SAIC Motor has started pre-sales of the new MG4 compact electric hatchback in China, offering four variants from 73,800 yuan, which is just shy of 9,000 euros. A version equipped with a semi-solid-state battery will follow later this year, with pricing to be confirmed in September.
The EV is offered in four variants. Built on SAIC’s E3 platform, the compact EV features a 120 kW permanent magnet motor delivering 250 Nm of torque and a top speed of 160 kph. With a length of 4.4 metres and a 2.75-metre wheelbase, the MG4 remains positioned in the compact electric segment, competing with models such as the VW ID.3 and BYD Dolphin.
Two LFP battery options are available at launch: 42.8 and 53.9 kWh, supporting CLTC ranges of 437 and 530 kilometres, respectively. DC charging from 30 to 80 per cent takes around 20 minutes, with stated energy consumption at 10.4 kWh/100 km.
A fifth variant featuring semi-solid-state battery technology is scheduled to join the line-up later this year. According to SAIC, the pack demonstrates improved thermal safety, including compliance with three-directional needle penetration tests, and maintains up to 75 per cent range in sub-zero temperatures with pre-conditioning. The semi-solid battery will be introduced ahead of year-end, with pricing expected in September and deliveries before the end of the year.
The MG4 is thus among the first production vehicles to adopt semi-solid-state battery technology at scale. According to parent company SAIC, the battery passed three-direction needle penetration tests without producing smoke and showed improved cold-weather performance. The company states that pre-heating the battery at –7°C can retain up to 75 per cent of the vehicle’s range.
The model uses cell-to-body (CTB) integration for the battery system. SAIC reports an investment of around 500 million yuan (approximately 68.7 million USD) in the battery structure, which uses an aluminium–rare earth alloy containing lanthanum and cerium to enhance strength and thermal resistance.
MG took the wraps off the all-new MG4 EV in March. As we noted back then, it is an entirely new model and not just an update of the previous MG4. That becomes apparent when looking at previous figures for output or battery capacity. The EV previously featured a 125kW motor and a 64 kWh or 77 kWh battery.
Exterior updates include arrow-shaped LED taillights, a redesigned backlit MG logo, and new colour options such as Donglai Purple and Coral Red. Wheel sizes range from 16 to 17 inches.
The MG4 EV is manufactured by Chinese state-owned car manufacturer SAIC, which bought the formerly British brand MG in 2005. Since its launch in mid-2022, the MG4 has not been as successful in China as planned – the MG Motor brand does not have the same tradition in China as it does in Europe. The car manufacturer hopes that this will change with the next generation of the MG4.
cnevpost.com, carnewschina.com
