MG4 XPower (2023) in the test: The inexpensive rocket

320 kW, all-wheel drive and 3.8 seconds to 100 allow you to hunt Porsches in a compact car

While some media on radio and television are already portraying the downfall of the German car industry due to models from China, the reality is much different. The sales figures for Nio, BYD and Co. are manageable in this country because a dealer network is first being set up and the prices are hardly cheaper. In addition, there is a certain level of skepticism among customers towards Chinese brands.

The only exception is MG : The company, which belongs to the largest Chinese car group SAIC, expects a good 20,000 new registrations in Germany for 2023 and even 200,000 across Europe. The MG4 Electric , a well-thought-out electric car in the format of the VW ID.3 at a relatively affordable price, plays a large part in this .

What are we looking at?

Now the model program is taking things a step further. And that in two directions: On the one hand, the “Trophy Extended Range” with 77 kWh battery, up to 520 kilometers of range according to WLTP and up to 144 kW charging power. On the other hand, the extremely powerful ” XPower ” with 320 kW power, 600 Nm maximum torque and acceleration to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. It is also the only MG4 with all-wheel drive.

There is an electric motor with 150 kW peak power on the front axle and 170 kW on the rear axle. Continuous power: 68 or 84 kW. The nickel-cobalt-manganese battery stores 64 kWh of energy gross (61.7 kWh net), which should enable a range of 385 kilometers. According to its creators, the extreme MG4 is not intended to be a track tool. 

So while VW is still working on a potential ID.3 GTX , MG is creating facts with a big exclamation point. The sleek look of the MG4 is already known and proven. In the case of the two new versions there is a black roof; the XPower can be recognized by the orange brake calipers and new 18-inch rims. Only here is the special color “Hunter Green” available as an option, which you see in the photos.

This rather subtle overall note makes a pleasing impression, as does the interior, which has been upgraded with Alcantara. “Space” is appropriate here, because at 4.29 meters long there is enough space for four passengers. With 363 to 1,177 liters of trunk volume, there is also space for luggage. Only the massively protruding center console may bother some drivers’ knees, but in return there are numerous large storage areas.

Other manufacturers might integrate the two monitors into the cockpit more nicely, but that also saves money. MG has gradually upgraded the 4 since its market launch , with customers demanding a third headrest or a rear window wiper. But it doesn’t improve the poor rear visibility either.

In addition, there is now “one-pedal driving,” which is appreciated by many, but unfortunately it has to be activated again each time using the touchscreen. In general, the touchscreen in question could work a little faster. We also noticed the air conditioning negatively; it always felt too cool. 

How does it drive?

Bubbles is the keyword for our test drive. But before you get started, you have to press the brake pedal hard to be ready to drive. You won’t find a classic start button. First we go through city traffic to the motorway, where the MG4 XPower impresses with its not exaggerated tautness and pleasantly direct steering. Incidentally, 20 years ago, XPower SV was the name of an extreme MG with a Ford V8 that was only built 64 times.

The electric XPower would easily defeat these vehicles in a traffic light duel. In the acceleration lane of the (fortunately fairly free) motorway, we plod hard on the accelerator pedal.

What happens then? A “LMAA!” as my humble first spontaneous reaction, as the numbers on the digital speedometer are racing towards 160 at a crazy pace (but not too brutal for perestalsis). And that was “just” normal mode. “Sport” also goes a step further thanks to slightly sharper steering, while “Eco” is recommended for everyday driving with rear-wheel drive.

How much does all this fun cost?

The little MG could easily annoy high-priced sports cars from Zuffenhausen or Maranello, but a limited top speed of 200 km/h and a consumption of over 20 kWh more would thwart this. But why? Shooting over the left lane at 240 may have been Kalle Grabowski’s motto from “Bang Boom Bang”. Quote: “That’s my kind of freedom!” But freedom can also mean exploiting the enormous power reserves of the XPower in order to be able to overtake a truck without danger. 

Do you have to have 435 hp? Of course not. But hardly any other provider offers them as cheaply as MG. The price for the XPower in Germany is 46,990 euros, minus all current subsidies it comes to 39,812.50 euros. Just for comparison: a conventional Audi RS 3 Sportback with the same acceleration costs 62,000 euros and more.

Conclusion

Certainly no one needs as much power as in the MG4 XPower. But you make a statement with it, also through the relatively low price. Overall, the MG4 model range now offers something for everyone. Our price-performance tip is the “Comfort” with a range of 450 kilometers for 39,990 euros before premiums.