MG will pursue a two-pronged strategy in the small electric car segment, with an updated version of the familiar MG4 hatchback alongside the recently launched MG 4 EV Urban.
The improved MG 4 makes its local debut today at the 2026 Melbourne Motor Show and is available in showrooms now. It gets a new interior that is very similar to that of the related small SUV MG S5 EV.
The range has been reduced to just two variants: the single-engine, rear-wheel drive MG 4 Essence 64 with a total price of $39,990 and the twin-motor, all-wheel drive MG 4 XPower with a total price of $47,990.
With Daily Sparkz you can save thousands on a new car. Click Here to get a great deal.
Previously, these variants cost $44,990 and $55,990 before on-road costs respectively. Despite higher prices, they are still more expensive than the new front-wheel drive MG 4 EV Urban, which is priced between $31,990 and $34,990.
Both MG 4 have a 64 kWh battery, the old 51 kWh and 77 kWh batteries are no longer offered. The MG 4 EV Urban, on the other hand, has smaller 43 kWh and 54 kWh batteries.
The Essence 64 uses a 64 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, providing a WLTP range of 452 km, up from 435 km on the pre-update model. This battery powers a single 140kW/350Nm electric motor.
The XPower is equipped with a 64 kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery (NCM) and offers a range of 405 km. The performance flagship features 150kW/250Nm and 170kW/350Nm electric motors, giving it a claimed 0-100km/h acceleration of 3.8 seconds.
Inside, MG promises “improved materials” and “a more refined finish.”
The 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster has been replaced with a more integrated 10.25-inch unit that is no longer freestanding.
The 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen has been replaced by a larger 12.8-inch unit with a new infotainment system and satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Below the touchscreen is a range of attractive physical switching devices, including buttons and knobs.
The distinctive, high-mounted “tray” that housed the selector lever was removed, and the dial was now relocated to the center console near a cell phone charger. There are two cup holders at the base of the center console.
Standard features include heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a six-speaker sound system and a surround-view camera.
A new MG Pilot Custom feature, as seen in the U9 ute, allows you to set your preferred safety settings and easily recall them each time you start the vehicle.
The exterior remains largely unchanged, aside from a new rear spoiler and three new exterior paint finishes: Iris Cyan, Sterling Silver and Piccadilly Blue.
The MG 4 is considered the sportier of MG’s two small electric cars, with the brand touting its 50:50 weight distribution and choice between rear- and all-wheel drive. The MG 4 EV Urban, on the other hand, is intended more as a comfort-oriented commuter.
“The new and expanded range of MG4 EV models means customers can drive everything from the efficient, super-spacious, practical and affordable MG4 EV Urban to the newly updated MG4 EV, which at its core embodies a driver-focused performance hatch that offers outstanding flexibility for all driving applications that require a dose of fun,” said Dimitri Andreatidis, Marketing Director of MG Motor Australia.
MORE: Explore the MG 4 showroom
