MG4 XPower is blazingly fast but is it the pick of the bunch? – Test Drive
The MG4 XPower was launched in Malaysia nearly ago as the most affordable vehicle capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.
Say what you want about EVs, but there’s no denying that said performance is absolutely remarkable—years ago, achieving such speeds was the realm of sports cars and supercars costing hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of ringgit.
Now, thanks to technological advancements in EVs, you can experience the same thrilling sensation for just under RM160,000.
Of course, there are a few other EV models that can reach 100 km/h a touch faster, like the Volvo EX30 Ultra Twin Performance (3.6 seconds) and the Smart #3 Brabus (3.7 seconds), but both of these come with a price tag exceeding RM200,000.
But does the MG4 XPower’s advantage lie solely in its speed? What about other aspects such as design, comfort, range, and technology? Read on to find out.
Design
The MG4 is a five-door hatchback with somewhat unique proportions. To the eye, it appears fairly large, yet it is actually 3 mm shorter than the cutesy BYD Dolphin. Comparatively, it is 17 mm longer than the Smart #1, but its wheelbase is 45 mm shorter.
What stands out, however, is that the MG4 is noticeably lower and wider than both models, giving it a more aggressive stance and an aerodynamic edge.
Its sporty appearance is complemented by its very sharp front-end design, a double roof spoiler, and striking orange brake caliper covers emblazoned with ‘XPower.’
It’s a bit odd, though, that apart from the brake calipers, there’s no other part of the car adorned with the XPower logo. Were this vehicle crafted by BMW or Mercedes-Benz, you’d no doubt find M and AMG badges scattered across the bodywork.
Interior
Unlike its exterior, the cabin design of the MG4 offers a more understated aesthetic. Those hoping for a modern, futuristic design might find themselves a bit disappointed, as nothing particularly cutting-edge stands out.
However, this isn’t necessarily a downside. A simple layout is easier to the eyes and can actually facilitate the transition from ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles to EVs.
What’s available is just what you need for everyday driving – a touchscreen complemented by a row of physical buttons beneath it, a floating centre console housing the gear knob and a wireless charger, steering wheel controls on either side, and a digital instrument panel.
Much like other EVs on the market, most features are accessed via the touchscreen. However, fear not—the MG4’s steering wheel comes equipped with star (shortcut) buttons, which can be configured for various functions such as climate control, energy recuperation, and driving modes.
One aspect that I found less appealing was the overly generous use of hard plastic for the dashboard and door panels. Not only that, but the gear knob also feels somewhat loose but I’d take this over having to select gears via the touchscreen any day.
Practicality and comfort
Hatchbacks generally offer limited cabin space, but with the MG4, you needn’t fret if you’re carting around extra passengers, as the interior feels rather spacious for its size.
It boasts ample storage in the centre console and each door, and the boot holds a decent capacity of 363 litres, which can expand further with the rear seats folded flat if the boot isn’t quite large enough.
Speaking of the back seats, I found them quite comfortable and not overly upright. Legroom and headroom are adequate for those of average build, though it would have been nice if MG had considered air vents for rear passengers.
Performance
As mentioned, the MG4 excels in acceleration. This is a welcome trait if you find yourself challenged by the car next to you at traffic lights, but to be honest, such ‘mad’ performance can become a bit exhausting.
This is because the car accelerates effortlessly, without the drama typically experienced in ICE vehicles. While this isn’t an issue on the motorway, in urban environments, the body movement due to inertia when accelerating (and braking) can leave you feeling worn out after some time.
To overcome this, I found using the ECO mode offered a more controlled acceleration.
In terms of range, the XPower variant isn’t the best choice if driving range is your top priority. It comes equipped with a 64 kWh battery that delivers a WLTP range of 385 km on a full charge.
While this is reasonable for city driving, it’s essential to remember that range can also depend on driving style and other factors. If your right foot tends to be heavy, that number will plummet significantly.
For peace of mind, you might opt for the Lux Extended Range variant, which sports a larger 77 kWh battery, promising a range of up to 520 km. That should be enough for four to five days, depending on your usage.
Conclusion
In summary, the MG4 XPower offers incredible value for money for EV enthusiasts craving performance without breaking the bank.
However, personally, I see the Lux Extended Range variant as a more rounded choice overall. It is RM10,000 cheaper, and with a century sprint of 6.1 seconds, it’s still plenty quick for most drivers out there. Moreover, with a larger battery, range anxiety won’t be something to lose sleep over.
MG4 XPower Specifications
Price: RM159,629
Power: 435 PS (320 kW)
Torque: 600 Nm
Battery: 64 kWj
Range: 385 km (WLTP)
