioned above do not incorporate the EV incentives available in certain states (e.g., up to $6000 in QLD), nor do they account for the option to lease the vehicle using pre-tax income without being subject to fringe benefit tax implications.
Considering the aforementioned factors, the advertised price of this car somewhat loses its significance, as the weekly leasing cost of the vehicle is markedly lower than that of more expensive non-electric automobiles.
What is the price of the MG 4?
The inside of the MG 4 provides remarkable comfort, with superb visibility and comfortable seating both in the front and rear sections.
The compact driver’s instrument panel is a pleasing addition, though it would be preferable if MG could align the two interior displays for a more seamless integration.
While the heated seats were rarely used in QLD, as temperatures dropped in June, we occasionally found ourselves switching them on.
The six-speaker audio system proved to be quite satisfactory, but the absence of wireless Apple CarPlay was the most frustrating aspect of the infotainment setup.
In addition, wired CarPlay only functioned through the USB-A port, rather than the USB-C port, which was somewhat perplexing. For owners of newer iPhones, a USB-A to USB-C adapter was necessary, but charging was slower as a consequence.
To resolve this limitation, a $50 wireless CarPlay adapter from Amazon proved to be a viable solution. By plugging it into the USB-A port and connecting the iPhone wirelessly while charging via the USB-C port, fast charging was achievable effectively.
This workaround functioned reliably and proved more stable than the direct CarPlay connection, which experienced frequent dropouts until a software update rectified the issue after a few months of ownership.
It’s important to note that the wireless phone charger, advertised as 15 watts, only delivers this speed for Android phones that support it. Apple restricts non-certified charger speeds to 7.5 watts (15W on Apple chargers), leading to frustration for users.
Moreover, the wireless charger in the MG 4 is largely impractical. Its placement almost parallel to the car lacks sufficient support for securing the phone, resulting in precarious positioning, especially during acceleration.
In terms of craftsmanship, the MG 4 matches or even exceeds other cars in its price range. It exudes a sense of solidity, and the buttons and controls are user-friendly.
The ability to adjust AC temperature without relying solely on the screen would be appreciated. While there is a physical button to toggle the air conditioning on and off, a dedicated control for temperature adjustments would enhance the user experience.
Except for the Long Range variant, the MG 4 range provides 363L of boot space, sufficient for weekly groceries but less so for larger items. Folding the rear seats down increases storage to 1177L (1165 Long Range).
Even after 10,000km, the interior of the MG 4 appears pristine, aside from the phone charger mat, which displayed color fading, possibly due to heat generated during charging. The materials used in the interior have proven to be durable and resistant to sun exposure and daily wear.
What lies beneath the hood?
Model Version
Power
Torque
0-100km/h
Excite 51
125kW
250Nm
7.7s
Excite 64
150kW
250Nm
7.2s
Essence 64
150kW
250Nm
7.2s
Long Range 77
180kW
350Nm
6.5s
XPower
320kW
600Nm
3.8s
Model Version
Battery capacity
WLTP range
DC charging rate
Excite 51
51kWh
350km
88kW
Excite 64
64kWh
450km
140kW
Essence 64
64kWh
435km
140kW
Long Range 77
77kWh
530km
144kW
XPower
64kWh
400km
140kW
How is the driving experience of the MG 4?
The majority of the distance we covered during our time with the MG 4 was within urban areas and journeys between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. On several occasions, however, we also ventured from Brisbane to Warwick, a 2-hour drive along some of Queensland’s windiest roads.
While the MG 4 consistently delivered approximately 400km of range on a full charge in city driving, pushing it hard or driving uphill caused a significant drop in range. In such cases, the range dropped to around 280km, highlighting the impact of driving style on electric vehicles.
This behavior is akin to conventional petrol vehicles – the harder you drive, the more fuel it consumes; similarly, pushing the MG 4 harder depletes the battery more rapidly. Just like laptops or iPhones, performing intensive tasks drains the battery faster.
Notably, with an EV, the availability of charging stations greatly influences trip planning due to the direct correlation between reduced range and charging infrastructure.
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Throughout our time with the MG 4, driving and battery range remained remarkably consistent. For individuals considering this vehicle as a city commuter, range anxiety shouldn’t be a concern as long as home charging is available. However, the MG 4 isn’t designed for frequent long-distance travel.
The one-pedal driving mode was effective, but the inability to set it as the default mode was inconvenient. We hope MG addresses this minor software issue in a future update.
