MG4 EV: Is it the best affordable electric car yet?

Join us as we take a closer look at the MG4 EV, the electric hatchback that changed what we thought was possible at an affordable price point

The MG4 EV launched in 2022 and immediately shook up the electric hatchback market.

Built from the ground up on MG's Modular Scalable Platform, with a rear-wheel drive setup that gives it a handling edge over many front-wheel drive rivals, it arrived with serious intent.

Now, MG are an interesting one.

The name and heritage go back to 1924 — unmistakably British. But the brand is now owned by SAIC, a Chinese manufacturer.

And as Chinese cars continue to flood the market with more affordable electric options, MG find themselves in a unique position: A Chinese-owned brand with British roots, making one of the most convincing cases for affordable electric motoring.

And the MG4 has earned its place at the table.

Competing with the Volkswagen ID.3, Renault Megane E-Tech, CUPRA Born and Kia EV4, it makes a compelling case against all of them.

The 2026 update made things even better with a new interior, updated battery lineup, more power and somehow a lower price. With a seven-year warranty as standard too, it's hard to argue with.

But is it still the best affordable electric hatchback you can buy? Let's find out.

What we drove:

Model: MG4 Trophy

Fuel type: Electric

Battery: 64kWh

Power: 150kW (203PS)

Range: Up to 281 miles (WLTP Comb)

Colour: Volcano Orange

Or watch our video review over on YouTube:

More than just a pretty hatchback

Many modern EVs look like something a scientist dreamed up in a lab. The MG4 EV is not that car.

Sharp lines and angular headlights still make it stand out in a crowded class — but in a grounded, accessible way rather than a futuristic one. And what it lacks in sci-fi styling, it more than makes up for in substance.

Bold colour choices like our Volcano Orange, a compact and purposeful silhouette, and clever aerodynamic details — including intake slats that close when not needed — all add up to a car that has genuine character without trying too hard.

It's not the most premium looking hatchback at this price point, and that's fine. You're not paying for showroom theatre. You're paying for a well-designed, well-equipped electric hatchback that delivers where it matters.

The 2026 update kept exterior changes subtle; a new rear spoiler design, updated wheels and three new colours: Piccadilly Blue, Ealing Green and Cosmic Silver.

Volcano Orange was sadly removed from the palette, which is a shame. It suited the MG4's personality perfectly.

From plasticky to premium

The original MG4's interior was fine. It did the job. But at this price point, fine was good enough — and MG knew it.

The floating 10.25-inch touchscreen came with physical shortcut buttons underneath it, so at least you weren't hunting through menus for the basics.

Storage was dotted sensibly around the cabin, and four adults could get comfortable without complaint.

The low central hump in the rear made the middle seat genuinely usable too, which families appreciated.

Some of the materials felt a little plasticky up close. But for what you were paying, it was hard to hold that against it.

The 2026 update has changed all of that.

MG overhauled the interior almost entirely, and the results are hard to argue with. The old 10.25-inch touchscreen has been replaced by a sharper, more responsive 12.8-inch unit. The old 7-inch driver's display is gone too, replaced by a proper 10.25-inch digital cluster.

The biggest win though? Physical climate controls. Actual dials and buttons for temperature, fan speed and direction. No more prodding through menus to turn the heating down. It sounds like a small thing: It absolutely isn't.

The centre console got a complete rethink too with proper cupholders, a wireless charging pad and dedicated storage underneath. It feels finished in a way the original never quite did.

Piano-black plastic is out. Soft-touch materials are in throughout. The gap between the MG4 and its premium rivals has narrowed significantly.

Boot space nudges up slightly to 388 litres in the updated car. Rear passenger space remains decent without being class-leading — the Kia EV4 and even MG's own MG4 Urban offer more legroom if that's a priority. The rear seats fold 60:40 when you need the extra room, opening up 1,164 litres in total.

Heated front seats and steering wheel come as standard across the range now too. At this price, that's a genuinely impressive package.

The drive that started a revolution

Put your foot down and you get that characteristic instant EV torque — and the MG4 does it well.

It's not the fastest off the mark, hitting 0-62mph in just under eight seconds. But thanks to its balanced weight distribution and responsive steering, it feels nimble and engaging in a way that belies the price tag.

