MG Motor has released the details about its high-performance all-electric hatchback, MG4EV XPOWER, and as the name suggests, it’s powerful. In fact, MG says it is its “most powerful” car yet.
What makes the British auto manufacturer says so? Well to start with, the MG4EV is capable of doing 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds. It manages to do so with the help of the simply put, very impressive dual-motor powertrain, delivering 320kW and 435PS to all four wheels, via front (150kW) and rear (170kW) electric motors.
The XPOWER will also provide a 600Nm of torque, firmly positioning the latest MG4 model alongside the most high-performance hatchbacks on the market. And not just while accelerating, MG’s engineering team has worked on the deceleration as well, with the car coming to a halt from 62mph in just 33.9m.
> MG’s Cyberster and Caterham’s Project V concept to debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed
MG has also recalibrated the regenerative braking software to allow one pedal driving in suitable situations. Besides there’s also a comprehensive series of suspension upgrades, making the ride stiffer, and an all-new ‘Dynamic Cornering Control System’ allows torque vectoring between all four wheels, generating maximum traction.
The upgrades are not just all under the hood. The company says there are minor revisions to the exteriors as well, including orange ‘XPOWER’ brake calipers, a two-tone black roof, new 18’’ alloy wheels and polished trim accents, alongside an exclusive new Racing Green colour option.
The range-topping model is set to go on sale later this month, starting at £36,495. It will make its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where the Longbridge-based company will also be showing off its Cyberster, what it says will be the world’s first “affordable” all-electric roadster, as well as the EX4 concept.
> MG4 EV named UK Car of the Year 2023
Commercial Director at MG Motor UK, Guy Pigounakis, said: “We’re confident the MG4 XPOWER will shake up the market like the MG4 SE and Trophy, showing that a compact EV can be affordable, practical and a terrific drive.”
“We expect it will appeal to customers looking for a pure performance offering which is the antithesis of the traditionally ‘loud’ high-performance hatchback. The XPOWER also retains the generous technology and equipment levels, as well as practical hatchback features, of the award-winning MG4 range.”
Is the MG4 XPOWER going to be one of the most exciting new electric cars of 2023, marking a new milestone in the company’s anticipated return to the performance car market? We’ll see very soon, but the manufacturer seems to be shifting gears to show off its latest products.
The much-awaited Cyberster, which we reported is set for a 2024 release, is expected to begin at around £55,000 for a rear-wheel-drive 309bhp version (231kW) and go up to around £65,000 for a four-wheel-drive, twin-motor version with 536bhp (150kW front / 250kW rear), weighing 1,850 and 1,985kg respectively.
The original release promised 0-62mph in less than three seconds and getting on for 500 miles of range, but we won’t be super sure about that number.
We are also keeping our eyes peeled for the EX4, a third high-performance MG which will also debut during the Goodwood Festival of Speed; the company confirmed the new concept car will be shown in the First Glance paddock at the event from Thursday 13th July.
According to the automaker, “the MG EX4 boldly reimagines the Metro 6R4 rally legend of the 1980s, underpinned by the MG4 XPOWER’s electric drivetrain. Designed by MG’s team in London, who played a key role in creating the new MG Cyberster, the EX4 will feature a distinctive livery designed especially for Goodwood and celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Metro 6R4″.
