MG4 Electric arrives in Italy: first contact of the new electric

MG Motor Italy is serious in Italy and aims to carve out an important space within the automotive market over the next few years. In less than two years since the debut of the brand owned by SAIC Motorn in our country, the forecasts for 2022 speak of 7,000 cars sold (about 1,000 in 2021). And for the next few years, the goals are even more ambitious. In fact, in 2023, the aim is for an overall market share of 1.5%.

In 2024, the year of the centenary of MG, it is intended to reach a market share of 3%. To achieve these goals, MG in Italy leverages an increasingly complete range that also includes several 100% electric models. In particular, the car manufacturer is betting on the success of the MG4 Electric which aims to “become everyone’s electric”thanks to a really attractive price for the segment of battery-powered cars, since it starts at 29,990 euros. Model that, now, is arriving at all Italian MG Stores.

Just in view of the Italian debut of the MG4 Electric, we got to see it up close and make a first very short contact.

For once let’s start immediately with the prices to better understand the structure of the offer of this electric car that could go to worry many car manufacturers.

The range of the new MG4 Electric structured in a very simple way. We have the versions Standard, Comfort and Luxury. We will see the complete technical specifications later, however, now it is sufficient to know that the Standard model has a 125 kW (170 HP) engine powered by a 51 kWh battery capable of guaranteeing a mileage of up to 350 km according to the WLTP cycle.

The Comfort and Luxury versions both adopt a 150 kW (204 HP) engine powered by a 64 kWh battery for a distance of up to 450 km (WLTP). Since the basic version we find a wide range of ADAS systems. Prices?

• MG4 Electric Standard: from 29,990 euros
• MG4 Electric Comfort: from 33,990 euros
• MG4 Electric Luxury: from 35,990 euros

There are no special accessories to add. Customization for each minimum set-up. From these prices, remember, the Ecobonus of 3,000 or 5,000 euros must be deducted if you own a car to be scrapped. In addition, MG adds a further € 1,000 which becomes € 2,000 in the event of scrapping and financing.

Therefore, if you want to buy the Standard model, taking advantage of all the bonuses (with financing), the price of the MG4 Electric drops to 22,990 euros.

The Santander loan provides for an installment of 119 euros per month for 36 months or up to 30,000 km. Advance payment of 6,280 euros. Final installment € 15,895. TAN 5.97% (fixed rate) APR 7.55% (fixed rate).

MG4 Electric measure 4,287 mm long x2,060 mm wide x1,504 mm high, with a pitch of 2.705 mm. These are very similar measures to those of the Volkswagen ID.3. The trunk has a capacity ranging from 350 liters to 1,117 liters with the rear seats folded down. The unladen mass of 1,655 / 1,685 kg depending on the model chosen. The weight distribution 50:50.

The car rests on the new MSP platform (Modular Scalable Platform) developed by SAIC Motor, designed specifically for electric cars. The battery was renamed “ONE PACK”. Thanks to the choice of positioning the cells horizontally, it was possible to create a compact accumulator, with a height of just 110 mm. The structural battery and the cells are made by CATL.

We know the design since the car has been presented for some time but we must remember the work done by the technicians to optimize aerodynamics as much as possible, with the aim of reducing fuel consumption and increasing range. The Cx varies from 0.27 to 0.287, thanks to the configuration of the air intakes on the front. When the need for air cooling is less, the vent is closed thus improving aerodynamic performance and autonomy.

The alloy wheels are 17 inches. We find as standard Continental tires with low rolling resistance from 215/55 R17. MG4 Electric will be available in the following body color options: Pebble Black, Dover White, Medal Silver, Andes Gray, Diamond Red, Brighton Blue and Fizzy Orange.

Speaking of the interior, MG has chosen a minimalist style. Most of the car’s functions are managed through the infotainment system. Speaking of technology, we find a 7-inch screen behind the steering wheel for digital instrumentation and, in the center of the dashboard, a 10.25 touch display for infotainment real. Obviously there is no shortage of supports for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In the most equipped version there is also wireless charging for smartphones.

