MG's Latest Electric Offering: The MG4 Urban - A Deep Dive into the Confusion and Value!
Top Gear admits they've spent a good chunk of time pondering the MG4 Urban, and their conclusion? Sometimes, it's best not to overthink it! Let's dive straight into the facts about this intriguing electric vehicle.
At its core, the MG4 Urban is a spacious and uncomplicated electric hatchback that boasts incredibly competitive pricing. As of our latest information, the entry-level model, after an 'MG Grant' is applied, comes in at a remarkable £21,995. Now, this 'MG Grant' is essentially a direct price reduction, as there's no longer a government subsidy available for electric cars in the UK. This is primarily because the UK government doesn't offer grants for vehicles manufactured by SAIC, which is a state-affiliated entity in China.
But here's where it gets interesting: this isn't a price point for a small city car. We're talking about a vehicle that offers significantly more interior space than established competitors like the Volkswagen ID.3.
So, what's causing all this head-scratching? Well, while the MG4 Urban is set to replace the standard MG4 in China, that's not the plan for the UK market. MG is continuing to offer the original MG4, which was first introduced in 2022, and is even giving its cabin a much-needed refresh.
And this is the part most people miss: The original MG4 is a rear-wheel-drive model featuring a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension. In contrast, the new MG4 Urban is front-wheel-drive and utilizes a simpler torsion beam rear suspension. Furthermore, the older MG4 boasts more power, larger battery options, and a longer driving range compared to the MG4 Urban. The original car is undeniably the sportier option, while the more spacious Urban is the more budget-friendly choice.
Curiously, despite these technical differences, the design of the MG4 Urban actually aligns more closely with MG's 'brand icon', the Cyberster sports car, than the 'sportier' MG4 does.
Adding another layer to the complexity, the newer Urban model benefits from an advanced battery construction. Its cells are directly bolted to the car's body, a design that cleverly reduces weight and saves space compared to the traditional battery modules found in separate packs.
Given all this, it's probably best to appreciate each of these mid-size MG models for what they are, rather than getting bogged down in their intricate relationship. It's also worth noting that, in a market seemingly saturated with crossovers, neither of these models are crossovers. If you're looking for an MG EV crossover, you'll need to consider the MG5 EV.
Let's move past the bewildering positioning and focus on the essential specifications.
The MG4 Urban is available with two different battery sizes, both employing LFP (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry. This type of battery is cobalt-free, meaning you can charge it to 100% and discharge it to 0% regularly without concerns about long-term durability. However, LFP batteries typically store less energy than their NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) counterparts.
The entry-level battery pack has a capacity of 41.9 kWh, providing an estimated 201 miles of WLTP range. The higher-spec model features a 52.8 kWh net capacity, offering 258 miles of range on 16-inch wheels and 251 miles on 17-inch wheels.
With the smaller battery, the motor delivers 149 bhp, enabling a 0-62mph acceleration time of 9.6 seconds. The larger battery increases the output to 160 bhp, but due to the car being slightly heavier, the 0-62mph time only improves by 0.1 seconds, resulting in 9.5 seconds.
In terms of charging, both models can achieve a peak DC charge rate of 82 kW for the smaller battery and 87 kW for the larger battery. This means you can expect to go from 10% to 80% charge in approximately half an hour. Naturally, an 80% charge on the larger battery will give you more miles. The Premium trim level includes battery pre-heating, which should ensure optimal charging speeds even in cold weather, while the lower-spec models might experience longer charging times.
Let's talk about that impressive space!
The MG4 Urban's long wheelbase translates into a remarkably spacious rear seating area. Tall individuals can comfortably sit behind a similarly tall driver, and average-sized passengers will find ample room for extended journeys, limited only by the need for recharging stops.
The cabin itself is pleasant, though it carries a somewhat generic feel, which is common in many vehicles. More details on this can be found in the Interior section of this review.
And what about the driving experience?
You can sense the fairly unsophisticated suspension system at play. This isn't to say it corners poorly – in fact, it handles corners surprisingly well. However, the trade-off is noticeable road noise and a somewhat busy ride.
Despite this, the steering, brakes, and accelerator all respond precisely, making the car easy to control and remarkably agile. It's a more engaging drive than many crossovers. While it's not particularly quick, even on damp road surfaces during our test, the motor rarely struggled with traction control. Acceleration is smooth up to around 60mph, but on the motorway, it lacks the eagerness to rapidly surge to higher speeds.
Our Recommended Choice from the Range:
MG4 Urban 118kW Premium Long Range 54kWh 5dr Auto
£27,930
So, what's the final verdict?
“Performance is leisurely and the ride doesn't need to be this busy.”
One might expect a different conglomerate to have launched the MG4 Urban under a distinct brand, especially since MG itself states it's aimed at 'different people' compared to the original MG4. Their parent company, SAIC, has a history of creating new brands, as seen with the IM brand. To draw a parallel, you could think of the MG4 Urban as the Skoda to the MG4's Cupra within the VW Group's strategy.
However, let's not get too caught up in dissecting the MG4 Urban's precise place within the MG lineup. The more pertinent question is: is it a good car? Frankly, it's not entirely to our taste. The performance is rather leisurely, and the ride quality could certainly be more refined.
It's interesting that the suffix 'Urban' was chosen, likely due to its smaller battery. Yet, the generous seating and boot space would actually make it a suitable choice for longer family trips. This creates a bit of a paradox, as the smaller battery limits its long-distance capability.
But here's where it could truly shine: there will undoubtedly be individuals who find its straightforward proposition highly appealing. Imagine a car offering large hatchback practicality at supermini prices. This makes it an ideal candidate for minicab or ride-sharing services. The battery capacity is more than sufficient for such use, and the ample space is precisely what hire-or-reward drivers require. In essence, it could be seen as a spiritual successor to the MG5 estate.
So, perhaps instead of outright buying an MG4 Urban, consider experiencing it through your favourite ride-hailing app!
What are your thoughts on the MG4 Urban's positioning and its value proposition? Do you agree with Top Gear's assessment, or do you see it differently? Share your opinions in the comments below!
