SAIC Motor’s all-new MG4 EV has garnered 11,067 pre-orders within 24 hours of its soft launch. The new electric hatchback is offered in four variants, with pre-sale prices ranging from 73,800 to 105,800 yuan (10,100 to 14,400 USD). However, the semi-solid battery version of the MG4 is not launching until September.

The MG4 EV is built on SAIC’s E3 pure electric architecture platform and is anticipated to officially launch in September.

The exterior of the new MG4 EV retains its hatchback form factor. It draws inspiration from the Cyberster’s front fascia, including an illuminated MG logo.

From the side, the vehicle features dynamic body lines, black window surrounds, and distinctive petal-shaped wheels, contributing to its sporty profile. The MG4 EV measures 4395mm in length, 1842mm in width, and 1551mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2750mm.

At the rear, the MG4 EV adopts arrow-shaped taillights, mirroring the Cyberster’s design and inspired by the Union Jack flag. The new model will be available in six different exterior colours.

Inside, the infotainment system is a result of a collaboration between SAIC and Oppo, offering smartphone integration that allows users to control their phone’s content directly from the car’s display. Furthermore, the MG4 EV incorporates Cell-to-Body (CTB) battery integration technology, which lowers the floor height and maximises interior space.

The new MG4 EV will feature a front-wheel-drive powertrain, with the electric motor delivering a maximum output of 120kW. For charging, the battery can be replenished from 30% to 80% in 20 minutes under optimal conditions. The chassis features a MacPherson independent suspension at the front and a torsion beam non-independent suspension at the rear.

Editor’s comment

When it comes to solid-state batteries, SAIC’s credibility is somewhat questionable. Last year, upon the launch of its IM L6 model, the company claimed the vehicle would be equipped with a ‘full solid-state battery‘, which naturally generated considerable excitement. To this day, news articles regarding IM Motors’ intention to feature a solid-state battery with a 1,000-kilometre range can still be found on the Shanghai municipal government’s website. However, over a year has passed, and we have yet to see an IM vehicle fitted with a full solid-state battery, or even a semi-solid-state one. Indeed, if IM Motors truly possessed a solid-state battery capable of a 1,000-kilometre range, there would be no need for them to develop range-extended vehicles, would there?

Fool me once. Therefore, I remain sceptical ahead of the launch of the MG4’s semi-solid-state battery vehicle. Fortunately, according to SAIC, it is due to be released in September, so we shall see.