MG, now under SAIC’s subsidiary in the Philippines, has made a significant impact since last year by introducing a lineup of rightfully priced models aimed at stirring the market… again. We all know the brand for its hot-selling ZS, but now it has more to offer.
The British brand has also ventured into the electric vehicle (EV) segment, adding more affordable options compared to current offerings.
The MG4 XPower, priced at P2 million, is one such model. While this price tag isn’t cheap by any standard, the features and performance it offers far exceed its cost. It’s a bargain performance EV on my books, and here’s why.
A Natural Head-Turner
The MG4 XPower blurs the line between hatchback and crossover. On paper, it’s the former, but its considerable ground clearance suggests otherwise. This identity crisis doesn’t detract from its impressive attributes, including its standout design.
The matte British Racing Green paint is a nod to the brand’s heritage, despite its current Chinese ownership. The full LED lighting is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, with the LED graphics on the tailgate adding a unique touch, reminiscent of light painting. The twin-aero spoilers are distinctive and visually appealing, while the orange brake calipers exclusive to the XPower model are a nice accent.
As the first EV to sit on SAIC’s Nebula platform, the MG4 XPower benefits from the One Pack battery system, which is thinner and flatter, allowing for more interior space and a lower center of gravity. This platform also enables a longer wheelbase, contributing to the MG4’s unusual shape, characterized by a short deck and hood.
Despite these unconventional proportions, designer Oleg Son has managed to give the MG4 a sporty and aggressive look, particularly with its swept-back form. The unique 18-inch wheels on this top-spec XPower further enhance its sporty profile.
Swoopy And Roomy
The MG4 XPower offers a surprisingly roomy cabin. Despite its swoopy roofline, headroom at the rear is ample – you can thank MG’s decision to forgo a panoramic sunroof in this model to preserve headroom. Legroom is generous both front and rear, accommodating average-sized Filipinos comfortably.
The seats are soft, with suede inserts on the seats and door cards adding a sporty touch and premium feel. These materials are also practical, preventing discomfort even if the car is left parked under the sun. There’s plenty of storage space and cubby holes, especially at the front, and the cargo space is impressive for a hatchback (or crossover, as I still believe it to be).
The cabin’s minimalist design, with few buttons and labels, results in a cleaner layout, though it may require some initial tinkering for familiarity. However, this also means some controls are oddly placed.
For instance, there’s no traditional on/off switch. To turn off the car, you either put it in Park and lock, which automatically switches it off, or use the Power Off function buried within the menus under Safety. It took me nearly 30 minutes to find this. Plus, the buttons for adjusting regenerative braking and drive modes are marked by “stars” on the steering wheel, which is unusual.
Some Areas For Improvement
Other gripes include the 7-inch instrument panel, which feels small and crowded for the information it needs to display. The 10-inch infotainment screen is appropriately sized but, like the instrument cluster, could benefit from crisper graphics.
There are no A/C vents for rear passengers, though during my test amid thunderstorms and breezy weather, this wasn’t an issue – not sure when the sun’s out at high noon, though. Fortunately, there are USB charging ports for rear passengers.
While there’s no wireless Apple CarPlay (only wired for CarPlay and Android Auto), the MG4 XPower does have wireless charging and a 6-speaker system that satisfied my listening habits.
The plastics in the cabin look a bit cheap and lack visual appeal. Moreover, the A/C controls are integrated into the touchscreen, which can be precarious to adjust while driving. I believe mundane controls like A/C should have separate knobs or buttons for safety.
Made for Safety
The MG4 XPower was rated by the Euro-NCAP with five stars, and here’s why. It’s filled to the brim with safety features (yes, everything you could think of that I don’t need to list here), including a seatbelt reminder for the rear seats that actually works. The adaptive cruise control could use some refinement, as the response to cutting cars was a bit delayed.
However, the lane-keeping assist is not intrusive, which I appreciate, and the emergency braking system isn’t overly sensitive. The 360-degree camera is useful but would benefit from better screen resolution, especially at night.
XPower for Maximum Power
The MG4 XPower’s dual-motor setup – one motor on each axle – means the car is all-wheel-drive, sending 430 hp and 600 Nm to the ground. Yes, this EV oddly produces muscle car numbers at this price point – a definite plus, mind you. This allows a top speed of 200 km/h (not that you’ll use it on public roads), but yes, this is the fastest you can go at this price point.
On paper, it achieves 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, and it feels even faster on the road. It can reach criminally illegal speeds rapidly, so it’s important to respect the accelerator. Spirited driving will consume more battery, of course, similar to how it affects fuel consumption in internal combustion engine cars.
The MG4 XPower’s linear performance is comparable to the BMW i4 M50 electric sedan I tested before… but at a third of the price. This alone makes it a bargain performance EV; its handling is another reason for this claim. The car feels nimble, despite its 2,113 kg weight. While it’s not as agile as a BMW, it comes mind-blowingly close, which is impressive for its price.
The brakes bite adequately, and I appreciate how the car employs regenerative braking. Even on its highest setting, it’s highly manageable and doesn’t cause dizziness. While there’s a Sport mode, I found the car to be exhilarating enough even in Normal mode.
Quick Juicing Up
The Nebula platform’s 800-volt architecture allows for faster charging compared to the usual 400-volt EVs available in the Philippines. Using an 8.8 kW Type II AC charger at the mall, it took nearly 3 hours to charge from 46% to 89%, translating to an increase from 174 km to 343 km in range.
The 64 kWh battery offers a full charge range of 385 km, which – while not as impressive as some EVs that can exceed 500 km – is reasonable given the MG4 XPower’s price and performance.
You can also charge at home using a normal 220V socket, providing the convenience of overnight charging if you have a garage (which you should). My daily driving route consumed around 10% of battery charge, meaning I only needed to charge once every 8-10 days. During my test, I kept the car in Normal mode with the highest setting for regenerative braking.
Is it a Hatchback or a Crossover?
Now, is the MG4 XPower a hatchback or a crossover? Frankly, I don’t know and I don’t care as this vehicle exceeded my expectations and – at the expense of repeating myself for great emphasis – is a relative bargain for a performance EV.
Priced at P2,000,888, it comes with an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty for the EV battery and a 5-year or 100,000 km warranty for the vehicle. MG Philippines also offers 24/7 roadside assistance with your purchase.
With its impressive performance, unique design, and practical features, the MG4 XPower stands out as a compelling choice for those seeking an affordable yet high-performing electric vehicle.
