The MG4 is a rather curious electric vehicle. A C-segment hatchback from a British automaker, manufactured in China by SAIC Motor on a modular platform known as Nebula, the compact model was designed from the outset to be a cheap yet cheerful machine. Curiouser still, the Chinese overlords allowed MG Motor to develop a performance version.
Unleashed earlier this month, the XPOWER is the most powerful series-production MG ever. 435 ps and 600 Nm is more power and torque compared to the XPower SV-R, which rocks a Ford-sourced cammer V8 tuned by Roush to 390 ps and 510 Nm. Converted to imperial units, make that 429 ponies and 443 pound-feet versus 385 hp and 376 lb-ft for the limited-run sports coupe.
Capable of reaching 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in 3.8 seconds, onto a top speed of 124 miles per hour (200 kilometers per hour), the XPOWER promises up to 239 miles (385 kilometers) of driving range on the WLTP's combined test cycle. Not bad for something this affordable, namely £36,495 on the road in the United Kingdom, which means 47,165 dollars.
What comes as a bit of a surprise is that MG created a faster electric vehicle than Audi (and Porsche). Twinned with the Taycan 4S, the e-tron GT is the featured clip loses three of three drag races against the XPOWER. The MG4's best 60-mph time was 3.6 seconds compared to 4.1 for the far costlier e-tron GT. The XPOWER also had the edge from zero to 10 miles per hour, needing 0.5 seconds compared to 0.6 for the Audi. This edge carries over to the quarter-mile ET.
12.1 seconds at 111.9 miles per hour (180 kilometers per hour) is the very opposite of a poor elapsed time. The heavier and more luxurious e-tron GT was impressive as well, clocking 12.3 seconds at 118.9 miles per hour (191.3 kilometers per hour). Part of the reason the Audi carried more speed over the finish line is the rear-mounted gearbox, a two-speed unit with three roles. First and foremost, higher speeds and better efficiency at those speeds. But similarly important, first gear allows for harder launches from a standstill.
Approximately £4k over the MG4 Long Range Trophy, the XPOWER is certain to disrupt – although in a limited fashion due to MG's limited presence in Europe – the establishment. It also comes with peace of mind in the form of a 7-year warranty (or 80,000 miles/130,000 kilometers). MG didn't cheap out on the tires either, with the XPOWER boating Bridgestone Turanza rubber boots from the factory. It also features uprated brakes and upgraded/recalibrated suspension components for better stopping and cornering.
There's even torque vectoring for all four wheels, therefore resulting in superlative composure in the twisties. The interior plastics and trim could've been a little better, but then again, what did you expect from a performance-oriented EV so reasonably priced?
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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