MG to roll out more high-performance XPOWER models

MG Motor has revealed it plans to scale up the number of high-performance XPOWER models it offer following the global debut of the 2023 MG4 XPOWER hot hatch at last week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Producing 320kW of power and 600Nm of torque, the all-electric dual-motor all-wheel drive MG4 XPOWER is by far the quickest and most powerful MG ever produced, but it won’t be a one-off according to the head of MG parent company SAIC’s advanced design studio, Carl Gotham, who confirmed to carsales at Goodwood that more hot MG XPOWER models are on the way.

When asked about the plans for an XPOWER model expansion, Gotham said: “There’s definite scope for that [XPOWER] to be progressed.”

However, the senior MG executive said the XPOWER performance sub-brand’s strategy would be to focus on developing faster variants of existing models, like the MG4 XPOWER, rather than develop a standalone XPOWER model like it did back in 2002 with the MG XPOWER SV.

Gotham explained that’s because MG needs to stay true to the brand’s British roots and deliver fast and fun cars at an affordable price, if it is to be successful.

“We are focused on making sure that it’s still attainable,” he said.

“MG was the original every-man’s experience brand. If you couldn’t afford a premium sports car, you could buy an MG and it would put a smile on your face.

“I would like to see us get back to that position where we’re providing a technology and experience that everybody can enjoy. It’s a big objective but one that aligns with the brand’s history.”

Gotham didn’t disclose which model would get the XPOWER treatment next, but it’s likely the new Hyundai i30-size MG5 small sedan could be next.

Sadly, there’s also no word on whether the extreme MG4 EX4 hyper hatch (pictured), which was also unwrapped at Goodwood, will ever reach production given the steep price tag the high-performance hatchback would need to command.

“Electric cars are inherently expensive, so we are focused on making sure that they [fast MGs] are still attainable, affordable and approachable in terms of products and design,” said Gotham.

But that apparently won’t stop the Chinese brand from launching its first dedicated electric sports car, the MG Cyberster, which will likely become Australia’s quickest EV and MG Motor Australia’s most expensive model when it arrives in 2024 with a circa-$100,000 price tag <<< >>>.

Gotham said that thanks to the success of models like the MG4 and MG5, which feature more striking designs than bland ZS and HS small and medium SUVs that came before them, MG designers can now produce more interesting looking cars in the future, although he stopped short of declaring that next-generation MG models will be radical.

“We’ve worked hard to get to this position and it feels like the brand’s definitely taking a big step at the moment,” he said.

Sadly for ute lovers, the braver design future of MG will not include a one-tonne pick-up, with Gotham confirming the company’s priority remains focussing on the needs and wants of European and Chinese buyers – despite its success in Australia, where MG is the seventh most popular auto brand so far this year.

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