MG Motor UK MG4 EV Hatchback

320kW XPOWER 64kWh 5dr Auto [2026]

MG has climbed steadily in recent years. Rescued by Chinese automotive group Nanjing Automobile in 2005 following the infamous MG Rover collapse, its parent company was merged into SAIC Motor Corp a couple of years later.

SAIC set about reviving the historic brand, though its early attempts gained a lukewarm reception. But that all changed when the MG4 EV came along.

At a time when electric cars were still commanding hefty premiums over their petrol and diesel counterparts, MG managed to produce an EV with an asking price in the mid-£20,000s.

This was unheard of at the time, except for a handful of cars which had many shortcomings. But the MG4 EV didn’t – it had a lovely-looking interior, was practical, had a great battery range, was fairly spacious, performed well in a straight line, and offered decent handling.

Yes, there were some criticisms, but MG's esteem rocketed, and it followed up with a handful of nice-looking cars, including the launch of its 'IM' range – the IM5, for example, looks like a cross between a Tesla and a Porsche.

But now it’s returned to the MG4 in the hope of making it even better.

It is more expensive now, thanks to the entry-level model being discontinued – those wanting something cheaper to lease can now choose the new MG4 Urban hatchback (which, despite the confusingly similar name, is a different car).

However, the old entry-level MG4 sold very few examples, with most opting for the higher-spec Trophy version.

This higher-spec version that remains today (now re-named ‘Premium’) comes with the same kit but costs less than its pre-facelift counterpart, so you could legitimately argue it’s actually cheaper than before. In that respect, what’s not to like?