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MG4: Australian debut in March ahead of release date later in 2023

 

Well-regarded Chinese electric hatchback will make its Australian debut next month ahead of prices and specs being released closer to launch


The fully-electric MG4 hatchback will have its Australian debut at the Fully Charged Live convention in Sydney on 11 March.

MG‘s Volkswagen Golf-sized MG4 has been available in the United Kingdom and Europe since the middle of 2022.

Quick summary of this story

  • MG4 EV hatch has been spotted testing in Australia
  • Australian debut to take place in March 2023
  • Release date still likely before middle of the year
MG MG4 2023 rear end
The MG4 is a hatchback with some crossover design cues

A rival to the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Atto 3, the electric MG4 is expected to be released in Australia later in 2023. Earlier reports have suggested the model could launch locally in the first half of this year.

Australian specifications for the MG4 have not yet been finalised, but the model is offered in two battery sizes in other right-hand drive markets.

Australian pricing still under wraps, UK spec provides clues

The MG4 has been seen testing on Australian roads in recent weeks, with the model set to do battle with BYD’s Atto 3 – a similarly-sized crossover currently priced at $49,913 driveaway before incentives in NSW, with 420km of range.

A shorter-range and rear-wheel drive version utilises a 50.8kWh battery to provide a driving range of 350km (WLTP). It’s rechargable at up to 117kW (DC) and produces 125kW of power and 250Nm of torque from its single motor.

MG MG4 2023 dashboard
Modern screens dominate the MG4’s interior

Meanwhile, a longer-range Trophy model with a 61.7kWh-usable battery sees power increased to 150kW/250Nm while range climbs to 435-450km (WLTP), with a higher peak DC charging speed of 135kW.

In the United Kingdom, two specifications are available – the SE, which is available in either short- or long-range formats, or the upscale MG4 Trophy, which is sold only in long range form in that market.

Later, a much more powerful dual-motor AWD version is expected to be released globally with 330kW of power and 600Nm of torque – and a 0-100km/h claim of 3.8 sec.

MG MG4 2023 front end
Two battery sizes are available in the UK – will both come to Australia?

MG has also confirmed that it will release the Long Range version of its ZS EV electric small SUV in Australia, with that version of the crossover also set to debut at the March event.

A press release by the Chinese brand indicated that test drives of both the MG4 hatchback and ZS EV Long Range small SUV will be available for visitors to the Fully Charged Live show.