After having mentioned the specifications of the cars at the beginning, let’s find out now, in more detail. MG4 Electric Standard equipped with a 51 kWh battery (lithium iron phosphate) and a 125 kW (170 hp) rear electric motor with 250 Nm of torque. This configuration allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 7.7 seconds, a maximum speed of 160 km / h and a range up to 350 km in the WLTP cycle.

In direct current, the accumulator can be recharged up to a maximum power of 117 kW. In alternating current, on the other hand, up to 6.6 kW. On the Comfort and Luxury fittings, the 64 kWh battery (nickel cobalt manganese) and a rear electric motor 150 kW (204 HP) with 250 Nm of torque. The maximum speed is always 160 km / h and for 0-100 km / h it takes 7.9 seconds. Maximum autonomy of 450 km (435 km the Luxury). In direct current, the battery charges up to 135 kW of power. In alternating current up to 11 kW. Rear-wheel drive.

In the future, perhaps around the summer of next year, there will be one sportier variant with double engine and 77 kWh battery. It should be noted that the vehicle battery can also act as a “mobile powerbank” thanks to the “Vehicle-to-load” functionsupplying power to external devices such as eBikes, smartphones and computers with an adapter cable.

For its car, MG Motor uses a five-link independent MacPhersone suspension front axle for the rear axle. Speaking of safety, the MG4 Electric can count on the MG Pilot package. In addition to Front Collision Warning (FCW) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), all versions are equipped as standard with, among other things, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Traffic Jam Assistance (TJA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA). The 7-year car warranty.

There will certainly be a way to try it longer in the future to better test its characteristics. The spacious cabin, thanks to the platform dedicated to electric cars. I exceed 180 cm and has never had any space problems, both in front and behind. It must be said, before continuing, that I tried the Luxury model. Finding the right driving position thanks to the electrically adjustable seats it was really a matter of seconds.

Even with the front seat configured for my measurements, I still had legroom in the back. No problem even for the head. In short, a cockpit made to measure even for those who have one or two children and need a certain space. Considering the price range, the overall quality is good. The plastics, mostly rigid, are still well assembled. Let’s talk about technology for a moment.

The digital instrumentation screen is not huge given its 7 inches but what is displayed is always seen well even with direct sunlight. The information that is shown is really a lot. There is also a little gem that is somewhat reminiscent of the Tesla. Indeed, during the march they come obstacles that the car detects on the road are displayed (cars and trucks). A feature that also seems to work well, at least in the few kilometers I’ve driven the car.

Moving on to infotainment, the interface is clear and simple to use. There are no hidden menus or hard to find options. The menus are not very fast to scroll and you have to insist a little with your finger, but nothing problematic. There is also a small problem with the navigator (wrong road). In any case, I was told that some updates should be released shortly which will refine the software management of the car.

How’s it going on the road? The approximately 28km of this very fast test drive, covered mostly on the Milan ring road, were not ideal for understanding the car’s driving dynamics. However, in this short journey, the MG4 Electric was driven with pleasure. For my tastes the trim is a bit too soft but this choice has allowed the car to to be able to digest bumps and the roughness of the road without problems. I particularly appreciated the Sport mode (Snow, Eco, Standard, Sport and Individual those available) which, in addition to making the car more reactive to the pressure of the accelerator, allowed for more precise steering.

The declared performances are all there and the power and torque immediately available allow rapid acceleration and easy overtaking. Regenerative braking can be configured on several levels. Despite having set the maximum one, I still would have preferred something more. We are not at the level of a true “one pedal” guide.

A longer and more thorough road test will allow us to better understand the car and to test the ADAS systems which, through the software updates mentioned above, will soon receive a refinement in their operation.

The few kilometers traveled, the type of journey and the deliberately “shrewd” driving to test the acceleration did not allow a precise and reliable assessment of consumption. However, only for statistical purposes, 28.3 km were traveled with an average consumption of 18.8 kWh.