While we enjoyed driving the MG 4, there was a peculiar “feature” – more of an annoyance, in my opinion. The vehicle refuses to shift into gear unless the seatbelt is fastened. Although a safety measure, it can be frustrating, especially in quick stop-and-go scenarios.
At our Brisbane office in Fortitude Valley, each morning’s routine involves exiting the vehicle to unlock the garage door using a security key scanner. The MG 4 remains powered on until locked, leading to the seatbelt requirement before shifting to Drive—a minor daily inconvenience.
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This behavior stems from the lack of an on/off button; hence, the vehicle activates upon unlocking. Incorporating this functionality would provide added control, signaling intent to move without immediate seatbelt engagement.
Regarding safety concerns with Chinese-made vehicles, the active safety features in the MG 4 refute any doubts. Its systems align with Australian standards, offering effective functions like active cruise control and lane-keeping assist. MG has made significant strides in safety technology, now rivalling top Japanese manufacturers in this aspect.
From the perspective of both range performance and safety technology,
From a pleasure of driving and sophistication viewpoint, the MG 4 stands out as the most accomplished electric vehicle in its segment and price category.
What is included?
Despite having a total of five variations – categorized by battery capacity, performance, and features – there are just three different trim options: Excite, Essence/Long Range, and XPower.
MG 4 Excite features:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Tyre repair kit
- One-pedal drive
- Four-mode regenerative braking
- Keyless entry and start
- Automatic LED headlights
- Automatic high-beam
- 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- 4-speaker sound system
- Black fabric upholstery
- Artificial leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
- Electric side mirrors with heating functionality
- 6-way manual driver’s seat adjustment
- iSmart Lite connectivity
MG 4 Essence and Long Range additions:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Black roof
- Active grille shutters
- Rear privacy glass
- iSmart connectivity
- 6-speaker sound system
- Satellite navigation
- Wireless phone charger
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Power-folding exterior mirrors
- Height-adjustable load floor
- EV trip planner
- Synthetic leather/cloth upholstery
- 6-way power driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Leather-trimmed steering wheel
MG 4 XPower includes:
Is the MG 4 reliable?
The MG 4 holds a five-star safety rating based on the esteemed Euro NCAP tests conducted in 2022 – the Australian testing organization has also awarded it with the highest five-star rating.
Basic safety features include:
- AEB with pedestrian, cyclist detection
- Adaptive cruise control
- Driver attention monitoring
- Intelligent speed limit assist
- Lane keep assist
- Lane departure warning
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Rear parking sensors
- Reversing camera
MG 4 Essence upgrades:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Emergency lane-keep assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Safe exit warning
- Surround-view camera
How much is the MG 4 expense to operate?
All MG 4 models are covered by a seven-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.
Due to the limited maintenance required for an electric vehicle, the servicing intervals are extensive at 24 months or 40,000km, whichever occurs first. This will significantly lower your operational expenses, particularly if you have the capability to charge at your residence.
Service Interval XPower All other variants 24 months or 40,000km $296 $296 48 months or 80,000km $962 $907 72 months or 120,000km $296 $296 96 months or 160,000km $962 $907 120 months or 200,000km $296 $296 144 months or 240,000km $962 $907 168 months or 280,000km $296 $296 Expert’s Evaluation of the MG 4
Following nearly half a year and over 10,000 km in the MG 4, I have been converted to an electric vehicle enthusiast.
If you have access to home charging, opting for a small, budget-friendly electric car is a sensible choice, and the MG 4 stands out as one of the premier compact EV options currently available in Australia.
With a blend of cutting-edge technology, respectable range, and a competitive starting price (aided by government incentives and FBT leasing perks), the MG 4 holds its own against the Tesla Model 3. This decision could save you approximately $15,000–20,000 and eliminate the need to own a Tesla.
Critically speaking, the MG 4 boasts an interior that is more functional than the relatively dull Model 3, although this judgment remains subjective.
When considering the purchase of an MG 4, concerns about the brand’s reliability, build quality, and performance should not be a priority.
The MG 4 performed flawlessly over 10,000km of driving, and with its seven-year warranty (take notes, Tesla) and extended service intervals, it is likely to be the most cost-effective vehicle you will ever own in terms of operating expenses.
My advice? Test drive an MG 4 yourself and experience it firsthand. It’s worth noting that you can also compare it with the GWM Ora, which is slightly cheaper and offers a comparable level of comfort and technology, though lacking the dynamic polish of the MG 4.
We have recently switched from the MG 4 Essence 64 to an MG 4 XPower, and we will provide an update on that in the near future.
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