Pros
- Lowest entry price of any new EV with meaningful range in Australia
- Rear-wheel drive layout gives surprisingly sporty handling
- Genuine 350+ km real-world range in Excite 64 variant
- Over-the-air updates have improved the car since launch
- Standard safety features including autonomous emergency braking
Cons
- Interior materials feel cost-cut at the price point
- Maximum 117 kW DC charging — adequate but not rapid
- Smaller 44 kWh battery in base Excite variant limits real-world range
- MG brand perception still recovering from its Chinese ownership pivot
The EV that opens the door
Every EV transition has a tipping point model — the one that makes enough buyers say "I could actually do that." In Australia, the MG4 is that car. Under $40,000 drive-away for the Excite 64 variant, it makes the conversation about switching from petrol to electric accessible to buyers who assumed EVs were still out of reach.
Driving dynamics: a pleasant surprise
MG chose rear-wheel drive for the MG4's platform, which was an unexpected choice at this price point. The result is a livelier, more engaging driving character than front-wheel drive rivals. There's genuine cornering composure, the ride balances comfort and body control well for Australian roads, and the variable sport and eco modes adjust the experience without feeling gimmicky.
Range and real-world use
The Excite 64 (64 kWh battery) claims 435 km WLTP. In our real-world testing across city and highway driving, 340–370 km was consistently achievable. The 117 kW DC charging ceiling means a 10–80% charge takes about 35 minutes at a fast charger — slower than the best in class but manageable for a day trip stop.
Interior and technology
The interior is the area where the price shows most. The plastics are harder and the fit and finish less precise than the BYD Atto 3 at a similar price, but the 10.25-inch touchscreen is responsive, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the layout is logical. The rear bench has more space than the car's exterior suggests.
Verdict
The MG4 is not the best EV in Australia, but it might be the most important. It brings 350+ km of real-world range to buyers who thought EVs were out of their budget, and it does so without asking them to compromise on safety features or suffer through a bad infotainment experience. If your main goal is making the switch to electric at the lowest total cost, the MG4 is where the conversation starts.