MG 4 XPower: The Electric Pocket Rocket
The MG 4 XPower hot hatch is set to make its official debut later this summer, but specifications have already been released, and they are impressive. The XPower boasts an uprated electric powertrain that delivers 429bhp and 443lb ft of torque, more than double that of the MG 4 Long Range. This allows the XPower to complete the 0-62mph sprint in just 3.8 seconds, putting it on par with high-end petrol-engined hot hatches such as the Mercedes-AMG A45 (3.9sec). The XPower also has a top speed of 124mph.
Powertrain and Battery
The MG 4 XPower uses the same 62kWh (usable capacity) battery as the Long Range model, but range is cut from 281 miles down to 239 miles due to the significant uplift in performance. However, a 10-80% charge cycle takes only 35 minutes on a 150kW charger, making it convenient for long drives.
Interior
Inside, the XPower broadly matches the regular Trophy model, with changes including a set of Alcantara bucket seats and metal pedals. A ‘dynamic driving management’ system is included, showing data including lap times and a g-force meter.
Exterior
It’s not yet known whether the XPower will be restyled to reflect its sporting positioning – getting a wide-arch body kit or a rear spoiler, for example. In China, where it’s called the Mulan Triumph edition, the hot 4 gets bright-green paint and a wider, lower stance. A sales listing from a major car dealer suggests the XPower will at least receive 18in alloy wheels in a ‘cyclone’ design and orange-painted brake calipers.
Price
That listing also has the XPower priced from £36,495 before optional extras are fitted, which include an exclusive British Racing Green paint finish priced at £800.
Goodwood Festival of Speed
The XPower is expected to be the “sporting” model shown alongside the MG Cyberster electric roadster and the new EX4 concept car at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed. Little is known about the EX4 at this time, but MG has said it’s a “dramatic” prototype designed and built in Britain. Given that its name is an apparent reference to the MG EX-E concept of 1985, it may preview a future halo model for the Chinese brand. The EX-E was a sleek mid-engined supercar concept featuring the powertrain from the MG Metro 6R4 rally car – a 3.0-litre V6 mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, with a viscous centre differential for permanent four-wheel drive.
Extended Range Model
Specifications for another MG 4 model – an ‘Extended Range’ – were also published, revealing this additional variant will feature a larger 77kWh battery, giving it an official range of 323 miles. It also receives a new 245bhp motor, giving it a 0-62mph time of 6.5sec.
Conclusion
The MG 4 XPower hot hatch is set to make waves in the electric car market with its impressive powertrain and performance. With a price tag of £36,495 before optional extras, it’s not cheap, but it’s on par with high-end petrol-engined hot hatches. The XPower is expected to be shown alongside the MG Cyberster electric roadster and the new EX4 concept car at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed, where we may learn more about MG’s future plans.