Reviewing the new MG4 EV

The new MG4 EV review

Electric cars have become saturated with luxury and performance options - a fair comment or a little harsh? The focus in the last 2 - 3 years has seen many incredible electric innovations being introduced into the UK with Audi, BMW, Mercedes and the leaders, Tesla, setting the tone for what is capable with these vehicles.

From ranges beyond 300 miles (on a full charge) to 0 - 62 times of sub 4 seconds, many personal and business leasing customers have been astounded by the next level of automotive innovation. The importance of these early concepts cannot be understated as they do showcase the possibility of what can be enjoyed with electric vehicles and help cement the proposition that they are sustainable modes of transport as we move towards the Governmental aims for an all-electric fleet by 2030 / 2035.

Plus, the beneficial Benefit-In-Kind (BiK) rates have allowed company car and salary sacrifice users to enjoy these prestige cars while paying incredibly low rates of company car tax; literally saving hundreds - thousands per month compared to combustion equivalents.

But the elite of electric cars, many of which cost above £50,000, have been alienating those company car users and salary sacrifice schemes on a budget or are too financially obstructive for personal leasing customer who do not enjoy the same BiK savings.

Pricing parity between electric and combustion is something which is hotly contested between many automotive and financial experts, as we try to establish what needs to be done in order to allow a more global transition into zero-emission transport.

MG the best affordable electric car to lease?

Surprisingly it has been brands like MG Motors, a manufacturer who hasn’t enjoyed too much success in the last 15 years, who are now inspiring a new generation of electric car motorists. With their MG ZS SUV and their MG5 estate, truly cheap and affordable EVs became a reality with MG and the last 1 - 2 years has seen this brand become a true force in the UK. Moving through 2022 and into 2023, the e-car lease team would not be shocked if the most popular electric car manufacturer becomes MG!

MG were not content with just having their initial two products and in September 2022, they launched one of the most interesting electric cars to launch since the Tesla Model 3 - the hatchback MG4 EV. For the UK customers this is a cheaper alternative to the VW ID.3, the Cupra Born and a more attractive / stylish alternative to the Nissan Leaf.

Where the VW Golf has dominated so well in the UK has simply not been adequately filled within the electric car segment but the MG4 really does seem to do this. The car is both aesthetically and ergonomically pleasing, dispelling any myth or rumour that this is a cheap brand or some type of compromise.

To be clear, the MG is a genuinely robust car manufacturer and is in no way some type of budget brand - EVs are helping to move customers away from badge bias and move attentions towards more important facets like fuel costs, range, charging speeds and whole of life costs.

Where EVs, like the MG4, are so beneficial for all customers (personal, business and sal sac) is they offer a cost-effective whole of life cost proposition. By this we mean that it isn’t just the price you pay for the car i.e. the lease or finance payment but the other costs associated with motoring like servicing, maintenance, tyres and fuel.

Take the car shown, the MG4 SE EV, which will cost around £17 to fully fuel based on the 34p/kWh maximum domestic tariff and yet can offer just under 200 miles of range (combined). This equates to around 9 pence per mile, which is considerably lower than any petrol of diesel option. For low-mileage customers, particularly in urban and city areas, using an electric MG4 will be a perfect motoring solution and that’s without taking into account the beneficial impact on the environment and pollution reduction.

This is one of the main driving forces surrounding Clean Air Zones which will be in place across many cities over the next couple of years, as local authorities  look to reduce the amount of combustion traffic in their locality. The MG4 emits 0g of CO2, so your city is safe with this electric hatch. And what customers may not be distinctly aware of is the low running costs on the servicing and maintenance side, with the lack of moving parts in a BEV resulting in 2 year service intervals coupled with cheaper servicing costs. And the allegations that tyres are disproportionately worn with electric car remains to be a questionable contention.

But is the MG4 cheap enough to lease?

The manufacturer has launched three key models for the UK including: 

•  The SE Standard Range - from just under £26,000 this entry model still provides navigation, a 10” colour screen, Apple CarPlay, rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control. The standard range has a smaller 51 kWh battery;
• The SE Long Range - from around £28,5000  the next model up mirrors the specification of the SE SR but enhances the battery to a 64 kWh option; and  
• The Trophy Long Range - from around £31,500 the top of the line model enjoys a 360 degree parking camera, wireless phone charger, heated front seats and a mobile phone Bluetooth key in addition to the robust 64 kWh battery option. 

With all three options effectively being around £26,000 - £32,000, we expect leasing deals to be around £275 - £375 per month contract dependent. With contract hire, the price you pay is based on your term (2 - 4 years), annual mileage (5,000 - 20,000 per annum) and your initial rental (the deposit or 1st payment).

There is no set price for our offers and you must use the instant quote calculator on our e-car lease website to build a contract for your needs and requirements. From low mileage - high mileage and no-deposit to big deposit, our tools enable you or the business to create the perfect contract. 

Is the MG4 SE a good car?

When we look at any EV, our team will concentrate more on the technical functionality of the vehicle, as opposed to more vanity based analysis. For the car shown here in our review, the standard range SE, this has a usable 50.8 kWh lithium battery which offers 125 kW (or 168hp), 0 - 62 times of 7.7 seconds and 99 mph top speeds.

In terms of charging speeds, the 6.6 kW AC maximum will allow 0 - 100% in around 9 hours and the 117 kW DC rapid charge max will take just over 35 minutes for 10 - 80%. In terms of range, the combined cold weather performance will be around 155 miles with the warmer weather increasing this to 215 miles. The MG4 SE has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 147 mpg. In terms of towing, the MG4 offers 500 kg braked or unbraked. 

A big thank you to the Chorley Group  for supplying these amazing images of their new MG4 demo. The family-run dealership is now one of the leading MG suppliers in the north-west, with Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, Citroen and Vauxhall also available.

But where the Chorley Group have been leading is with their electric vehicle programme, having put in place structured electric car and van sales programmes well before the onset of wholesale EV adoption. Indeed, the Chorley Group have a specialised electric innovations team who are there to ensure that customers are provided with leading service, skill and care.

For any customers who want the more local and personal experience, head to one of their showrooms throughout the north-west and enjoy some of the best hire purchase and personal contract purchase deals on a huge range of all-electric cars and vans.

MG Motors MG4 HATCHBACK125kW SE EV 51kWh 5dr Auto

In terms of the car shown, the MG Motors MG4 HATCHBACK125kW SE EV 51kWh 5dr Auto, this is based on the following configuration:

•  Holborn blue solid paint
•  Fabric - Black
• 17"" alloy wheels with low wind resistance aero cover

What is the range of the MG4 EV SE?

What is the battery capacity and charging speed on the MG4 EV SE?

How long does it take to charge the MG4 EV SE?

What is the company car tax on the MG4 EV SE? 

Where can I charge the MG4 EV SE?