MG MG4 EV 2023 review
Photo: Charles from Port Chester NY, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
MG did what the established brands could not: in September 2022 it launched a proper electric family hatchback from £25,995 — thousands less than a Volkswagen ID.3. The MG4 EV, built on the Modular Scalable Platform with rear-wheel drive, instantly became the default answer to 'what is the cheapest decent electric car?'
The 2023 range has four flavours. The SE Standard Range pairs a 51kWh LFP battery with 170bhp for 218 miles of WLTP range and 7.7-second 0-62mph. Step up to the SE Long Range or Trophy and a 64kWh NMC battery brings 203bhp and 281 miles, charging at up to 135kW DC (10–80% in about 35 minutes). The XPower, added in August 2023, is the headline act: dual motors, 429bhp, all-wheel drive and 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds — for £36,495.
Practical notes: the boot is a modest 289 litres with no frunk, and early UK cars have no heat pump, so winter range takes a hit. On the plus side, the MG4 scored five Euro NCAP stars in December 2022 and carries MG's seven-year/80,000-mile warranty including the battery, guaranteed to retain 70% capacity.
Used, the MG4 is a bargain with caveats. Early cars suffered software bugs, over-aggressive lane-keeping (later toned down by a software update) and drooping undertrays, and the model finished last in the 2024 What Car? reliability survey at 63.8% — with owners reporting slow dealer and parts support. Buy on full 12-month/15,000-mile service stamps, a battery health report and proof the latest software is installed, and the value equation still works.
UK price from: £25,995
Specifications
| Battery | 51 kWh LFP (50.8 kWh usable) |
| Power | 170 bhp (125 kW), rear-wheel drive |
| Torque | 250 Nm |
| 0-62 mph | 7.7 seconds |
| Top speed | 99 mph |
| Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Electric range | 218 miles (WLTP) |
| DC rapid charging | 117 kW (10-80% in ~40 minutes) |
| Boot space | 289 litres (986 litres seats folded) |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars (2022) |
| Insurance group | 27D |
| Warranty | 7 years / 80,000 miles (including battery) |
Features
- 51kWh (170bhp) or 64kWh (203bhp) battery; up to 281 miles WLTP
- 117kW (SR) / 135kW (LR) DC rapid charging; 10-80% in ~35-40 minutes
- XPower: 429bhp dual-motor AWD, 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds
- 5-star Euro NCAP (December 2022): 83% adult, 80% child
- 7-year/80,000-mile warranty including the battery (70% capacity guarantee)
- Rear-wheel drive on a dedicated EV platform — sharp handling
- 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- V2L vehicle-to-load on Trophy trims; MG Pilot driver assistance standard
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £39.99 | Pattern part; typical retail (EV — low wear from regen) |
| Cabin pollen filter | £18.99 | |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £19.99 | |
| 12V auxiliary battery | £109.99 | |
| Type 2 charging cable (5m, spare) | £129.99 | 32A single-phase |
| Tyre sealant kit | £24.99 | No spare wheel fitted |
Pros
- Unbeatable value: the cheapest credible electric family car
- Seven-year battery warranty transfers to used owners
- XPower offers supercar-baiting pace for hatchback money
- Five-star Euro NCAP and sharp rear-drive handling
- Cheap to run: low servicing, home charging, minimal brake wear
Cons
- 289-litre boot is small for a family hatchback — and there is no frunk
- No heat pump on early UK cars, so winter range suffers
- Weak reliability record: last in the 2024 What Car? survey
- Owners report slow dealer support and long parts lead times
