MG 4X arrives with semi-solid battery tech

MG officially named its latest model the MG 4X - this is the first SUV in the MG4 family, and it will take on rivals like the BYD Atto 2. MG says the "X" in the name stands for "infinite possibilities," targeting younger drivers who want a mix of style and utility. By moving the MG4 formula into the SUV segment, the brand hopes to sell many more units in this very popular category.

The design of the MG 4X keeps the familiar look of the original MG4 but adds some rugged features. At the front, you will see a logo that lights up and a new light bar that stretches across the face of the car. The front bumper looks sporty, giving the car a tough appearance. Even though it looks like a performance car, it has enough ground clearance to handle the bumps and dips typical of an SUV.

From the side, the MG 4X looks sharp with a clear line running down the body. It keeps the sporty vibe of the hatchback but sits higher off the ground. While MG has not shown every detail of the back yet, we expect it to have a long light bar for the taillights, just like the smaller MG4. This design helps the car look wide and planted on the road. It is a smart way to make a practical family car look a bit more exciting.

Inside the cabin, MG is trying something new with technology. They worked with the phone company Oppo to create a "smart cockpit" that allows a driver's smartphone and the car's screen to work together. MG calls this "Hand-Car Interconnection." It means there should be no lag or waiting when you try to use your apps on the car's display. For young buyers who live on their phones, this kind of seamless connection is a big selling point.

Driving the MG 4X should be easier thanks to hardware from a company called Horizon Robotics. The car comes with high-speed "Navigate on Pilot" (NOA), which helps the car steer and stay in its lane on big roads. It also features automated parking, so the car can tuck itself into a spot without much help from the driver. MG claims these features are the best you can find for the price, making high-tech driving tools available to more people.

The most interesting part of the MG 4X is hiding under the floor - it has a semi-solid state battery. Most electric cars use batteries filled with liquid electrolyte, but this one uses a manganese-based system with only 5% liquid. This change makes the battery much safer because it handles heat better, and it performs better when the weather gets freezing cold.

According to the official specs, this battery gives the MG 4X a range of 317 miles based on the CLTC testing cycle. This long range places the MG 4X in a strong position against other electric SUVs that still use older battery designs.

Via