Bangkok 2023: MG 4 Electric, a funky EV hatchback priced below 1m baht – 425 km range, from RM111k

Bangkok 2023: MG 4 Electric, a funky EV hatchback priced below 1m baht – 425 km range, from RM111k

We’ve showed you the MG ES wagon and MG Maxus 9 luxury MPV EVs from the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show; now here’s another electric vehicle that’s more mass market in positioning. Launched in Thailand late last year, the MG 4 Electric is a B-segment five-door hatchback called the MG Mulan in China.

The MG 4 Electric is 4,287 mm long and 1,836 mm wide, which is 58 mm shorter but 88 mm wider than a Honda City Hatchback. Typical of space efficient EVs without bulky engines, the MG’s wheelbase (2,705 mm) is relatively long versus its footprint.

In the metal, the MG 4 is distinctive and certainly stands out from the ICE hatchback crowd. With sharp eyes and no front grille, it also differentiates itself from the rest of the MG range, which typically have a Mazda-style fascia. It’s not a copy, but the face somehow gives me Lamborghini Urus vibes, or is it just me?

Bangkok 2023: MG 4 Electric, a funky EV hatchback priced below 1m baht – 425 km range, from RM111k

The rear end has more drama. The disjointed beltline rises to rear lights that are full width and wraparound. It’s part of a rear deck of a spoiler that’s so protruding, it can be a makeshift bar table. The flat surface has an illuminated pattern of random red lines. I was thinking that the MG’s rear looks familiar, and then I encountered this car at the neighbouring booth.

The MG 4’s dashboard is very clean and minimalist in design, featuring a full-width vent strip and a squared-off steering wheel. Of course, there’s a large central screen, but what’s unique here is that the 10.25-inch landscape touchscreen has a row of physical buttons underlining it. Also cool is that “nightstand” holding the gear selector.

This EV is powered by a 170 PS/250 Nm electric motor juiced by a 51 kWh battery with MG’s liquid cooling system. There are five driving modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, Custom, Snow – and four levels of energy regeneration in what MG calls KERS. The range per full charge is 425 km in the NEDC cycle, which will translate to below 400 km in the more realistic WLTP.

Bangkok 2023: MG 4 Electric, a funky EV hatchback priced below 1m baht – 425 km range, from RM111k

As for charging, the MG 4 takes in AC power up to 6.6 kW and DC fast charging is up to 88 kW; with the latter, going from 10% to 80% SOC takes 35 minutes. Leaving the car to charge overnight with the wallbox takes around eight hours and 30 minutes.

In Thailand, there are two variants of the MG 4, the D for 869,000 baht (RM111,376) and the X for 969,000 baht (RM124,193). That’s significantly cheaper than the most affordable EVs in Malaysia, matching its ES wagon stablemate in offering a lot of electric car for the money. The ES is larger, more practical and conventionally-styled, while the 4 is smaller and more funky.

The price difference between variants is relatively big here, and the top X justifies it by adding on luxuries such as LED lights front and back, wireless charger, 3D surround view camera, a full ADAS suite and MG’s i-SMART app connect system where you can check status and command the car with your phone. Looks like we’re missing out a fair bit of good EV value without SAIC’s MG in our market. Over to you, BYD.

GALLERY: MG 4 Electric X

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • There are people who willing/interested to buy.
    Welcome the battery car.

    It has larger wheelbase, Wider and longer than a VW Golf.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • lolpanda on Mar 28, 2023 at 1:57 pm

    WLTP range of 349km (https://ev-database.org/uk/car/1707/MG-MG4-EV-Standard-Range)

    Chinese carmakers are seriously misleading people by advertising a higher number – many car buyers don’t get to the technical details and will be betrayed by the real world range of these Chinese EVs.

    kudos to you guys for always supplementing with WLTP as a global standardised comparison. our govt should also regulate the declared range among all car makers to WLTP’s test standards so it’s a fair comparison

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 10
    • VlanC on Mar 28, 2023 at 2:48 pm

      China uses a different/outdated testing methodology compared to Europe which explains the misleading range claims.

      I definitely agree that if EVs were to sold worldwide, it should be tested by WLTP and publish the actual usable range instead of the vague claims/marketing B$ of a company.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
    • Danis Chow on Mar 28, 2023 at 2:55 pm

      Factory or government test ( usually test in close environment ) is always better than real world use which influence by road conditions and whether.
      Even japanese or Korean make also face the same problem

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Chris on Mar 28, 2023 at 2:57 pm

      I think this applies to many other EV carmakers, not just Chinese. The advertised range is very close to ideal sometimes not a practical configuration.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • EVUsert on Mar 28, 2023 at 3:26 pm

    Your BLANKET statement of “Chinese Makers” are Seriously Misleading People ??? Is that NOT a BIG LIE ? Toyota bz4X stated in Brochures Ranged was CHECK by Independant Test ( Magazine group ) it came out 50% of stated and was retested again and again. Magazine then ask Toyota for Comments. Toyota said ….”No Comment”. Are you a Chinese ….%$#$%$% ???

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 2
  • LoLPundan on Mar 28, 2023 at 3:31 pm

    The more competition the better Prices and Service of EV. Malaysia “Invitation” under the Global Incentive fo EV is a START. But Thailand and Indonesia are attracting more Manufacturers. Allow BLANKET importation of ALL EV without any AP , Bumi requirements, Local Partners, etc . EVs like the Mini Hongguan will be in Malaysia for <Rm40K !!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • Atto3#### on Mar 28, 2023 at 4:40 pm

    In the Atto 3 ….. Rated 420km for full charge. Verified by User… 420Km is POSSIBLE !!! So …. Do NOT make a BLANKET Statement ( LoLpanda) that ALL Chinese EV manufacturer are CHEATS and misleading people !!! Check Toyota bZ4x which was CAUGHT by an independant magazine group to have STATED in their brochres as X Km. In FAct it was 50% of the Range stated.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 3
  • BYD atto3 target annual sales @ Malaysia only 3000, less than 300 units per month.
    https://paultan.org/2023/01/25/byd-atto-3-sime-darby-motors-targeting-sales-of-3000-units-a-month-for-the-all-electric-suv-in-malaysia/

    There are still rooms for this MG EV4 to come here.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Travolta Markus Tan Long Wan on Mar 28, 2023 at 11:53 pm

    I chaching my battery phone 2 years already no good. Good luck buy ok

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Nice design! Bila MG masuk Malaysia?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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