MG has unveiled the MG4 Urban EV in the UK. The model shares its name with the current MG4 but introduces a completely new approach and replaces its base version.
With a softer design and lower prices, it’s designed to woo customers considering entry-level battery-powered car models, yet it packs remarkable tech underneath. Although the model is confirmed for Europe, there’s no timeline yet for a Belgian launch.
The MG4 Urban EV is a completely new model, not just a simplified version of the current MG4. The Urban rides on a front-wheel-drive platform, moving away from the rear-wheel-drive setup of its namesake.
Slightly longer at 4,395 mm, it even offers a roomier cabin and appeals to budget-conscious buyers with its more neutral, less sharp, and, as such, less polarizing design. It sits more in line with recent MG designs.
No frills
On the inside, the focus is on simplicity without sacrificing connectivity. Though a no-frills model, it doesn’t come under-equipped.
A 15.6-inch central touchscreen and a 7-inch digital driver display dominate the dashboard, and standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while MG even offers over-the-air updates. Also unusual for this price point: a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function that enables an external power supply of up to 3.3 kW.
Under the hood — or rather, under the floor — buyers will have two options: a 43 kWh battery delivering a WLTP range of 323 kilometers, or a 54 kWh version offering 415 kilometers.
Prices in the UK start at £23,495 (around €27,000), which is affordable but more in line with models like the Citroën ë-C3 or the base version of the Renault R5 E-Tech, rather than the Dacia Spring or the BYD Dolphin Surf.
Cell-to-body
Technically, the MG4 Urban doesn’t shy away from innovation. Its battery uses a cell-to-body design for improved rigidity and weight savings, shaving it out 150 kg off the regular MG4. The platform is even ready for semi-solid-state batteries, though these won’t be offered in Europe at launch.
While the Urban takes over the entry-level slot in the MG lineup, the existing MG4, which is up for a facelift, is being repositioned further upmarket. It will continue as a higher-performance option, with variants including the 64 kWh Long Range, 77 kWh Extended Range, and the 429 hp XPower AWD model.
In Belgium, the Urban’s arrival is confirmed but unscheduled. The UK and Norway are likely first stops on the mainland, given their strong EV markets. The MG4 Urban may arrive just in time to boost sales. After a promising start, MG4 deliveries in Europe fell 48% last year amid increased competition and new import tariffs.