Add in the rear-wheel drive setup and it has a genuine handling edge over front-wheel drive rivals.

The rear end can get a tad lively if you're enthusiastic with the accelerator, but it only adds to the character — and it's something most rivals simply can't match at this price.

With five drive modes and four levels of regenerative braking, you can personalise the drive to suit how you actually use the car.

Around town it's comfortable and planted, soaking up bumps without fuss. Push on to faster, bumpier roads though and it gets a little choppy.

It's not quite as refined as the Kia EV4 or VW ID.3 at motorway speeds. And if you're on narrow country lanes, it's worth turning off the lane-keep assist. It can get a little obtrusive.

Fast forward to 2026 and the MG4 has been updated.

It's still rear-wheel drive (MG wisely left what wasn't broken alone) and the new lineup is slightly quicker too. The Premium Long Range does 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds, the Extended Range in 6.2.

They did take away Volcano Orange paint though. We're still not over it.

Range anxiety? Not here

When we drove the MG4 EV, the lineup offered two battery sizes — giving you up to 280 miles of range (WLTP Comb) from the 61.6kWh battery. The Trophy Extended Range came along shortly after, adding a bigger battery and up to 323 miles of range.

With a 150kW max charging speed, a 10-80% top-up took around 35 minutes on a public rapid charger. A standard 7.4kW home wallbox handled overnight charging with ease.

The 2026 update has tidied up the battery lineup. The entry-level 51kWh battery was quietly axed — not many were buying it anyway — leaving two cleaner choices:

• Premium Long Range: 64kWh battery, up to 280 miles (WLTP Comb), 154kW max charging, 10-80% in around 25 minutes
• Premium Extended Range: 77kWh battery, up to 338 miles (WLTP Comb), 144kW charging, 10-80% in around 40 minutes

Worth bearing in mind that cold weather will take the edge off that range, as it does with any electric car.

If you're charging at home on a 7.4kW wallbox, expect around 11 hours for the 64kWh and closer to 13 hours for the 77kWh. Plug in before bed and you'll wake up to a full battery.

What's good, and what's not

The good bits:

• Rear-wheel drive handling at this price point is genuinely rare
• Physical climate controls on the 2026 update
• Significantly improved interior quality for 2026
• Five drive modes and four levels of regenerative braking
• Competitive price — still undercuts most rivals spec for spec
• Characterful, engaging drive that most rivals at this price can't match

The not-so-good bits:

• Gets choppy on faster, bumpier roads — not as refined as a Kia EV4 or VW ID.3 at motorway speeds
• Rear passenger space not class-leading
• No underfloor boot storage for charging cables
• 388 litre boot — adequate but not the biggest in class

What's the verdict?

The MG4 EV arrived in 2022 with a point to prove: Affordable electric driving doesn't have to be boring or come with a compromise.

Rear-wheel drive at this price was — and still is — unusual. But it gives the MG4 the character that people know and love, and that sets it apart from almost everything else in this class.

The 2026 update addressed the main criticisms while still undercutting most rivals spec for spec. The seven-year warranty only adds to the case — it's MG putting their money where their mouth is.

Yes, it's not the most refined at motorway speeds, and it's not the biggest inside. But for an affordable family EV that's still genuinely fun to drive? It does the job very nicely indeed.

And the MG4 Urban now offers a little more room at a lower price.

Top five reasons to consider the MG4 EV:

1. Rear-wheel drive handling that rivals costing thousands more can't match
2. Seven-year warranty as standard
3. Up to 338 miles of range (WLTP Comb) on the Extended Range
4. Significantly improved interior quality and technology for 2026
5. Competitive price — strong value spec for spec against the VW ID.3, Kia EV4 and CUPRA Born

Would we recommend leasing a MG4 EV?

Absolutely. The MG4 EV delivers an engaging drive without the premium price tag and the 2026 updates have made it better across the board. The seven-year warranty covers your entire lease and then some.

Charging speeds are competitive, range is more than adequate, and the improved interior means you're no longer making excuses for it.

This is a properly rounded electric hatchback.

If space is your priority though, the MG4 Urban is worth a look — it offers more room for less money.