MG4 2023: high-performance dual-motor electric hatchback under consideration for Australia

MG Australia is “really excited” at the prospect of a high-power, dual-motor version of its electric MG4 small hatchback recently unveiled this week in Sydney.

Due to launch locally in the second half of 2023, the Australian lineup is confirmed to offer two battery sizes and a choice of variants, all of which will be in a single-motor rear-drive configuration, with outputs of 125kW and 150kW.

However, MG parent SAIC revealed a high-output 330KW and 600Nm version of the MG4, called the Mulan Triumph Edition, in its home market of China last August. This version is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market.

If a high-performance dual-motor version of the MG4 makes it down under, it will likely sail north of $60k for a configuration similar to that currently offered overseas. 

“[The dual-motor MG4] is definitely under consideration,” says MG Australia PR manager, David Giammetta. 

“Obviously [the dual-motor version is] a really exciting proposition. It would be a phenomenal [inclusion to the MG4 lineup] as we move towards our sports car heritage…and it would be great to have that [version] in our lineup.”

In Chinese domestic specification, the dual-motor Mulan Triumph Edition brings a claim of 3.8-second 0-100km/h performance that rivals the likes of today’s Audi RS3 ($94,100) and would position the new electric MG4 hatchback within swinging range of the Tesla Model 3 Performance ($91,915).   

China’s hot all-paw version of the MG4 sits on 18-inch wheels, features performance brakes, uprated rubber and leather/suede interior. It fits a 64kWh – or 61.7kWh usable – battery pack like the long-range MG4 rear-driver.

Should an Australian version retain the same battery, the dual-motor’s range would undoubtedly be shorter than that of single-motor versions, which are confirmed at between 435kms and 450kms WLTP for the local 150kW variants.