MG to showcase electric hatchback MG 4 at Auto Expo 2023

Many carmakers have shied away from the upcoming Auto Expo 2023, but MG Motor will have an assorted set of cars on display. We have already reported that the MG Air City EV will make its India debut at Auto Expo, and the Hector facelift will also be on display. What we can now confirm is that MG’s latest midsize electric hatchback – the MG 4 EV – will also be showcased at Auto Expo 2023.

Unveiled in July this year, the MG 4 is a born electric vehicle that's based on parent company SAIC’s modular scalable platform where the battery pack forms an integral part of the platform structure.

Exterior details
Dimensionally, the MG 4 measures 4,287mm in length, 1,836mm in width, 1,506mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,705mm. This makes it nearly as large as the ZS EV SUV, as its length is only 36mm shorter than the latter while the wheelbase is 120mm longer. In markets abroad, the MG 4 rivals other electric hatchbacks such as the Volkswagen ID.3 and Kia Niro EV. 

As far as design is corcerned, the MG 4 is a stylish looking hatchback that combines crossover design cues. It features crisp lines, sheer surfaces and certain details that seem inspired by the Cyberster roadster concept. The face is characterised by a swooping nose, a well-sculpted bonnet and angular headlamps with eyebrow like-LED Daytime Running Lamps. The complex-looking front bumper gets multiple angular insets, a central air intake and additional LED lighting elements on the outer edges. 

In profile, the MG 4 features two prominent character lines. The lower section of the doors also form a part of the extended sill. At the rear, the MG 4 gets a large two-part roof-extension-cum-spoiler above an angled tailgate, together with a complex full-width tail-light assembly featuring LED graphics. The blacked-out rear bumper, in contrast, features a minimalist design.

Powertrain and battery
Globally, the MG 4 EV is available with two battery pack options – 51kWh and a larger 64kWh; the former produces 170hp, while the latter produces 203hp. Torque output on both versions is rated at 250Nm and both come in a single-motor, rear-wheel drive configuration.

In terms of charging, using a 7kW AC fast charger, the batteries can be topped up from 10 percent to 100 percent in 7.5 hours and 9 hours for the 51kWh and 64kWh battery packs, respectively. However, with a 150kW DC charger, the same batteries can be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in 35 minutes and 39 minutes, respectively. MG claims the smaller battery pack can return a range of up to 350km while the larger one gives 452km, both on the WLTP cycle.

Interior and features
Unlike the exterior, the interior of the MG 4 EV is rather minimalistic. The dashboard features clean, horizontal lines with the highlight being two floating screens – there’s a centrally mounted 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system along with a 7-inch digital driver’s display. While the AC vents are neatly concealed in the dashboard, the centre console sticks out with a rotary dial and a wireless charging pad. There are also plenty of storage spaces around the centre console.

In terms of features, the MG4 comes properly kitted out: connected car technology with over-the-air updates, 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, and an ADAS suite that brings in adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert, among others.

Launch details 
MG India is currently evaluating a market launch for the MG 4 EV.  The model will come to India either via CBU or CKD route. The company is bringing the electric hatchback to the Auto Expo to gauge customer interest. MG could introduce it in the market following the launch of the Air City EV. If launched, it will see competition from the likes of the BYD Atto 3 and the upcoming Hyundai Kona Electric facelift.