This February, British-Chinese manufacturer MG Motor reaffirms its determination to shake up the electric compact segment with its new MG4. The message is simple: more range, more on-board technology and an enhanced interior finish. Where the MG4 made its name with its accessibility, this restyled version clearly moves upmarket to meet the demands of an increasingly demanding clientele in the face of competition pushing for greater range and comfort.
Why the restyling?
Launched at the end of 2022, the MG4 was convincing thanks to its rather competitive price compared with other European electric compacts, its dedicated electric platform and its appreciable range for the category. Since then, it has established itself as an affordable electric compact, selling over 33,000 units in France, including more than 21,000 in 2023 alone – a remarkable achievement in a highly competitive EV market.
At the start of 2026, MG has decided to rethink its flagship model. This restyling is more than just a cosmetic touch-up: it goes hand in hand with a complete overhaul of the range, from the electrical architecture to the on-board technologies, not to mention the ergonomics and on-board experience.
Design and interior
On the outside, the MG4 retains its dynamic profile while incorporating evolutionary touches such as new wheels and a more aerodynamic one-piece spoiler that contributes to the vehicle’s overall efficiency.
It’s inside that the changes are most significant. MG is tackling a crucial point if it is to compete with the more upmarket models: quality. To this end, the MG4 uses the same dashboard as the MG S5, with a more horizontal architecture, improved materials, the return of physical buttons and more intuitive screens. This move upmarket in terms of technology brings the MG4 closer to an experience that we’ve come to expect from premium compacts.
Engines and range: heading for 500+ km
One of the major aspects of this improvement is the increased range of the model compared with its predecessor. Where the previous MG4 mainly offered 51 kWh and 64 kWh batteries, with a maximum range of 400 km WLTP for the best-performing version, the MG4 (2026) abandons small configurations to concentrate on two configurations:
- 64 kWh LFP with 190 bhp and a WLTP range of 452 km, providing a reliable and durable basis for everyday use, 50 km more than the previous generation.
- 77 kWh NMC with 245 bhp and up to 545 km WLTP, propelling the compact car well above the standards of its category and almost 150 km further than the most autonomous version of the previous generation.
This extended-range configuration features a battery that many users have been waiting for since the previous generation, but with improved energy efficiency thanks to optimised thermal management and aerodynamics.
For sports enthusiasts, the XPower version remains in the catalogue, with 435 bhp and 600 Nm, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, compared with 4.2 seconds for the old version, while offering a range of 405 km (an increase of 5 km), while retaining a highly committed driving dynamic.
Charging and on-board technologies
The new MG4 not only improves its range, but also reduces the time it takes to recharge at a DC rapid charging point (10-80%) to around 25 minutes, around 5 minutes less than the previous generation, thanks to a maximum power rating increased to 140-154 kW depending on the version (compared with 120-150 kW previously).
In terms of driving aids, MG has incorporated a new, more fluid camera for the ADAS systems, complemented by the full kit of modern safety aids, whereas the previous generation was limited to a less responsive version of ADAS and a few driving aid functions.
The MG Pilot Custom function, previously absent, now allows drivers to memorise personalised settings according to their preferences, offering comfort and ergonomics never before seen in the range.
A more mature compact for a demanding market
This restyling of the MG4 responds to two market demands: greater range and real interior refinement. Whereas the initial MG4 focused primarily on electric accessibility, the 2026 version now seeks to appeal to a wider customer base thanks to a more comprehensive offering that is better positioned than its European rivals.
The move away from small-battery versions, the increased use of electric power and the enhanced on-board experience are all signs that MG is looking to transcend its image as a good compromise between price and efficiency and become a credible alternative to the more established benchmarks.
Arrival scheduled for March
The MG4 (2026) is expected to hit dealerships at the beginning of March 2026 in the 198 MG Motor France outlets, with the possibility of ordering all the restyled versions now.
In a market where compact electric cars now have to exceed a range of 500 km to be convincing, this development could well revive interest in the model and attract a wider customer base.
