All-new MG4 sales rocket ahead
The new electric hatchback is offered in four variants but the semi-solid battery version of the MG4 is not launching until next month. That is also when deliveries begin.
The exterior of the new MG4 EV retains its hatchback form factor. It draws inspiration from the Cyberster's fascia, including an illuminated MG logo. In profile, the vehicle features black window surrounds, and distinctive petal-shaped wheels.
It measures up at 4395mm in length, 1842mm in width, and 1551mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2750mm.
At the rear, the MG4 EV adopts arrow-shaped taillights, mirroring the Cyberster's design and inspired by the Union Jack flag.
The new model will be available in six different exterior colours.
Inside, the infotainment system is a result of a collaboration between SAIC and Oppo, offering smartphone integration that allows users to control their phone's content directly from the car's display.
Its new Cell-to-Body (CTB) battery integration technology lowers the floor height, maximising interior space.
Unlike the existing model, the new MG4 EV features a front-wheel drive powertrain, with the electric motor delivering 120kW. Evidently the LFP battery pack can take a 30 to 80 per cent charge in 20min, under optimal conditions.
Read our review of MG Cyberster.
The chassis features MacPherson independent suspension at the front and torsion beam suspension at the rear. That's a change from the fully independent rear suspension of the existing model, presumably for more luggage space.
As to its solid-state battery technology, SAIC has overpromised in the past. Last year, when it launched its upmarket IM L6 model, the company claimed the vehicle would be equipped with a 'full solid-state battery and a 1000-kilometre range'. A year later that has not yet come to pass, and the IM L6 doesn't have a semi-solid-state battery either.
So come September it will be interesting to see whether the MG4's semi-solid-state battery eventuates.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NZ Autocar
2 days ago
- NZ Autocar
The Audi TT may well return in electric form
The original 1990s TT coupe put Audi design on the map. It captured the public's appetite for fashionable somewhat affordable coupes. This is Audi E concept, a four-door coupe. While not confirming a TT revival, Audi's CEO Gernot Döllner replied: 'Yes, that's thinkable. But we have a broad view on what's possible.' Audi posted disappointing financial results for 2024, with operating profit dropping 38 per cent to 3.9 billion Euros. They blamed tough economic conditions, amongst other things. So a sports car shouldn't even be on the wish list. And yet Audi does love its sports car. They remain 'in the company's medium-term plan' said Döllner. 'I believe Audi should have a sports car, for sure,' he told Auto Express. Currently Porsche is working on pure-electric replacements for the mid-engined 718 Cayman and Boxster. They will use the group's new Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) and will go on sale next year. Using a fresh electric sports car architecture, they should give the likes of Cyberster a run for its money. These could also form the basis for a spiritual successor to the TT. That's provided Audi doesn't decide to build the revived TT as a four-seat GT instead. Döllner said that for track work a combustion engine or hybrid is preferable. 'But if it's more for everyday use on normal roads, I would definitely see a transition to the electric era. Rapid recharging, in the time it takes to stop for a coffee, is fast becoming key, he added. The next Audi TT has the potential to be scary quick: the SSP architecture can accommodate a mix of e-motors packing up to 746kW. If it goes ahead, it will also feature an 800v architecture for rapid charging. Battery sizes haven't been finalised but expect at least 640km of range. Döllner is keen to have Audi design front and centre for its next-generation EVs. That's why the firm recruited Massimo Frascella from JLR. He was centrally involved in the new Jaguar GT development, and design is considered a critical pillar of Audi's transformation. Döllner admired his focus and minimalistic view on car design. He says Frascella tries to work with as little as possible to reach his goals. The inspiration for the next TT will clearly be the design of the original. So expect a wider, more planted stance, and a similarly rounded shape. The newcomer is likely to feature digital door mirrors, flush door handles and a clean side glasshouse. There are very few electric sports cars available at present, the Cyberster the primary example. However, Alpine is busy on its electric A110, while Lotus is designing an Emira-sized EV based on last year's 'Theory 1' concept. The replacements for 718 Cayman and Boxster will also figure amongst potential rivals. However, Audi might want the TT to stay true to its more attainable price philosophy. In which case it would undercut the Porsche pair. The finalised version won't go into production until 2027 utilising the new SSP electric architecture shared by Octavia and Golf EVs. Expect hi-tech software co-developed with VW's US partner Rivian.
