The newly introduced 2026 MG 4 EV Urban is the cheapest electric vehicle (EV) the Chinese brand has offered, but it could break even cheaper when product planners opt for less well-equipped variants.
Priced at just $31,990, the MG 4 EV Urban is one of the cheapest electric vehicles available in Australia… period. However, the Essence specification offered in Australia with two battery sizes is actually the flagship option, while a lower-spec specification is available in other markets such as the UK.
This could see the small electric hatchback’s on-road base price fall below $30,000 if it were offered here.
Speaking to media at the Australian MG 4 EV Urban media promotion, MG Motor Australia product director Meng Chen said the brand’s customers tend to prefer higher trim levels, which is why the Essence will be the only offering at launch, but a cheaper trim could make its way Down Under.
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“Yes, we do have the (cheaper) trim level, but we deliberately introduced only the Essence trim level because the data shows us that electric vehicle buyers prefer premium trims. We have very solid data to support that,” said Mr. Chen.
“90 percent of our (EV) customers buy premium equipment. Who are the 10 percent?
When launching the MG 4 EV Urban, the brand’s representatives made several references to the British market as a strong indicator of what to expect in Australia.
Australia’s “Essence” trim is largely the same as the British “Premium” trim level, which is only offered there with the 54 kWh “Long Range” battery – but priced from £27,995 (A$53,549).
The smaller “Comfort” equipment is now offered with both 43 kWh and 54 kWh batteries. It’s £2,500 (A$4,782) cheaper than the equivalent Premium trim and forgoes amenities such as heated front seats, ambient lighting and surround-view cameras, while replacing it with cloth upholstery and smaller alloy wheels to match the cheaper price.
Despite this, standard equipment is still solid for an entry-level small car, with highlights such as LED headlights; a full suite of MG Pilot active safety assistants; a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; and connected services.
Mr Chen claimed the reason for not launching the fleet-spec MG 4 EV Urban was a “business decision” but could also have to do with the new electric vehicle not yet having received an ANCAP safety rating. Many fleets require a five-star ANCAP rating in Australia.
The MG 4 EV Urban achieved a full five-star score in the Euro NCAP test, and this is expected to be rolled out to Australian models soon. Perhaps we will then see a follow-up announcement from the Chinese brand that its cheapest electric vehicle will become even cheaper.
The electric hatch is offered in Australia in a dual-battery trim level, with range starting at just $31,990 drive-alone.
That’s right in the firing line of the BYD Atto 1 Premium ($27,990), the BYD Dolphin (from $29,990), the GAC Aion UT (from $31,990) – all before on-road costs – and the GWM Ora (from $33,990 driven away).
The existing rear-wheel drive MG 4 Electric is currently no longer available, but was last sold new for $37,990 plus on-roads. MG Australia plans to announce further details on an updated model “soon”.
MORE: Test report on the 2026 MG 4 EV Urban
MORE: 2026 MG 4 EV Urban price and specifications
