50 years ago, when MG launched its MGB GT with a V8 engine, the maximum power output from its 3.5-litre engine was 137 ps. A substantial number of horses then which gave the muscular MG sportscar its exhilarating high performance.
In 2023, the new MG4 XPOWER produces 435 ps and is the most powerful production MG ever sold. The higher output does not come, as in the past, with a bigger engine or a supercharger; in fact, it is not even generated by an internal combustion engine.
New generation of electric MGs
The MG4 XPOWER, priced at £36,495 (RM214,000) in the UK, is one of the new generation of electrically-powered models from the British carmaker with a history going back to the 1920s.
Owned by China’s SAIC Motor since 2007, MG Motor is riding the EV wave with a series of new models which entered various markets 2 years ago. With the MG4 XPOWER, it is now also returning to the performance market.
Dual motor, all-wheel drive
The MG4 XPOWER is the flagship of the EV range and has a dual motor powertrain to produce 435 ps/600 Nm. One motor is installed on each axle so it has all-wheel drive, giving more stability and enhancing handling.
With an advanced launch control system to optimise take-off, the MG4 XPOWER is claimed to be able to rocket from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and reach 200 km/h.
A Dynamic Cornering Control System is available for the first time on an MG. This has a locking electronic differential and Intelligent Motor Control to allow torque vectoring between all four wheels for maximum traction and composure.
With that much power flowing off the wheels, the suspension has been calibrated for high performance with stiffer anti-roll bars and sharper steering response.
Up to 528 kms in city use
The battery pack has 61.8 kWh of usable energy and the shortest time to recharge from 10% to 80% is 35 minutes. That’s with a 150 kW DC fast charger. With home charging using a 7 kW supply, the time from 10% to 100% is said to be 5.1 hours.
In city driving, the range claim is 528 kms, with combined cycle tests having a maximum range of 385 kms.
Modular Scalable Platform
Like other new EVs in the MG range, the MG4 rides on SAIC’s Modular Scalable Platform (MSP) developed specifically for EVs. Its architecture thus takes into account installation of electric motors and the battery pack.
The MSP can be used for vehicles with wheelbases from 2650 mm to 3100 mm. The MG4 XPOWER has a wheelbase of 2705 mm with an overall body length of 4287 mm and width of 1836 mm (without door mirrors). That’s shorter than a Honda HR-V but wider and the wheelbase is also longer.
Simple tech-filled interior
As would be expected, the interior is tech-laden with two display panels on the dashboard. The smaller one in front of the driver shows the usual running information. The larger 10.25 touchscreen in the middle is for managing the infotainment system and also has a track mode display. This shows power distribution, speed/time, g-Force, steering angle, and throttle data for analysing vehicle performance.
Like many EVs, there is no shift lever and a rotary controller is provided to select the various drive modes. One pedal driving in suitable situations is possible with regenerative braking software.
When will MG come back?
MG returned to Malaysia in 2004, with some models brought in by a company known as Brooklands Motors. It disappeared after 2006 as both the local representative and MG itself went through changes. Some years back, there was talk of a company (rumoured to be MBM) discussing with MG about coming in. However, that never happened and the rumours faded away.
Now with the brand having entered neighbouring markets, MG is believed to be preparing to also come to Malaysia. This is, of course, the best time to come in when there are duty-free incentives for EVs. The party rumoured (since 2019) to be involved is Berjaya Auto, which has been building up its portfolio of brands in recent years.