NZ Autocar
5 days ago
- NZ Autocar
All-new MG4 sales rocket ahead
Over 11,000 people have preordered SAIC Motor's all-new MG4 EV within 24 hours of its pre-launch. And that's just of the models with the conventional LFP battery type. The new electric hatchback is offered in four variants but the semi-solid battery version of the MG4 is not launching until next month. That is also when deliveries begin. The exterior of the new MG4 EV retains its hatchback form factor. It draws inspiration from the Cyberster's fascia, including an illuminated MG logo. In profile, the vehicle features black window surrounds, and distinctive petal-shaped wheels. It measures up at 4395mm in length, 1842mm in width, and 1551mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2750mm. At the rear, the MG4 EV adopts arrow-shaped taillights, mirroring the Cyberster's design and inspired by the Union Jack flag. The new model will be available in six different exterior colours. Inside, the infotainment system is a result of a collaboration between SAIC and Oppo, offering smartphone integration that allows users to control their phone's content directly from the car's display. Its new Cell-to-Body (CTB) battery integration technology lowers the floor height, maximising interior space. Unlike the existing model, the new MG4 EV features a front-wheel drive powertrain, with the electric motor delivering 120kW. Evidently the LFP battery pack can take a 30 to 80 per cent charge in 20min, under optimal conditions. Read our review of MG Cyberster. The chassis features MacPherson independent suspension at the front and torsion beam suspension at the rear. That's a change from the fully independent rear suspension of the existing model, presumably for more luggage space. As to its solid-state battery technology, SAIC has overpromised in the past. Last year, when it launched its upmarket IM L6 model, the company claimed the vehicle would be equipped with a 'full solid-state battery and a 1000-kilometre range'. A year later that has not yet come to pass, and the IM L6 doesn't have a semi-solid-state battery either. So come September it will be interesting to see whether the MG4's semi-solid-state battery eventuates.
NZ Autocar
7 days ago
- NZ Autocar
New MG4 EV launches in China with solid-state battery due soon
The second-gen MG4 has just gone on sale in China. It bears little in common with the popular original model, other than its zero emissions status. A range-topper with the semi-solid-state battery goes on sale next month. In its home market, the MG4 is offered in four variants, all with LFP chemistry, and offering up to 526km of range (CLTC testing). The Chinese MG4 sits on a fresh platform that can accept both LFP and sold-state battery packs. The latter are smaller, lighter, and more energy-dense. They are also less likely to catch fire than existing NMC packs. Other advantages include better packaging, faster charging and extended range. Check out our 2024 review of the MG4 Long Range. SAIC says the new battery pack has passed 'three-direction needle penetration tests' and 'demonstrates improved performance in low-temperature conditions'. The new MG4 also debuts 'battery to body' integration for improved rigidity and added crash protection for the battery pack. While figures on battery weight and capacity are not yet to hand, the second-gen MG4 is significantly lighter than the original, at 1485kg compared with 1635kg. So potentially it should be a fair bit quicker. It is lighter than the original, yet the Chinese-spec MG4 is larger all round than the existing car (+108mm in length). It may go on sale alongside the current model in some markets, and could use the MG5 badge. The new Chinese hatchback is more conservatively styled than the current MG4, with a softer, more rounded nose. The air intakes are also smaller, as are the splitter and headlights. Its octagonal MG badge remains. If the new Chinese MG4 sells outside of China, MG may look to update the current MG4, adopting the MGS5 cabin improvements, including a 12.8-inch touchscreen. Expect more knobs for easier control of aspects like volume and climate settings. While not yet confirmed for export, there are already strong hints it will sell in Europe at least.
