More next-generation MG 4 information has been released, with the brand announcing Chinese-market pricing and specifications for the new electric hatchback that may be released in Australia.
It’s launching in China on September 5 with a choice of two lithium iron phosphate batteries, but MG has confirmed mass deliveries of a semi-solid-state battery option will commence sometime this year.
Pricing will be announced in September, though LFP-powered versions are priced from between 73,800 and 105,800 RMB (~A$15,800 to $22,700).
MG is calling it the first mass-produced semi-solid-state battery, and is claimed to offer superior low-temperature discharge power and energy retention to batteries from rival brands, while also remaining smoke- and fire-free even in rigorous 10-pin three-way puncture tests.
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The company hasn’t confirmed any specifications for this battery, but the entry-level 42.8kWh LFP battery offers 437km of range and energy efficiency of 10.4kWh/100km – both under the CLTC cycle.
The 53.95kWh LFP battery bumps these numbers up to 530km and 11.4kWh/100km.
MG says the new hatchback features “the only integrated thermal management system in its class”, which it says utilises a “proprietary aluminium rare-earth alloy” and “breaks Tesla’s patent monopoly, achieving the ‘impossible triangle’ of efficient, comfortable and stable thermal management”.
The MG 4 supports 2C ultra-fast charging, allowing the vehicle to be charged from 30 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes, and also features cell-to-body integration.
All MG 4s use a front-mounted electric motor offering 120kW of power and 250Nm of torque, which means the new MG 4 is front-wheel drive – not rear-wheel drive like the existing MG 4 which, while axed in China, will live on in Australia.
It also features MacPherson strut front suspension but a torsion beam rear, unlike the existing MG 4 which features multi-link independent rear suspension.
Inside, there are 30 storage spaces, including a 98L concealed dry/wet separation storage space under the boot floor.
Other handy features include soft-light mirrors up front “designed for women’s makeup and touchups”, a ventilated 50W wireless phone charger, and a 1.8m2 ‘king bed mode’ when you drop the 60:40 rear seats.
There’s extensive use of “baby-grade, skin-friendly leather”, and the interior can be had in Rose Purple or Dark Mountain Blue.
A 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, but a larger 15.6-inch unit brings MG x Oppo Smart Car Connectivity.
The new MG 4 is the first vehicle to include Oppo’s Smart Driving features, developed by the smartphone company and MG’s parent SAIC Motor, allowing for greater integration between the vehicle and not only Oppo phones but also Huawei, Apple and Android devices.
Available equipment includes heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, 256-colour ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof with power sunshade.
Down back, there’s 471L of boot space, expanding to 1362L with the rear seats folded.
The MG 4 measures 4395mm long, 1842mm wide, 1551mm tall and rides a 2750mm wheelbase.
That makes it 108mm longer, 6mm wider and up to 47mm taller than the current MG 4, on a 45mm longer wheelbase.
It weighs between 1415kg and 1485kg, and uses a different platform to the existing MG 4 and MG S5 EV which ride on the Modular Scalable Platform.
There are 14 active safety features in total, and MG says there’s a blind spot function for rainy and dark weather – likely the same Rainy Night Mode seen in the new IM5 and IM6.
The new MG 4 has been spied testing locally, and MG has confirmed it’s being evaluated for a local launch.
“We have taken our evaluation of this new model to the next stage in our process. It is under serious consideration to join alongside our award winning MG4 range to best match technology to the evolving needs of Australian drivers and lifestyles,” said an MG Motor Australia spokesperson.
“The much loved current MG4 is not going anywhere. Further testing will be completed before a decision is reached around this new model in Australia.”
While this new model has confusingly been revealed as the new MG 4 in China – where the existing MG 4 is no longer available – it’s almost certain to wear a different nameplate here.
In late June, MG parent SAIC Motor applied to trademark the name MG 4 EV Urban with IP Australia.
MG hasn’t confirmed whether it will use this name, however, of the MG trademarks SAIC Motor has filed over the past five years, all bar one – the QS Plug-in Hybrid – has subsequently appeared on a vehicle in local showrooms.