MG4 EV — The Affordable Urban Hero

The MG4 EV has disrupted the electric car market by offering genuine quality at a price that significantly undercuts established competitors. For Irish buyers watching their budget, it's opened the door to EV ownership.

The Value Proposition

The MG4 starts at under €30,000 — thousands less than a comparable Volkswagen ID.3 or Peugeot e-208. Yet it doesn't feel like a budget car. The design is clean and modern, with a low, wide stance and a rear-wheel-drive layout that's unusual in this class.

The interior is straightforward but well-equipped. The 10.25-inch touchscreen handles infotainment, navigation, and vehicle settings. The digital instrument cluster is clear and customisable. Build quality has improved significantly from previous MG models — panel gaps are tight and materials are durable.

Range & Battery Options

Three battery options cover different needs. The 51 kWh Standard Range delivers 350 km WLTP (around 270-300 km real-world). The 64 kWh Long Range extends that to 450 km WLTP (350-390 km real-world). The Extended Range option provides 520 km WLTP.

For most Irish commuters — averaging 40-60 km daily — even the smallest battery provides a full week of driving between charges.

DC fast charging at up to 135 kW gives a 10-80% charge in approximately 35 minutes. Home charging on a 7 kW wallbox takes around 8 hours for the Long Range battery.

Driving Experience

Here's where the MG4 surprises. The rear-wheel-drive layout gives it a playfulness that front-drive rivals can't match. The steering is accurate, body control is good, and there's genuine enjoyment to be found on a twisty Irish road.

The ride is firm but not harsh, coping well with urban potholes and rural bumps alike. Road noise is reasonable at speed, though not quite as refined as more expensive competitors.

The MG4 XPower performance version produces 435 PS from dual motors, hitting 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. It's absurdly fast for a car at this price — though it's primarily a demonstration of what the platform is capable of.

Practicality

Boot space is 363 litres with a flat floor — adequate for daily use. Rear legroom is decent, and the flat floor (no transmission tunnel) means three adults can sit across the back without fighting for foot space.

Verdict

The MG4 EV proves that affordable electric cars don't have to be compromised. It's well-built, fun to drive, offers competitive range, and costs significantly less than its nearest rivals. For Irish buyers making the switch to electric on a budget, it's the obvious choice.

Rating: 8.5/10

Best for: First-time EV buyers, budget-conscious commuters, anyone wanting rear-drive fun at a front-drive price.

Price range in Ireland: €28,000 - €40,000