MG Motor Australia has officially opened the order books on its stylish MG4 hatch, the highly specified 64kWh Essence variant offered locally from $47,990 plus on-road costs.
With a five-star EuroNCAP safety score and an extensive list of standard equipment, the MG4 Essence is built upon MG’s new made-for-electric Modular Scalable Platform (MPS), bringing benefits that include 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution, 150kW of power, rear-wheel drive agility and a low centre of gravity.
MG says the Essence can travel up to 435km on a single charge, and sets a precedent for future all-electric models, which are also to arrive on the Chinese brand’s MSP platform. High speed DC charging is offered at a rate of up to 135kW, MG quoting a charge time of 60 minutes (to 80 per cent) using a 50kW DC rapid charger.
Standard features for the five-door model include the MG Pilot advanced driver assistance system, dusk-sensing LED head- and tail-lights, rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, climate control and MG iSmart app connectivity.
A two-tone roof, twin aero spoiler, and wireless phone charging are likewise standard.
Safety equipment for the MG4 includes blind spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert and a 360-degree camera system.
The Essence grade of the MG4 is further said to offer “exceptional storage” with interior and cargo space up there with the best in class.
In other markets, the MG4 EV is available with 51kWh and 64kWh capacities, which are said to offer ranges of up to 350km and 450km respectively.
The Chinese importer said it fast-tracked the models’ arrival Down Under due to unprecedented demand for its current battery electric vehicle (BEV) offering, as well as customer feedback and anticipation around both vehicles.
Speaking at the recent Fully Charged Live event in Sydney, MG Motor Australia and New Zealand CEO Peter Ciao said the EV models on display are representative of the brand’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to everyone.
“MG Motor is very excited to be a part of the inaugural Fully Charged Live event here in Australia. So much so that we have decided to use this event as a platform to announce two major milestones in the Australian and New Zealand EV landscape,” he said.
“Following the success of the ZS EV in September last year, we have listened to our customers’ feedback and have fast-tracked the arrival of our new ZS EV Long Range.
“We know Australians love to drive and now they can go even further thanks to a larger 72kWh battery pack and 440km range in the ZS EV Long Range.
“Equally, for this reason, we felt there was no better stage than Fully Charged Live to offer a glimpse of MG’s future in previewing our first global modular scalable platform in the MG4 and we know you’ll be as excited as we are to see it on Aussie and NZ roads in H2 this year.”
2023 MG MG4 pricing*:
Essence (a) |
$47,990 |
New variant |
*Pricing excludes on-road costs.