The review
All EV Sales editorial review. Researched from official specifications, safety ratings and published expert reviews; not a first-hand owner review. Key facts Price from: A$39,990 drive-away (Essence 64, Australia; MG sells at national drive-away prices) · £29,995 (Premium Long Range, UK) Official range: 405–452 km (WLTP, Australia) · 280–338 miles (WLTP, UK) 0–100 km/h: 7.5 seconds (Essence 64 and UK Long Range) · 3.8 seconds (XPower AWD) Peak DC charging: 144–154 kW (UK Long Range and Extended Range) Safety: 5 stars Euro NCAP (2022) · 5 stars ANCAP (2022, rear-drive versions) Overview The MG4 is a rear-drive electric hatchback sold in Europe, Australia and Asia. For 2026 it gains a new interior and a simplified line-up. It is not sold in the US. A new-generation, front-drive MG4 launched in China in 2025. It is sold in Australia and the UK as the cheaper MG4 Urban, alongside this car. Design & Interior The update fixes the old car's main weakness. A 12.8-inch touchscreen with new software replaces the 10.25-inch unit, and physical buttons return for climate and audio. The gear selector moves to the centre console. Reviewers say soft-touch materials and faux leather make the cabin feel far more upmarket. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. New rear headrests and a shallow rear window limit the view back. Driving Rear-wheel drive and good balance give the MG4 an agile, playful feel that reviewers rate above most small EVs. The 140 kW Essence 64 reaches 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. The dual-motor XPower does it in 3.8 seconds, quicker than many far more expensive cars. The ride is acceptable but less polished over bumps than a Volkswagen ID.3. Wind and road noise are noticeable at speed. Range & Charging Australia now offers only 64 kWh batteries. The Essence uses an LFP pack rated at 452 km, and the XPower an NMC pack rated at 405 km. In the UK, the Long Range is rated at 280 miles and the Extended Range at 338 miles. DC charging peaks at about 144–154 kW, with 10–80% in around 25 minutes for the Long Range. That is quicker than the BYD Dolphin. Three-phase AC charging is not offered. Practicality Rear headroom and legroom are adequate for adults, though knee room under the front seats is tight. Three adults across the back will be cramped. The 363-litre boot has an adjustable floor but trails some rivals. Australian buyers get a ten-year or 250,000 km warranty when serviced by MG, or seven years otherwise. Safety Euro NCAP awarded five stars in 2022. Scores were 83% for adult occupants, 80% for children, 75% for vulnerable road users and 78% for safety assist. ANCAP's five-star 2022 rating covers rear-drive versions and expires in December 2028. Euro NCAP flagged marginal driver chest protection and weak neck protection for the older child dummy. The MG Pilot driver-assistance suite is standard. Verdict The 2026 MG4 keeps its sharp handling and strong value and finally gets a cabin to match. It suits drivers who want an enjoyable, affordable EV hatch with decent range. Rear space, boot size and refinement trail the best in class. Buyers mainly after low cost and space should also look at the new MG4 Urban and the BYD Dolphin. How we rated it Range 3.5 (competitive range and good charging speed for the price) · Performance 4.5 (agile rear-drive handling, very fast XPower) · Safety 4.0 (five stars, but 2022 results and some weak occupant scores) · Comfort 3.5 (much better cabin, average ride and noise) · Overall 4.0 (average 3.9; no value adjustment, strong value already makes it a front-runner). Sources Euro NCAP 2022 assessment: https://www.euroncap.com/assessments/mg/4+electric/1001/ ANCAP rating: https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings/mg/4-electric/1304d2 Drive, 2026 Australian prices and specs: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-mg-4-price-and-specs-rwd-and-awd-electric-hatch-gets-interior-upgrade-lives-on-alongside-cheaper-mg-4-urban/ CarExpert, 2026 Australian prices and warranty: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2026-mg-4-ev-price-and-specs GreenCarGuide, 2026 UK prices and range: https://www.greencarguide.co.uk/2026/02/new-mg4-ev-urban-and-updated-mg4-ev-for-2026/ Electrive, MG4 Urban and MG4 in Europe: https://www.electrive.com/2026/01/29/mg-introduces-new-mg4-to-europe-initially-only-in-the-uk/ RAC Drive review: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/mg-motor-uk/mg4-ev/mg4-ev/