We familiarize yourself with the reasonably priced EV sizzling hatch that’s the MG4 XPower…
Full disclosure. I’m a giant fan of the usual MG4 EV household hatchback. Not solely is it an ideal worth electrical automobile (the vary begins at simply £26,995), however it’s effectively packaged, sharply styled and delivers a surprisingly participating drive.
Add MG Motor UK’s beneficiant seven-year guarantee, and it’s a no brainer for those who’re prepared to modify to 100% electrical motoring.
The XPower is a sporty model of the MG4 – the second biggest-selling EV of 2023.
In contrast to sizzling variations of normal automobiles from most different producers, MG has determined to play it refined with the XPower, so there’s no garish physique equipment.
It does get bigger wheels, Bridgestone Turanza tyres, greater brake discs, orange brake calipers, a contrasting black roof, and a brand new Racing Inexperienced color possibility.
Inside, there’s purple stitching, Alcantara trim on the seats and steel pedals. In any other case, it appears a lot the identical, with a ten.25-inch touchscreen (fortunately together with bodily short-cut buttons beneath), plus a further 7.0-inch digital driver’s show.
Construct high quality within the cabin is ok, although there are just a few too many scratchy plastic surfaces, whereas the infotainment system is on the fundamental aspect.
In fact, the massive distinction between the fundamental MG4 EV and the XPower is hidden from view. Whereas the common automobile has a single rear motor with three battery choices and energy outputs of as much as 243bhp, the XPower will get one battery alternative, however good points a second 201bhp motor on the entrance, making it all-wheel drive.
With the rear motor at 228bhp, that equates to a exceptional 429bhp with 443lb of torque, delivering a blistering 0-62mph acceleration time of simply 3.8 seconds – all for a still-competitive worth of £36,495.
Crucially, MG’s engineers have additionally upgraded the XPower so that each one that oomph (it’s essentially the most potent MG ever made) will be distributed extra successfully.
The brand new Dynamic Cornering Management System includes a locking digital differential and Clever Motor Management to permit torque vectoring between all 4 wheels.
There’s additionally revised spring and damper tuning, stiffer anti-roll bars and sharper steering, with MG claiming general suspension stiffness has been elevated by as much as 25%.
The automobile’s 64kWh battery is sweet for a comparatively modest official 239 miles on a single cost. Nonetheless, the fact is more likely to be effectively shy of 200 miles, particularly if it’s chilly outdoors and also you’re heavy together with your proper foot.
The excellent news is that it has a most DC fast charging price of 150kW, which ought to ship a ten% to 80% cost in 35 minutes by way of a 150kW public fast charger, whereas a ten -100% cost takes 8.5 hours utilizing a 7kW dwelling wall field.
On the highway, the spectacular immediate torque is instantly apparent, particularly in Sport mode with launch management activated.
It’s gut-wrenchingly quick in a straight line, however this novelty wears off somewhat while you watch your miles/kwh indicator sink to nearer to 2 than 3. Oh, and a particular button on the steering wheel to activate launch management can be welcome, relatively than having to delve into the touchscreen.
Regardless of lugging round an additional electrical motor, at 1,800kg, it’s nonetheless comparatively mild for an EV, which makes it really feel agile.
One of many joys of the common rear-wheel drive MG4 EV is it’s dealing with, which is extra dynamic than most electrical automobiles – particularly within the reasonably priced worth vary.
The XPower is far the identical, however given the facility on faucet, it may do with a bit extra fettling for it to be thought-about a real, all-round sizzling hatch. It nonetheless manages to remain flat in difficult corners, however somewhat extra composure wouldn’t go amiss.
The trip feels barely firmer than an MG4 EV, however it’s nonetheless respectable, and there’s ample grip and stopping energy on provide.
Just like the common MG4 EV, the XPower is wider than you assume with an extended wheelbase, so there’s loads of area for passengers, entrance and rear. And, regardless of the sporty roofline, there’s good head and legroom within the again.
There’s additionally a wholesome baggage capability of 363 litres, rising to 1,165 litres with the rear seats folded down.
Given the efficiency enhance, our solely suggestion can be the addition of extra figure-hugging sports activities seats up entrance.
In the end, the MG4 EV XPower is a formidable package deal, and so long as you possibly can reside with the vary hit (the cheaper MG4 EV Trophy Prolonged Vary can go 323 miles), its supercar-like acceleration and dynamic trip won’t ever fail to place a smile in your face.
Verdict: The MG4 EV XPower is an all-electric five-door household hatch with a darkish aspect. Must you select to unleash the 429bhp on faucet, it’s able to competing with efficiency fashions two or 3 times the worth. Sharply-styled, secure, nice worth for cash and sensible, it additionally provides peace of thoughts, courtesy of a seven-year guarantee.
MG Motor UK
