2024 MG4 EV Malaysia Review – The Electric Hatchback Is a Sporty But Faulty Alternative to the BYD Dolphin

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2024 MG4 EV Malaysia Review – The Electric Hatchback Is a Sporty But Faulty Alternative to the BYD Dolphin

Since then launched almost exactly a year agothe BYD Dolphin has almost dominated the economy electric car market, having surpassed Neta VBut this five-door hatchback has recently come under heavy criticism from MG4was introduced in March as a much sportier and sleeker version.

The more impressive of the two offerings from the Chinese-owned British brand, the MG4 starts at RM104,629 – a little more than the base Dolphin at RM4,000. But the cars you see here are the mid-range Lux at RM129,629 and the XPower at RM159,629, the latter being an undisputed performance bargain.

All regular MG4 models are rear-wheel drive, with engine outputs ranging from 170PS to 245PS; the grey Lux we tested produced 203PS. The XPower is the real deal, with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system and a combined output of 435PS and 600Nm. This gets it from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds, making it the quickest car in its price range.

Range figures, um, limit from 217 miles (350 km) on the Standard to 325 miles (520 km) on the Lux Extended. The Lux and XPower use the same 64 kWh battery, giving them ranges of 275 miles (435 km) and 245 miles (385 km), respectively. All but the base Standard can accept DC fast charging at up to 135 kW, allowing the Lux and XPower to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 26 minutes.

The MG4’s wider, lower stance compared to the Dolphin is reflected in its dimensions. Although the MG and BYD are separated by a few millimetres in length and wheelbase, the MG is 66mm lower and wider – an effect that the car’s sharper, more aggressive design maximises.

Inside, however, the MG4 is cleaner and more business-like, especially in its monochrome colour scheme. Technology includes a seven-inch digital instrument cluster display and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with a 6kW vehicle-to-vehicle (V2L) function. Driver aids such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist are standard.

The MG4 sounds like it has all the makings of an ideal electric sports hatchback. But as Hafriz Shah discovered, there are some pretty glaring flaws that mar its beauty. Check out his review below.

This video review is sponsored by RHB Green Financing, which offers fixed interest rates as low as 2.10% p.a. for plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles. You will also receive a free ChargEV credit worth RM210. Learn more here.