First official look at the new all-electric MG4 family hatchback that’s due to arrive in the UK later this year

MG is expanding its all-electric line-up this year with the new MG4, and these latest images show us how it’ll look. It has been revealed in China as the Mulan by MG’s parent company SAIC, and we expect the European version to look almost identical. 

The brand has previously said the MG4 will have its full UK unveiling towards the end of 2022. Images of the Mulan sibling confirm that it will be a larger family hatchback than the brand’s MG3 supermini.

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MG has already said the MG4 will be 4.3 metres long, putting it into competition with family hatchbacks such as the Volkswagen Golf. And given the all-electric powertrain, the MG4 will be a rival for cars such as the Citroen e-C4, upcoming Peugeot e-308, and Volkswagen ID.3, albeit with a more budget-friendly ethos.

These latest images show a design contrasting with the big-grille look seen on other MGs. Instead, it has more typical EV design elements, so there are just some cooling intakes at the front. The slim LED headlights and sharp creases on the bonnet give the MG4 an aggressive face, and the gap in the centre of the lower part of the bumper is reminiscent of the MG Cyberster concept’s look. 

The side skirts with chunky black plastic cladding help hide the elevated stance, which is more in line with the Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric and Volkswagen ID.3 rather than a lower-riding, more conventional family hatchback such ase Peugeot’s upcoming e-308. MG has omitted digital door mirrors from the MG4 (a feature we’ve seen in more premium electric cars), but it does have a huge panoramic roof. 

At the rear, meanwhile, a new full-width LED tail-light bar curls around the tailgate, similar to the design used on the Kia EV6. There’s also a large roof spoiler that’s split in the middle. 

The MG Mulan is underpinned by SAIC Nebula’s pure-electric architecture, and this will also feature in the MG4. This means it’ll be rear-wheel drive, just like the Cupra Born and its sister car the Volkswagen ID.3.  

MG’s inconsistent approach to battery technology across its electric-vehicle portfolio makes it difficult to pin down what will power the MG4. No technical specifications regarding battery size have been revealed, but given the MG4’s dimensions, we could see similar battery and electric motor technology to MG’s ZS EV. MG has just given the ZS EV a major update, including new batteries, and there’s a fresh Long-Range version of the car using a 73kWh battery capable of 273 miles on a single charge, according to WLTP certification.

A 0-62mph time of four seconds has been mooted for the Mulan, but we expect the MG4’s acceleration to be significantly slower to maximise the battery’s range, we could even see two different battery sizes for either car. 

The standard-battery version of the ZS employs a 51kWh pack for a 198-mile range, although in the smaller, lower-riding MG4 this would probably be able to take the car beyond the 200-mile mark. 

Sitting above the MG4 in the firm’s line-up will be the MG5 estate, recently updated with a new 57.7kWh (usable) battery for a 250-mile range, combined with 100kW rapid-charging tech.

Further details will be provided closer to the car’s unveiling, which will take place towards the end of 2022. Given MG’s focus on affordability, we expect it will be much cheaper than its rivals. If the MG4 is to sit below the ZS in terms of cost, a starting price around £26,000 for a potential standard-battery version seems likely.

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