The Chinese automaker MG has officially announced the pricing and specifications of its eagerly awaited 2023 MG4. This all-electric hatchback, poised to enter Australian roads, is garnering significant attention for its competitive pricing and impressive features.

Unique Design and Platform:

Built on MG's innovative Scalable Platform, the MG4 departs from conventional combustion-vehicle platforms to create a more balanced and enhanced driving experience, thanks to its rear-wheel drive and 50:50 weight distribution.

The MG4's aesthetics and proportions convey a modern, sporty vibe. Its distinct MG grille, accented by the LED headlights, underscores the vehicle's aggressive front fascia. The design is rounded off with a generous boot space of 363L, which extends to 1177L when the rear seats are folded, demonstrating the vehicle's practicality.

Pricing and Variants:

The 2023 MG4 range will open at a price point of $38,990, excluding on-road costs, making it one of Australia’s most affordable electric vehicles. This pricing corresponds to the base Excite model, which is fitted with a 51kWh battery capable of covering 350km in range.

Following the base model, the Excite and Essence variant with the same 64kWh battery comes next in line, priced at $44,990 and $47,990 before on-road costs, and delivers a range of 450km and 435km respectively. Topping the range is a more premium Essence model equipped with a more potent 77kWh battery, which extends the range to an impressive 530km. This top-of-the-line model is priced at $55,990, excluding on-road costs.

All models are expected to launch in the second half of 2023, with the possibility of introducing an X-Power dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant.

2023 MG 4 Pricing (estimated drive away prices)

2023 MG 4 Excite (51Wh): $42,534 (NSW) or $44,033 (VIC)

2023 MG 4 Excite (64kWh): $48,534 (NSW) or $50,285 (VIC)

2023 MG 4 Essence (64kWh): $51,534 (NSW) or $53,411 (VIC)

2023 MG 4 Essence (77kWh): $59,534 (NSW) or $61,747 (VIC)

Performance and Efficiency:

All MG4 models come with rear-wheel drive, with power outputs and acceleration times varying based on the battery pack.

The MG 4 Excite 51kW model produces 125kW of power from a rear-mounted electric motor, teamed with a 51kWh battery, offering a claimed 0-100km/h time of 7.7 seconds.

The 64kWh models produce 150kW of power and can sprint from 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds. Models equipped with the larger 77kWh battery enjoy an increased power output of 180kW, with the claimed 0-100km/h time dropping to under 7.0 seconds.

When it comes to charging, the 64kWh battery can support up to 140kW using a DC charger, with a charging time of approximately 28 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 per cent using a 150kW DC charger.

Range for the 2023 MG 4 line-up on the stricter WLTP cycle is as follows:

Excite (51kWh): 350km

Excite (64kWh): 450km

Essence (64kWh): 435km

Essence (77kWh): 530km

MG Motor has also hinted an exciting prospect for performance enthusiasts is the high-performance, all-wheel-drive X-Power variant. The latter could boast an output exceeding 300kW and an impressive 0-100km/h sprint time of under four seconds.

Safety Tech:

The MG4 has received a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, with robust safety equipment across all variants. Standard safety features include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and lane departure warning, among others. The Essence model adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera.

Dimensions and Warranty:

The MG4 measures 4287mm in length, 2060mm in width (including mirrors), and 1504mm in height, sitting on a 2705mm wheelbase. The boot space is a considerable 363L, which expands to 1177L with the rear seats folded. All MG4 models are backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

The 2023 MG4 encapsulates value and performance in a compact, stylish package, promising a significant shakeup in the Australian electric vehicle market when it launches later this year.

Warranty and Servicing:

The MG4 range is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, instilling confidence in customers about the vehicle's quality and reliability. Details regarding service pricing are yet to be announced.

2023 MG 4 64kWh Excite standard features:

64kWh battery with 450km claimed range

17-inch alloy wheels

LED headlights and tail-lights

7.0-inch digital instrument display

10.25-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Four-speaker sound system

Reversing camera

Black fabric seat upholstery

Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection

Adaptive cruise control with stop and go

Lane-keep assist

Lane departure warning

Traffic sign recognition

Driver attention alert

Auto high beam

MG iSmart app connectivity

2023 MG 4 64kWh Essence adds (over 64kWh Excite):

18-inch alloy wheels (for 435km claimed range)

Black contrast roof

Rear LED tail-light bar

Synthetic leather-look seat upholstery with cloth inserts

Voice recognition

Satellite navigation

360-degree camera

Wireless phone charging

Auto-dimming rear-view mirror

Six-speaker sound system

Blind-spot monitoring

Rear cross-traffic alert

Door exit warning

2023 MG 4 77kWh Essence adds (over 64kWh Essence):

77kWh battery with 530km claimed range

In the bustling market of electric vehicles, the 2023 MG4 stands out, offering an alluring blend of affordability, impressive specs, and stylish design. It confidently showcases MG Motor's vision for the future, where high-performance and eco-friendly vehicles are accessible to more drivers. With its impending launch in the second half of 2023, the MG4 is set to become a game-changer in Australia's electric vehicle market.