MG4 EV XPower review

We get to grips with the affordable EV hot hatch that is the MG4 XPower…

Full disclosure. I’m a big fan of the standard MG4 EV family hatchback. Not only is it a great value electric car (the range starts at just £26,995), but it’s well packaged, sharply styled and delivers a surprisingly engaging drive.

Add MG Motor UK’s generous seven-year warranty, and it’s a no-brainer if you’re ready to switch to 100% electric motoring.

The XPower is a sporty version of the MG4 – the second biggest-selling EV of 2023.

Unlike hot versions of standard cars from most other manufacturers, MG has decided to play it subtle with the XPower, so there’s no garish body kit.

It does get larger wheels, Bridgestone Turanza tyres, bigger brake discs, orange brake calipers, a contrasting black roof, and a new Racing Green colour option.

Inside, there’s red stitching, Alcantara trim on the seats and metal pedals. Otherwise, it seems much the same, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen (thankfully including physical short-cut buttons below), plus an additional 7.0-inch digital driver’s display.

Build quality in the cabin is fine, though there are a few too many scratchy plastic surfaces, while the infotainment system is on the basic side.

Of course, the big difference between the basic MG4 EV and the XPower is hidden from view. Whereas the regular car has a single rear motor with three battery options and power outputs of up to 243bhp, the XPower gets one battery choice, but gains a second 201bhp motor at the front, making it all-wheel drive.

With the rear motor at 228bhp, that equates to a remarkable 429bhp with 443lb of torque, delivering a blistering 0-62mph acceleration time of just 3.8 seconds – all for a still-competitive price of £36,495.

Crucially, MG’s engineers have also upgraded the XPower so that all that oomph (it’s the most potent MG ever made) can be distributed more effectively.

The new Dynamic Cornering Control System features a locking electronic differential and Intelligent Motor Control to allow torque vectoring between all four wheels.

There’s also revised spring and damper tuning, stiffer anti-roll bars and sharper steering, with MG claiming overall suspension stiffness has been increased by up to 25%.

The car’s 64kWh battery is good for a relatively modest official 239 miles on a single charge. However, the reality is likely to be well shy of 200 miles, especially if it’s cold outside and you’re heavy with your right foot.

The good news is that it has a maximum DC rapid charging rate of 150kW, which should deliver a 10% to 80% charge in 35 minutes via a 150kW public rapid charger, while a 10 -100% charge takes 8.5 hours using a 7kW home wall box.

On the road, the impressive instant torque is immediately obvious, especially in Sport mode with launch control activated.

It’s gut-wrenchingly fast in a straight line, but this novelty wears off a little when you watch your miles/kwh indicator sink to closer to 2 than 3. Oh, and a special button on the steering wheel to activate launch control would be welcome, rather than having to delve into the touchscreen.

Despite lugging around an extra electric motor, at 1,800kg, it’s still relatively light for an EV, which makes it feel agile.

One of the joys of the regular rear-wheel drive MG4 EV is it’s handling, which is more dynamic than most electric cars – especially in the affordable price range.

The XPower is much the same, but given the power on tap, it could do with a bit more fettling for it to be considered a true, all-round hot hatch. It still manages to stay flat in challenging corners, but a little more composure wouldn’t go amiss.

The ride feels slightly firmer than an MG4 EV, but it’s still decent, and there’s ample grip and stopping power on offer.

Like the regular MG4 EV, the XPower is wider than you think with a long wheelbase, so there’s plenty of space for passengers, front and rear. And, despite the sporty roofline, there’s good head and legroom in the back.

There’s also a healthy luggage capacity of 363 litres, rising to 1,165 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Given the performance boost, our only suggestion would be the addition of more figure-hugging sports seats up front.

Ultimately, the MG4 EV XPower is an impressive package, and as long as you can live with the range hit (the cheaper MG4 EV Trophy Extended Range can go 323 miles), its supercar-like acceleration and dynamic ride will never fail to put a smile on your face.

Verdict: The MG4 EV XPower is an all-electric five-door family hatch with a dark side. Should you choose to unleash the 429bhp on tap, it’s capable of competing with performance models two or three times the price. Sharply-styled, safe, great value for money and practical, it also offers peace of mind, courtesy of a seven-year warranty.

MG Motor UK