MG4 could become Australia’s cheapest EV

The 2023 MG4 electric hatch will start comfortably under the $50,000 mark when it goes on sale Down Under ahead of first local deliveries in October, with sources close to MG Motor Australia confirming the highest-spec variant will retail for $47,990 plus on-road costs.

MG has previously confirmed the local MG4 line-up will comprise two powertrains and two trim levels from launch, with the above price tag applying to the ‘MG4 64kWh’ – the most powerful (150kW) and longest range (450km) variant.

Given the flagship MG4 variant’s sub-$48K list price, it’s fair to assume that lesser variants will start in the low-$40,000s due to their smaller batteries (51kWh), reduced driving range (350km) and inferior power output (125kW), and the base model’s reduced standard equipment list.

For reference, the entry-level MG ZS Excite electric SUV (MG’s cheapest EV) is priced from $44,990 drive-away, while the mid-range Essence is positioned $4000 higher at $48,990 drive-away and the new MG ZS EV Long Range is another $7000 pricier at $55,990 drive-away.

Exactly how close the entry-level MG4 will come to usurping the GWM Ora hatch (from $44,490 drive-away) as Australia’s cheapest EV remains to be seen, but it should give its Chinese compatriot a good run for its money.

“It’s lovely to have sibling rivalry, but it’s important for us to understand what the entire model composition is,” MG Australia marketing general manager Rick Whaite told carsales last month.

More importantly, the MG4 will comfortably undercut other small electric hatchbacks – besides the GWM – like the pioneering Nissan LEAF, MINI Electric and Cupra Born, even if the latter is positioned as more of a performance-based hot hatch offering.

MG Australia says it will formally announce the MG4’s local pricing and specification details closer to its launch in the fourth quarter of this year, while local market evaluation continues for the Tesla-baiting 330kW/600Nm dual-motor flagship.

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