MG MG 4 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

MG was known in the '60s for its sports cars, but, unfortunately for the British brand, it was near bankrupt when Austin Motors bought it. Later, the former Morris Garage automaker ended up in the same boat as Rover when it was bought by BMW, who sold them to Nanjing Automobile from China in 2005. Two years later, in 2007, the new owner was acquired by SAIC, a giant Chinese car maker, who decided to put more money into the British brand and save it. But for that, it had to move the production lines from Longbridge, in the UK, to China. But that wasn't a bad thing after all.

After substantial investments in research, development, and re-tooling, MG was reborn as an EV maker. A new line of products emerged and started to conquer not just the Chinese market but the British one as well. After all, it was a beloved brand. So, fast forward to 2023, and the former Morris Garage car manufacturer launched a new model named MG 4 XPower. It wasn't a sports car in terms of looks, but it could drag race most supercars on the market. In addition, it didn't look bad at all.

At the front, the car resembled the Lamborghini Urus with its triangular, angry-looking headlights. The lower bumper featured a trapezoidal grille flanked by a pair of oblique side scoops that cooled the front rotors. Their design was emphasized by LED daytime running lights. MG's design team created a profile that was a mix between a hot-hatch and an Urus with its raked-forward C-pillars. Finally, at the back, the tailgate was adorned at the top by a roof spoiler. Another hint that it was the XPower version of the MG 4 was noticed on the orange brake calipers marked with XPower lettering.

Inside, the car looked more luxurious and sporty than its sibling, the MG 4. It featured high-bolstered bucket seats wrapped in an Alcantara and leather mix with red stitching. In addition, the flat bottom and thick steering wheel amplified the car's sporty feeling. In the rear, there was the same split-folding bench seat. In front of the driver, the automaker installed a display for drive modes and all the essential driving data. In addition, atop the center stack, the automaker placed a 10.25" touchscreen for the infotainment system. Unfortunately, the automaker didn't put a turning knob for the volume, choosing to put two buttons instead for up and down.

MG installed offered the 4 XPower with a standard all-wheel-drive system powered by electric motors for both axles with a total output of 435 PS (429 HP). But the automaker knew that sports car drivers couldn't be satisfied just with straight-line accelerations, so it fitted the vehicle with a torque vectoring system that braked the inside wheel during cornering to make the 4 XPower faster on turns. The energy came from a 64 kWh battery pack mounted under the floor, which also helped performance since it lowered the car's center of gravity.

MG was set to improve its European presence and introduced the MG4 crossover EV on the market in 2022, and it was built on top of a newly developed platform.

The British brand MG had a glorious racing past, but after it was bought by SAIC, it disappeared from the European market, although it remained active in the UK. But fast forward for about two decades, and the carmaker was determined to make a comeback on the Old Continent.

It was developed on the MSP (Modular Scalable Platform) created by SAIC and thoroughly tested for more than 120,000 (74,600 miles) in its final stages before it was launched in Europe. Its crossover shape featured a sharp front fascia with an aggressive lower bumper that sported two side intakes and a lower grille needed to cool the battery pack. The elliptic-shaped, narrow headlights and the short front hood created a sporty image for the car. Yet, the hatchback shape and the sculptured door panels told a different story of a family-oriented vehicle.

Inside, the carmaker installed an unusual dashboard design, with the controller for the drivetrain mounted on a shelf-like console hanging extended from the center stack. Above it, a floating infotainment screen provided audio and navigation information, while a secondary screen in front of the driver displayed the usual driving data. The flat-bottom and flat-upper steering wheel was race-car inspired, and the high-bolstered seats gave the impression of a sports-oriented vehicle.

Thanks to its slim battery placed under the floor, the MG4 EV benefited from a low center of gravity. It was available with either a 51 kWh or 64 kWh battery pack that ensured up to 350 and 450 km range (155 or 217 miles), respectively. It was available with either 125 kW or 150 kW motors driving the rear or all four wheels.