The MG4 has landed in Australia, and it’s the most affordable EV on the market right now. But here’s the kicker—it doesn’t feel like a cheap car. In fact, after spending time with it, I reckon it might be one of the smartest buys in the EV space today.

Not the MG You Remember

Let’s start with the basics. MG, if you didn’t already know, is now owned by Chinese manufacturer SAIC Motor. That might raise some eyebrows, especially if you’re picturing old-school British MGs from the past. But this new MG is something else. It’s sleek, modern, and—best of all—designed with everyday Aussies in mind. The MG4 is a five-door hatchback that ticks a lot of boxes for city drivers, commuters, and even small families looking for something that doesn’t guzzle petrol or empty the bank account.

Several Versions to Suit Different Budgets

Now, MG hasn’t gone with a one-size-fits-all approach here. There are a few versions of the MG4 available in Australia. The entry-level model, the Excite 51kWh, is priced from just $32,990 drive-away. That gets you a range of about 350km and a 125kW motor pushing power to the rear wheels. It’s actually a pretty fun drive, especially considering the price.

If you want a bit more range, the Excite 64kWh offers around 450km and bumps the power up to 150kW. And you’re still looking at under $35,000. That’s a cracking deal for a car that feels this well built and capable. Then there’s the Essence 64kWh—it adds extras like a 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging, sat nav, and synthetic leather trim for under $47k drive-away. If you’re after long range or wild performance, check out the Essence 77kWh or the MG4 XPOWER. That XPOWER version goes from 0 to 100 in just 3.8 seconds—bonkers for a sub-$60k EV.

A Fun Drive That Doesn’t Feel Compromised

Driving the MG4 is honestly a pleasant surprise. It handles really well thanks to its rear-wheel-drive layout and low centre of gravity. You’re not just floating around town—it actually grips and corners with confidence. Even the base model feels zippy enough for daily driving, and the higher trims are properly quick. You’ve also got regenerative braking, which helps charge the battery as you slow down. You can even adjust how aggressive that regen feels, which is a nice touch depending on how you like to drive.

Realistic Range and Fast Charging

Now, I know range is a big deal when it comes to EVs. No one wants to be stuck searching for a charger on a Sunday arvo. The MG4 gives you a few solid options. The 64kWh and 77kWh versions are great for folks doing longer commutes or heading out of town. You’ll get up to 450km or even 530km on a full charge, depending on the model. And if you find a decent fast charger, the 64kWh battery can go from 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes. That’s perfect for a quick top-up while you grab a coffee or do the shopping. Charging at home overnight with a 7kW wall box is easy too—especially if you’ve got solar.

Plenty of Safety Features, Even on the Base Model

What really impressed me is how much safety gear you get, even on the base model. MG’s Pilot system includes adaptive cruise control, auto emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and traffic sign recognition. All of that helped the MG4 earn a five-star ANCAP safety rating, which is great peace of mind if you’re buying your first EV or driving the kids around. The higher-end versions add rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and a bird’s-eye camera view to make parking way easier.

Clean Cabin Design That Works

Inside the cabin, the MG4 keeps things simple but stylish. The dashboard layout is clean, and the 10.25-inch touchscreen looks sharp. There’s also a 7-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard—though only via USB, not wireless (yet). Some of the infotainment controls can be a little laggy, but overall it’s got everything you need. There’s a handy floating centre console with extra storage underneath, and the whole interior feels well put together, even if some of the materials are on the budget-friendly side.

Space and Practicality You Can Count On

Rear-seat space is decent, and the boot holds 363 litres with the seats up, or 1,177 litres if you fold them flat. That’s more than enough room for a weekly shop, a couple of bikes, or weekend camping gear. And here’s a cool extra—the MG4 supports vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging. So, if you’re out camping or the power goes out at home, you can actually plug devices into your car and run them off the battery. Pretty handy in a pinch.

Ownership Costs Are Low—and That Matters

One of the best parts about going electric is the lower running costs. No oil changes, no spark plugs, no fuel bills. The MG4 needs less maintenance overall, and MG backs it with a 7-year unlimited-kilometre warranty. There’s also a capped-price servicing plan, which adds another layer of confidence. If you’ve never owned an EV before, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised by how cheap it is to run day-to-day.

Here in Australia, it’s been a bit slow getting affordable EVs into the market. Until recently, most electric cars were well over 50 grand, and that just wasn’t realistic for a lot of people. But the MG4 changes that. It’s not just the cheapest EV around—it’s also one of the best all-rounders in its class. Whether you’re after a budget city runabout, a commuter car with a bit of zip, or even a high-performance hot hatch that doesn’t drink a drop of fuel, there’s an MG4 model for you.

Now, is it perfect? Not quite. The infotainment system could be snappier, and you’ll notice some harder plastics here and there. But for the price you’re paying, these are minor trade-offs. The value you’re getting in terms of range, performance, safety, and overall usability is genuinely impressive.

So, if you’ve been waiting for the right time to make the switch to electric, the MG4 might just be the one that gets you over the line. It’s practical, fun to drive, and incredibly affordable. And most importantly—it doesn’t feel like a compromise. For a car that starts under $33,000 drive-away, that’s saying something.