Top-spec electric MG4 hatchback to get 330kW

Wednesday, 31 August 2022

The MG4 will be spearheaded by a 330kW dual-motor weapon.

The MG4 electric hatchback, which is highly tipped to launch in Australia in the first half of next year, hinting at a New Zealand launch, may arrive with a 330kW range-topper.

Specs uploaded to MG’s Chinese website have confirmed four different models of MG4, locally named Mulan, topped by the ‘Triumph Edition’. It’s unclear if it will get a new name for international sales.

The MG4 is a stylish thing, and now it has the power to back up the looks.

This uses two electric motors to generate 330kW/600Nm, allowing a blistering 0-100kph time of 3.8 seconds, beating out the Long Range version of Tesla’s Model 3 but falling just shy of the Model 3 Performance. It’s also about as quick as the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S and Audi RS 3.

That grunt is backed up by a claimed range of 460km thanks to a 64kWh battery, at least based on the rather lenient CLTC testing programme. The same battery pack paired with a 150kW/250Nm single motor offers 520km according to CLTC.

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MG is quite proud of its battery design, with Zhu Jun, Deputy Chief Engineer of SAIC Motor saying back in June that it could theoretically scale from 40kWh to 150kWh in capacity.

Interestingly, it seems like MG has designed the battery to be swappable, at least to a degree. Jun said: “Users can buy a small battery first, and then replace and upgrade when a longer range is needed.”

The car itself is 4287mm long, 1836mm wide and 1504mm tall and looks a bit like a blend of the Nissan Leaf and Toyota Yaris Cross. Underneath is MG’s new modular MSP platform, boasting a 50:50 weight distribution and low centre of gravity for decent handling.

Standard kit includes a sporty D-shaped steering wheel, orange brake calipers, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, seven-inch digital dash, five drive modes and heated seats. There is also a two-tone roof, double-spoke rear wing, and Bridgestone tyres.

As for local availability, Stuff was previously told that “MG New Zealand will confirm details relating to any new models when more information is available.”

But Australian media are adamant the MG4 will launch over there during the first half of 2023, which would mean a local launch is also right around the corner, considering MG Australia and MG New Zealand are ultimately part of the same company, being subsidiaries of the SAIC Motor Corporation.