MG4 Electric Hatchback | Affordable EV Coming to Australia in 2025

Electric vehicles have moved from niche to mainstream, and Australia is catching up fast. With government incentives, growing charging infrastructure, and increasing consumer demand, 2025 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year. At the centre of this shift is the MG4 Electric Hatchback, a compact EV promising practicality, affordability, and technology.

MG has already made waves with the ZS EV and MG HS Plus EV, and the MG4 builds on that momentum. This model is aimed squarely at Australians who want an EV without the luxury-car price tag. Let’s explore in detail what the MG4 brings, from specs and range to driving impressions, technology, and whether it’s truly the budget-friendly EV Australia has been waiting for.

The MG4’s Place in the Australian EV Market

Australia’s EV landscape has often been dominated by brands like Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, and BYD. Most options have traditionally been priced upwards of $60,000, making them inaccessible to many families.

The MG4 changes that equation. With an expected starting price around the mid-$40,000 range, it undercuts many rivals while offering features that would once have been considered premium. For everyday Aussies considering a transition to EVs, affordability is a major barrier—and MG is aiming to knock it down.

MG’s strategy is simple: create a hatchback that competes directly with popular small cars like the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30, and VW Golf, but with an electric drivetrain and future-ready tech.

Exterior Design and Styling

The MG4 breaks away from the conservative look of earlier MG models. Instead, it embraces a sharp, futuristic aesthetic.

• Front end: A closed grille design with sharp LED headlights and a clean aerodynamic profile.
• Side profile: A sporty hatchback silhouette, with strong creases and a sloping roofline for better airflow.
• Rear design: Striking LED lightbar across the boot, aggressive bumper details, and a floating roof effect.

The car’s design isn’t just for looks. MG engineers have worked on aerodynamics, helping the MG4 achieve improved range efficiency by reducing drag. For Australians accustomed to more traditional hatchbacks, the MG4 offers a refreshing, modern alternative.

Interior Features and Cabin Comfort

Step inside the MG4, and the focus is on space and technology. Despite being a compact hatch, the EV platform frees up room, thanks to the flat floor and well-packaged battery system.

• Seating and comfort: Supportive seats with fabric or synthetic leather depending on trim. The flat floor provides better rear passenger comfort.
• Infotainment system: A central 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus built-in navigation.
• Digital cluster: A compact but sharp 7-inch digital driver display providing EV-specific data like range, efficiency, and battery charge.
• Practicality: Generous boot space (363L expanding to 1165L with seats down), useful for urban families and road trips alike.

MG has kept the cabin simple yet functional, ensuring it doesn’t feel stripped down despite its value positioning.

Powertrain and Performance

The MG4 offers multiple powertrain choices globally, and while the Australian lineup is not yet finalised, expectations are:

• Standard Range: 51kWh battery, around 350 km WLTP range, rear-wheel drive with 125kW motor.
• Long Range: 64kWh battery, offering around 450–500 km range, 150kW motor, rear-wheel drive.
• Performance/Extended: Dual-motor, all-wheel drive with over 300kW—though availability in Australia is still unconfirmed.

Rear-wheel drive is a standout in this segment. It gives the MG4 more engaging handling than most budget hatches, making it fun to drive without compromising efficiency.

Driving Dynamics and Ride Quality

MG has tuned the MG4 with Australian conditions in mind. While we haven’t had extensive local test drives yet, early global reviews highlight:

• Ride quality: Balanced suspension with comfort bias but good stability at highway speeds.
• Handling: Rear-wheel drive layout provides better weight distribution and steering feel.
• Noise levels: Cabin isolation is impressive for its price, with minimal road and wind noise.
• Driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport modes tailor throttle response and regenerative braking.

For Australians who value both city driving ease and long-distance stability, the MG4 is shaping up to be a strong contender.

Range, Charging, and Efficiency

One of the biggest concerns for EV buyers is range. MG tackles this directly with competitive figures.

• Range: Between 350 km and 500 km depending on variant.
• Charging:
  • AC charging (up to 7kW) for overnight home charging.
  • DC fast charging: up to 135kW on the Long Range model, giving 10–80% in about 35 minutes.
• Efficiency: Around 15–16 kWh/100km, making it cost-effective compared to petrol alternatives.

For city dwellers, the Standard Range should suffice, while frequent highway drivers may opt for the Long Range.

Safety and Driver Assistance

MG has put safety at the forefront with a comprehensive suite of features. Expected inclusions for Australia:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Keep Assist
• Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• 360-degree Camera

The MG4 has already achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, which should translate into confidence for Australian buyers.

Technology and Features

Beyond safety, the MG4 packs in useful tech for modern drivers:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Over-the-air software updates
• Heat pump option for better efficiency in cold climates
• Multiple regenerative braking settings
• Smart keyless entry and push-button start

The infotainment interface has been refined from earlier MG models, with smoother menus and quicker responses.

Comparison with Rivals

In Australia, the MG4 will face stiff competition from both EV and petrol rivals.

• BYD Dolphin: Similar price bracket but MG4 offers sportier styling and rear-wheel drive.
• Nissan Leaf: Longstanding EV, but feels outdated compared to MG4.
• Hyundai Kona EV: More expensive but offers strong brand trust.
• Tesla Model 3 (base): Higher price point, but the MG4 will appeal to value-driven buyers.
• Toyota Corolla Hatch: Popular petrol hatch; MG4 offers EV advantages and running cost savings.

MG’s advantage lies in balancing price, range, and features—something that could make it the “Corolla of EVs.”

Ownership Costs and Insurance

Affordability doesn’t stop at purchase price. The MG4 should also deliver savings over time:

• Running costs: EVs typically save thousands in fuel and servicing over five years.
• Insurance: Expected to be competitive given MG’s growing presence, though premiums may vary depending on battery cover.
• Servicing: Minimal servicing needs compared to petrol vehicles. MG offers capped-price service plans.
• Warranty: Likely an 8-year battery warranty and 7-year vehicle warranty, consistent with MG’s existing policy.

Why the MG4 Matters for Australia

The MG4 isn’t just another hatchback—it represents a shift. Australia has long lagged behind in EV adoption, but cars like the MG4 prove that affordable, well-equipped EVs are possible.

It caters to:

• First-time EV buyers hesitant about costs.
• City drivers who want range without overpaying.
• Families seeking a second car with low running costs.
• Younger buyers drawn to tech and sporty looks.

By combining price, practicality, and design, the MG4 could be one of the most significant EV launches of 2025.

Final Verdict

The MG4 Electric Hatchback is shaping up to be a genuine game-changer in Australia. It delivers a balance of affordability, range, safety, and features that few rivals can match. While long-term reliability and resale will need time to prove, MG’s bold pricing and warranty packages help ease concerns.

For Australians looking to make the leap into EVs without breaking the bank, the MG4 deserves a place at the top of the shortlist. It’s not just another hatch—it’s the start of a more accessible electric future.