Video Summary
Key points and findings of the electric car review:- The MG4 Excite with the 51 kWh battery has a MRSP of $38,990 before on-road costs.
- The MG4 was the cheapest EV in Australia for only two days before BYD announced that its new Dolphin would be cheaper by $100.
- The MG4 is easily the best MG to drive since the brand's transition to Chinese ownership and marks a quantum leap for MG’s dynamics.
- This base model is intended to be a very affordable EV.
- Interior materials are not premium or luxurious, but the build quality is better than some luxury cars.
- Cloth seats are great, and the firm seats provide good ergonomics. The seats are mechanically adjustable, without height adjustment for the passenger seat.
- The steering wheel feels like a good imitation of real leather.
- The instrument shortcuts are not immediately obvious.
- The dashboard screen is easy to cycle through with MG’s software, but the responsiveness of the touchscreen can be dodgy, especially for the buttons.
- The audio quality is mediocre with simple songs sounding okay, but complex songs sounding confusing.
- There is a phone holder but no wireless charging. A USB-A cable is required for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with two USB-A ports and one USB-C port.
- Storage includes a space between the seats and an okay-sized glove box; a 750 ml water bottle fits in the door bin.
- For the back seat, the cloth seats are nice and comfortable, and the feet are in a comfortable position, with acceptable toe and leg room, but there are no map pockets, air vents, or flip-down armrests, with just one USB port and harsh materials.
- The boot volume is 363 L and a compressor and goo kit are included.
- With the 51 kWh battery and urban use, the car offers a 357 km range.
- WLTP claim economy 14.5 kWh/100km; urban as-tested 14.2 kWh/100km.
- Highway efficiency was 17 kWh/100km, with a tested range of 298 km.
- The claimed zero to 100 km/h time is 7.7 seconds. It was tested at 7.08 seconds.
- The claimed vehicle weight is 1635 kg.
- The as-tested 100-0 km/h distance was 34.86 m.
- There are three different battery sizes offered in Australia.
- The vehicle and high-voltage components are warranted for seven years with unlimited kilometers.
- Servicing intervals are likely 24 months or 40,000 km.
- The DC charging is up to 88kW with AC charging up to 6.6 kW for the smallest battery.
- Some oddities: You must have your foot on the brake to start and the reversing camera seems to have some difficulties.
