New MG4 to be first mass-produced EV with semi-solid state battery, GM says ahead of August 5 debut
At a media event on July 17, MG brand General Manager Chen Cui confirmed that the new MG4 electric hatchback will be the first mass-market electric vehicle globally to feature a semi-solid-state battery. It will officially debut on August 5.
“The new battery, supplied by QingTao Energy, contains only 5% liquid electrolyte,” said Chen. MG states this battery has passed rigorous safety testing, including a 360-degree puncture test, and delivers a CLTC-rated range of 537 kilometres. The energy density is rated at 180 Wh/kg. Additionally, MG reports that the battery provides 13.8% better range retention in cold conditions at –7°C compared to traditional lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries.
Pricing for the updated MG4 is expected between 80,000 and 120,000 yuan (approximately 11,000 to 16,400 USD), directly targeting the BYD Dolphin, a leading compact EV in China. Chen Cui indicated at the briefing that if pricing is competitive with the Dolphin, “there is no reason customers wouldn’t choose MG4.”
MG claims that the MG4 utilises a 70 kWh battery pack, powering a 120 kW rear-mounted electric motor in a single-motor rear-wheel-drive configuration. In contrast, the BYD Dolphin features front-wheel drive with a 70 kW motor in its base trim and an optional 150 kW motor in higher trims. This difference may give the MG4 an edge in driving dynamics and performance.
The updated MG4 is larger than the outgoing model and its competitors. It measures 4,395 mm in length and 1,842 mm in width, with a 2,750 mm wheelbase, compared to the Dolphin’s 4,280 mm length and 2,700 mm wheelbase. This increased size potentially offers more interior space and cargo capacity.
Inside, the MG4 debuts the MG×Oppo cockpit system, developed in partnership with Oppo. The system integrates smartphone functions with the car’s interface, supporting voice commands, gesture navigation, and phone app synchronisation.
Production of the new MG4 has begun at SAIC’s Nanjing facility, ahead of the official launch in August. Visually, the car adopts a design inspired by MG’s electric roadster, the Cyberster, featuring a sculpted front fascia, separated headlamp units, and an illuminated front emblem. Two new exterior paint colours are introduced: Donglai Purple, a metallic purple with a pearlescent effect, and Qingbo Green, using imported European pearlescent pigments.
