In a sign of the times, China’s second-generation, 2026 MG MG4 has been fully revealed some three years after its still-in-production predecessor. Specs and finer details have been confirmed following its initial design unveiling in March.
The new car shares much with the MG S5 electric SUV – itself a development from the MG4’s chassis. Headlining the changes are a new semi-solid-state battery and (thankfully) the retention of the rear-wheel drive layout – contrary to earlier reports when patent images were filed.
Wedginess is out, with softer form language now being used. Door handles and headlamps reminiscent of the MG S5 and even the IM5 and IM6, while the Cybertser‘s Union Jack motif is evident across the rear light bar. A panoramic roof will be offered for the first time, as well as gesture controls, rear vents and more storage options than before.
Internally, door handles, vent controls and some switchgear have migrated from the MG S5 by the looks of it (below image via CarNewsChina), with that car’s larger touch-screen and more sophisticated operating system, powered by a Qualcomm 8155 chip. Rear seat accomodation appears to benefit from the car’s dimensional growth – now 4395mm long, 1842mm wide, 1551mm tall, with a 2750mm wheelbase.
Propulsion options include a 120kW rear-mounted electric motor, with the possibility of a successor to the dual motor XPower rumoured in some corners of the internet.
Considering the car’s semi-solid-state battery, a 537km CLTC range from its 70kWh capacity may seem unremarkable, as well as the 180Wh/kg energy density rating. However, some reports indicate a kerb weight as low as 1485kg – a massive drop from today’s 1635kg Excite 51 base model.
Sales start in China on August 5, with a possible Australian launch next year (unconfirmed). Some reports indicate the existing MG4 may continue to be offered alongside this newer model for a period.
