New MG4 EV surfaces in China, armed with new tech to challenge rivals

Ahead of its official debut, the completely redesigned MG4 EV is already appearing at dealerships across China. The updated model is SAIC Motor's direct answer to the very popular BYD Dolphin. With a fresh design, a larger frame, and new battery technology, MG is making it clear it is serious about the affordable EV space.

From the outside, the new MG4 EV is a huge departure from its predecessor. MG's designers have smoothed out the front end, giving it a more rounded and modern look and an illuminated MG logo - a feature becoming common on many new EVs.

The headlights are now a distinct teardrop shape, and the lower bumper has been restyled with a trapezoidal air intake, giving the car a sportier stance. The rear of the vehicle features a full-width taillight with an arrow-style design. The car rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with a design described as "petal-style."

Beyond the fresh look, the new MG4 EV has also grown. It now measures 173 inches long, 72.5 inches wide, and 61.1 inches tall. More importantly, its wheelbase, the distance between the front and rear wheels, has been stretched to 108.3 inches, making the new model larger than both the outgoing MG4 and its key competitor, the BYD Dolphin (Dolphin Surf in Europe).

The cabin receives a significant technological overhaul as well. The dashboard has a clean, symmetrical layout with a prominent central infotainment screen and a separate rectangular screen for the driver. Powering the system is the MG × Oppo smart cockpit, which runs on a Qualcomm 8155 chip.

Thanks to collaboration with Oppo, the new MG4 offers features like advanced voice controls, deep smartphone app integration, and even gesture-based navigation. The interior is finished with upgraded materials, including leather surfaces, chrome trim, and ambient lighting. Practical features include a powerful 50W wireless phone charging pad and a space-saving drive selector mounted on the steering column.

MG also paid close attention to passenger comfort and utility. The front seats are new integrated sport-style units that come with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. In the back, passengers benefit from a completely flat floor, which maximizes legroom for the middle-seat occupant.

Rear air vents, USB charging ports, and a large panoramic roof with a retractable sunshade enhance the cabin experience. For practicality, the rear seats fold in a 60:40 split, and the trunk features a clever three-layer configuration to allow for more flexible cargo storage.

The new MG4 EV sits on a rear-wheel-drive platform. A single rear-mounted electric motor produces 120 kW, which translates to about 163 horsepower. The vehicle is built with a cell-to-body (CTB) structural battery system, where the battery pack is an integral part of the car's frame. In a first for the brand, the MG4 EV will debut semi-solid-state battery technology.

The car will be available with a 70 kWh battery pack in two versions, offering a claimed CLTC range of 272 miles and 334 miles, respectively. When it's time to recharge, the system supports fast charging that can take the battery from 30% to 80% in approximately 20 minutes. The official pre-sale for the new MG4 EV starts on August 5, with a full market launch expected in early September.

Via