MG 4 EV Extended Range: A Longer-Lasting, More Powerful Electric Vehicle

Introduction

At Autocar, we are excited to test the new MG 4 EV Extended Range model, which boasts a 20% increase in battery range and a more powerful 241bhp motor. In this long-term review, we will assess how these enhancements perform in real-world conditions.

Month 1 – Specs

Life with an MG 4: Month 1

Welcoming the MG to the Fleet

The MG 4 EV has been a popular choice among buyers due to its affordability, driving experience, and practicality. It appeals to both private and business buyers, thanks to its attractive features and not just financial incentives. When given the opportunity to test the Extended Range version, which offers 20% more battery range and a faster acceleration time of 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds, we were eager to see how it performs.

The MG 4 EV Extended Range model we received was a fully-equipped Trophy-spec version in Camden Grey. Despite having around 5700 miles on the clock, it showed no signs of wear and tear except for a minor mark on the driver’s seat. The overall build quality, including the body and paintwork, met our expectations.

The Trophy trim level comes with a range of advanced features, including a responsive sat-nav system, high-quality audio, a rear camera with excellent clarity, and a heated steering wheel. However, the lane-keeping assistance system proved to be intrusive and required manual deactivation before driving. Nevertheless, the overall gadgetry was impressive, with some useful safety features such as city collision warning and rear cross-traffic warning.

In terms of pricing, the MG 4 EV Extended Range Trophy model is priced at £36,495, the same as the XPower model with a shorter range but higher acceleration. While these prices may not be considered bargains compared to ICE models with similar capabilities, they are still affordable, especially for PCP customers.

Driving Experience and Range

From the moment we started driving the MG 4 EV Extended Range, we were impressed by its agility and handling. Despite its weight, it felt nimble and well-balanced, thanks to its rear-wheel drive and near 50:50 weight distribution. The steering was nicely weighted and responsive, providing a satisfying driving experience.

One minor gripe we had was the brakes, which felt overly light. However, the ride quality was generally comfortable, with the car handling bumps and uneven surfaces well. Surprisingly, the £36k MG 4 EV outperformed a former £110k Audi in terms of ride quality.

One of the most significant improvements in the Extended Range model is its battery range. The fascia predictor indicated a range of up to 360 miles, exceeding the WLTP figure. In reality, we consistently achieved a range of 330-340 miles, providing us with confidence for long journeys. With an average efficiency of 4.1 miles per kWh, the car did not require frequent charging, further enhancing its practicality.

Overall, the MG 4 EV Extended Range has exceeded our expectations. It offers a fun and satisfying driving experience, with its comfort, quietness, steering, and power delivery standing out. While it may not have a direct connection to MG’s heritage, it occasionally evokes a sense of nostalgia.

Second Opinion

During a brief test drive of the MG 4 EV Extended Range in winter, we noticed slightly lower efficiency and less refined ride and handling compared to the Long Range model. However, we are eager to see how it performs in our longer-term test.

MG 4 EV Specification

Specs:

• Price New: £36,495
• Price as Tested: £36,495
• Options: None

Test Data:

• Engine: 1x permanent magnet synchronous motor
• Power: 241bhp
• Torque: 258lb ft
• Kerb Weight: 1748kg
• Top Speed: 112mph
• 0-62mph: 6.5sec
• Fuel Economy: 3.72mpkWh
• CO2 Emissions: 0g/km
• Faults: None
• Expenses: None