320kW MG4 XPOWER priced under $60K

Australian pricing for the feisty new MG4 XPOWER electric hot hatch has been announced at $59,990 plus on-road costs ahead of first local deliveries in the coming months, dealing a massive performance-value blow to EVs like the Cupra Born and Volvo EX30, not to mention the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2.

The sharp starting price for the Chinese brand’s most powerful model to date undercuts the similarly-powered EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra by a whole $10,000 and is identical to that of the Born, but the Cupra offers about 40 per cent less power and torque than the 320kW/600Nm MG4 XPOWER

Another eventual rival will be the 2024 Volkswagen ID.3 GTX, which could retail for about $70,000 and pack around 250kW/500Nm when it arrives here either late next year or in 2025.

As we’ve well documented, the all-wheel drive MG4 XPOWER is claimed to hit 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds – making it quicker than a BMW M2, M3, M4 and M5 – and all of its zero-emission fury is provided by a pair of electric motors powered by a 64kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The modest-sized battery provides a WLTP-certified range of up to 385km, which is admittedly shorter than that of the Born, the twin-motor EX30 and inevitably the ID.3 GTX, all of which can/will surpass 400km with ease.

It’s also considerably down on the penultimate 77kWh MG4 Essence Long Range, which can cover up to 530km before needing to recharge.

Backing up the XPOWER’s mighty performance is a generous equipment list headlined by a 10.25-inch infotainment system with exclusive performance displays and functions, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, heated seats and steering wheel, five drive modes, launch control, Alcantara upholstery, power-adjustable driver’s seat, six-speaker sound system, sat-nav and a 360-degree camera.

Subtle exterior design enhancements include orange ‘XPOWER’ brake callipers, a two-tone black roof, exclusive new 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 tyres, polished trim accents and the $1000 option of an exclusive new Hunter Green premium paint colour (all other metallic paint is free).

The whole package rides on modified underpinnings including recalibrated springs and dampers, revised anti-roll bars and retuned electric power steering.

Assisting the enhanced chassis and AWD system is a locking centre differential, torque vectoring and a performance braking package comprising ventilated 345mm rotors and beefier callipers all round, hauling the circa-1800kg hot hatch up from 100km/h in a claimed 33.9m.

While the XPOWER is unlikely to be the volume-seller of the flourishing MG4 line-up, it will still be backed by the same seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty as the lesser variants of the small electric hatchback.

“The MG4 XPOWER has supercar performance packed with features including launch control and a track mode inspired lap timer showing that a compact EV can be affordable, practical and spirited to drive,” said MG Australia and New Zealand CEO Peter Ciao.

“We expect it will appeal to customers looking for a true performance car with plenty of technology and space to match.”

Prospective customers will be able to register their interest as of tomorrow (October 6) via the MG Australia website.

The brand's local operation has delivered 941 new MG4s since its mid-year release here, accounting for 6.2 per cent of all $40,000-plus small car sales for the year as of September 30.

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