MG revamps its MG4 best-seller

MG, a brand now under the umbrella of SAIC Motor, has unveiled a significantly redesigned version of its MG4 electric hatchback in China. While this is one of MG's most popular EVs in Europe, current MG4 sales have struggled to gain traction in its home market. The new model, revealed through regulatory MIIT filings, sports larger dimensions and a fresh design - this is a major overhaul rather than a mere facelift.

The updated MG4 measures 173 inches in length, 72.5 inches in width, and 61.1 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 108.3 inches. That's a notable increase compared to the previous model, which measured 168.8 inches/72.3 inches/59.7 inches with a 106.5 inches wheelbase. The 108-mm increase in length and the 45-mm longer wheelbase, suggests MG has essentially created a new vehicle.

The new MG4 gets a reworked front fascia, doors, and rear end, along with adjustments to the greenhouse structure. The overall aesthetic appears to draw inspiration from the MG3 and use some elements from the Cyberster model.

At the rear, the MG4 features a wide light strip and arrow-shaped taillights, echoing the design of the MG Cyberster. The vehicle is powered by a TZ180XS1001 electric motor, producing a peak output of 120 kW (161 hp). The top speed is 99 mph. Surprisingly, the new MG4 weighs 3,274 lb - that's a big decrease from the previous model's 3,618 lb, despite the larger size. The LFP battery pack will be supplied by Rept Battero Energy, though its capacity has not yet been disclosed.

All those details were revealed by the regulatory filings from China's MIIT, which are a crucial step for any vehicle intended for the Chinese market. Interestingly, MG has also applied for "MG3" and "E5" badges for this vehicle, a common practice among automakers who are considering multiple naming options.

The sudden change is likely due to MG4's lackluster sales performance in China. After its launch in mid-2022, the model had some initial success, but sales quickly declined. This past February, only 13 units were sold - this stark figure exposes the intense competition in the Chinese EV market, where the MG4 faces rivals such as the BYD Dolphin, Wuling Bingo, and Geely Xingyuan. It will be interesting to see when MG will bring the new model to European markets, where the original is doing excellently.

Via