SAIC’s MG4 EV Is The 2nd Bestselling EV In The UK In Q1!
MG had a record first quarter of sales in 2023 in the UK. In the first three months of the year, the company was the second bestselling manufacturer of electric cars in the UK. Only Tesla sold more EVs in the UK. Overall, MG registered 20,679 new cars (including ICE) in the first quarter of 2023, which was a huge 49.4% increase on the same period in 2022. More importantly, its market share of the electric car market now stands at 9.4%. This places MG amongst the UK’s fastest growing electric car brands.
Driving the EV sales for MG was the MG4 EV. The MG4 is also the second highest-selling new electric car so far this year, continuing to offer customers style, practicality, and outstanding value for money. Over 5,200 units of the multi-award-winning MG4 have been delivered so far this year. The MG4 is the brand’s first all-electric hatchback and it has been receiving good reviews in the UK since it was launched in September 2022. This is now translating into very good sales figures.
According to new SMMT figures, MG sold 12,232 cars (including ICE) in March alone. MG Motor UK currently offers seven models, including four plug-in cars — MG4 EV, MG5 EV, MG ZS EV, and MG HS PHEV — all supported by MG’s 7-year warranty and nationwide dealership network.
“We had high ambitions for the first quarter of 2023, but couldn’t be happier with what we’ve achieved,” said Guy Pigounakis, Commercial Director at MG Motor UK. “To be positioned just behind Tesla in the new electric car sales chart is an outstanding result, and a mark of the quality and outstanding value for money offered by our range.”
The MG4 has also been recognized as a class-leading EV by Top Gear Magazine, crowning the car as ‘Best Everyday EV’ at the TopGear.com Electric Awards 2023. Jack Rix, Editor of Top Gear Magazine, said “The MG4 EV, with its sub-£27k starting price, has redefined what we can — and should — demand of our electric cars. Even on a budget.”
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The MG4 is one of the game-changing EVs that landed in the UK at prices that are close to those of popular ICE vehicles in the hatchback segment. The all-electric MG 4 is in the same price range as some entry level VW Golf models. This is a very significant development of the EV sector and its mission to catalyze the adoption of electric vehicles.
MG says that the dynamic design of the MG4 Electric is the result of global development, involving the SAIC Motor Design Center in Shanghai, the Advanced Design Studio in London, and the Royal College of Art, also located in the British capital. At 4,287 mm long, 1,836 mm wide, and just 1,504 mm tall, the 5-door hatchback fits perfectly into the competitive landscape. Its long wheelbase of 2,705 mm provides attractive proportions and plenty of interior space, even for a family of five. The luggage compartment capacity is between 350 and 1,165 liters by volume.
The MG4 has the thinnest battery in its class. The “ONE PACK” battery forms the basis for the dynamic visual appearance of the MG4 Electric. The horizontal arrangement of the battery cells results in a height of just 110 mm, making it the thinnest battery in its class – even lower than a Coke can, for example – and enables increased interior headroom with a lower vehicle height. The battery is part of the MSP platform for battery-electric vehicles, developed by parent company SAIC Motor. The intelligent and modulating structure of the architecture offers a host of advantages in terms of flexibility, use of space, safety, and driving experience. The structure is scalable and suitable for wheelbases between 2,650 and 3,100 mm. This supports the design of various bodywork components for different segments on the same platform, from hatchback and notchback models to SUVs, vans, and even sports cars.
The MG4 Electric Standard combines a 51 kWh battery with a rear-mounted 125 kW electric motor driving the rear wheels. This entry-level model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds, reaches a top speed of 160 km/h and offers a range of up to 350 km in the WLTP cycle. The alternating current (AC) charging performance at a public charge point is 6.6 kW, while the battery can be fast-charged with direct current (DC) with a speed up to 117 kW. In the latter case, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80% in 40 minutes.
The Comfort and Luxury models feature a 64 kWh battery and a 150 kW motor driving the rear wheels. They complete the standard sprint in 7.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 160 km/h as well. The WLTP range is set at 450 km (435 km for the Luxury). An 11 kW onboard charger (AC) is standard for both models. Meanwhile, the battery can be fast-charged (DC) from 10 to 80% in 35 minutes with a speed up to 135 kW — enough power for around 300 km — in 32 minutes. Furthermore, all three versions boast maximum torque of 250 Nm. MG says that its rear-mounted motor and rear-wheel drive, accompanied by balanced 50:50 weight distribution, delivers outstanding handling and driving pleasure. A more powerful all-wheel drive version is on the way later this year.
The success of the MG4 just goes to show how much of an impact really affordable EVs can have on the automotive market. Consumers have been waiting for these kinds of more affordable EVs for over a decade, where more often than not, OEMs would keep launching more of the higher performance and pricier EVs. Many OEMs are now working to develop more affordable EVs and with the MG4 in UK, we are starting to see them on the market and consumers are voting with their wallets, showing some love for these kinds of vehicles. Some made in China EVs have come on the market in Europe at prices higher than people expected, but this has not been the case with the MG 4, which is probably why it is selling really well. It is not just that, as reviews from people in the UK indicate that it’s a really good car and a good option for consumers to consider in this vehicle segment. More of this please!
Images courtesy of MG
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