There is an all-new MG4 in China and it is more than a minor facelift model.
When SAIC Motor Malaysia first opened its doors in Malaysia, the MG4 and MG ZS were two electric vehicles that starting things off. However, more than one year has passed since the launch of the MG4 in Malaysia and China is already getting an all-new replacement model. Strangely, MG has applied for multiple names for this vehicle, so besides being called the MG4, it MAY later be rebadged as the MG3 or MG E5 if it is sold concurrently with the outgoing model, or if there is a change in marketing strategy.
The new MG4 features a brand new design philosophy that takes on more curves but has an overall similar silhouette to the outgoing model. In China, the outgoing MG4 did not fare particularly well amidst fierce competition from all sides, however it has been relatively successful in export markets. The new MG4 grows from 4287mm in length to 4395mm, from 1836mm in width to 1842mm and from 1516mm in height to 1551mm. The wheelbase also has stretched from 2705mm to 2750mm.
By all metrics, this is a slightly larger car suggesting a generational change rather than a reskin. We also see hints of this by the new shape of the doors and windows. We also see some design inspiration coming in from the flagship Cyberster model. We see this in the form of arrow shapes on the rear lights and the shape of the headlight clusters.
One area where there appears to be a reverse in direction is the motor output. The new MG4 has an output of 120kW versus 125kW on the previous motor. However, the new motor contributes to a lower kerb weight, so maybe the difference in performance will not be perceivable. Battery capacity has not been disclosed but it will use LFP chemistry from Rept Battero Energy, a Chinese battery company that is growing fast.
Will this new MG4 arrive in Malaysia? Well, by the end of this year, excise duties and import taxes OUGHT to be coming back for fully-imported electric vehicles. The 2 dozen Chinese brands who currently have a presence in Malaysia will be spending this time evaluating their position and deciding whether further investment in the country is justified. According to JPJ sales data, MG has only sold 583 units of the MG4 in Malaysia since launch a year ago. This is how many cars BYD sells a month here overall.
