A bigger, lighter MG4 is coming- But it’s not a replacement

Last week, an all-new MG4 electric hatchback made its debut in the carmaker’s home country of China. It is larger and lighter with an entirely different design, but contrary to reasonable speculation, it won’t be replacing the current MG4 in Australia. Instead, MG Motor Australia is evaluating whether to bring it Down Under as a separate offering.

Reports shared that an MG spokesperson confirmed the company’s stance on this new model wearing the MG4 badge:

“MG Motor Australia is reviewing this new model and considering it for the Australian market. It is important to note this model is not built on the same platform as the existing MG4 and will not replace the current model.”

So, what does this new MG4 bring to the table?

More space, less weight

Unlike the existing MG4, this new version is longer by 108mm, and its wheelbase has been extended by 45mm, translating to a roomier cabin. Yet, in an interesting twist, it’s 135kg lighter, weighing 1485kg with a 49kWh battery which is better for improved energy efficiency and range.

Its increased dimensions hint at a possible replacement for the ageing MG5 EV in certain markets. That also means it could go beyond competing with other compact EVs like the BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora, instead stepping up to challenge larger EVs like the Tesla Model 3.

Performance details

Technical details remain under wraps, but regulatory filings in China suggest a 120kW electric motor- 5kW lower than the current MG4 base model. The lithium-iron phosphate battery is expected to offer around 350km of range, on par with the existing MG4 Excite 51.

Higher-tier versions are also rumoured to be in the works:

There might even be a new MG4 XPOWER electric hot hatch with a dual-motor beast packing 320kW, good for a 0-100km/h sprint in 3.5 seconds.

Two MG4s in Australia?

Rather than replacing the current MG4, this new model may sit alongside it in showrooms. In 2024, MG sold 6934 units of the MG4, a 121.3% increase from the previous year. If the brand plays its cards right, the MG4 could overtake the Tesla Model 3 to become Australia’s second-best-selling EV, right behind the Model Y.

Currently, the MG4 starts at $34,990 drive-away, but pricing for the potential new model remains unknown. One thing is clear- MG isn’t slowing down in its bid to dominate the affordable EV space.