More info on the new MG4

The new MG4 will be getting a semi-solid-state battery pack but it might not hit export markets for a couple of years. Expect LFP examples for the more affordable models in the interim. 

MG’s Head of Product and Planning in the UK, David Allison, hinted that the new Chinese-market MG4 will be exported. Moreover, he said it will be available with LFP battery packs as well and could even sell alongside the existing model which is still selling well in some export markets. 

Another tidbit was that the new MG4, which shares a platform with the MGS5 electric SUV, will be front-wheel drive. The existing models are either rear-drive or AWD (X-Power variant). The new model comes with a 120kW front-mounted motor. And the platform can house either a conventional LFP battery pack or the new semi-solid-state unit.

The latter isn’t likely to arrive in western markets for up to two years after launch of the initial LFP models. As yet, it isn’t clear the size of the LFP battery pack options. But being 150kg lighter, range should improve on the existing 350km and 435km of the 51kWh and 64kWh packs, respectively.

The Chinese-spec MG4 is also slightly larger all round (+108mm in length), another reason for selling both old and new alongside each other. It is also styled in more conservative fashion, with a rounder fascia, and small splitter, air intakes and headlights.

Should the new MG4 sell alongside the old one, MG may look to refresh the latter. It will likely borrowing updated tech and cabin improvements from the new S5. Expect a larger 12.8-inch touchscreen and more physical knobs and buttons for adjustment of volume and climate settings.