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MG’s New Entry‑Level EV
MG has decided to supersize its proposition for B‑segment customers with the new MG 4 EV Urban, a compact electric hatch that promises more space, a different platform and a price point that sits between the cheapest city cars and the more mature EV super‑minis. The move comes after the brand’s earlier ZS EV was pulled from the market and the MG 4 EV was positioned too high for the entry‑level segment. In this review we unpack what the Urban offers, how it differs from its sibling, and whether it delivers the value that the £22,000‑£28,000 price band demands.
Design and Platform: A Fresh Start
Contrary to what its name suggests, the Urban shares almost nothing with the ordinary MG 4 EV in terms of platform, drivetrain and design. It is front‑driven, built on a bespoke EV platform, and uses a smaller lithium‑ion phosphate battery. The car is 108 mm longer than its pricier stablemate, yet its curb weight drops to 1,520 kg – a 245‑kg reduction that helps keep costs down.
The suspension has been simplified from the sophisticated independent setup of the standard MG 4 EV to a torsion‑beam arrangement, a cost‑saving move that still delivers acceptable ride quality for city driving. The battery pack is integrated into the chassis as a structural element, a cell‑to‑body design that contributes to the lighter weight.
Powertrain, Battery and Charging
The Urban comes in two battery sizes: a 42.8 kWh Comfort Standard Range pack and a 53.9 kWh Comfort Long Range pack. The smaller pack gives a range of 201 miles, the larger 258 miles, compared with 280 and 329 miles for the 64 kWh and 77 kWh packs of the standard MG 4 EV.
Both packs use lithium‑iron‑phosphate chemistry and are claimed to be optimised for stop‑start urban use. The 42.8 kWh version is paired with a 147 bhp front‑synchronous motor that accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 9.6 seconds. The larger motor delivers 158 bhp and 250 Nm of torque, shaving a second off the sprint time and offering slightly better grip thanks to larger tires.
Charging is modest by modern standards. The 42.8 kWh pack can accept up to 87 kW DC, the 53.9 kWh up to 140 kW. Home charging on a 7.4 kW single‑phase supply takes 7 hours 30 minutes for the smaller pack and 9 hours for the larger. A three‑phase 11 kW supply cuts those times to 5 hours 30 minutes and 5 hours 45 minutes respectively.
Interior, Space and Features
Inside, the Urban offers a 12.8‑inch central touchscreen, a 7‑inch driver display and a 30‑litre boot. With the rear bench folded, the total cargo capacity rises to 1,364 litres, a figure that rivals the Ford Puma Gen E’s 556 litres. The high roof and generous wheelbase give the cabin a spacious feel, with the rear seats able to accommodate three adults comfortably.
Standard equipment includes full‑LED automatic headlights, LED tail lamps, roof rails, 16‑inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, keyless entry and an alarm. The interior uses a mix of plastics that can feel scratchy over time, and the steering wheel’s thin icons can be hard to read. Controls are a mix of a column‑mounted lever for gear selection and joystick‑style buttons for climate and media.
Safety is robust, with a 5‑star Euro NCAP rating and a full suite of MG Pilot driver‑assist features: emergency braking, lane‑keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic‑jam assist, blind‑spot detection and more. The car also offers a 7‑year warranty, limited to 80,000 miles, and a battery warranty covering 70 % of capacity for the same period.
Pricing, Incentives and Value
At launch, the base 42.8 kWh model starts at £23,500, the 53.9 kWh Comfort Long Range at £25,500, and the top‑end Premium Long Range at around £28,000. MG offers a £1,500 grant on purchase, effectively bringing the price down to roughly £22,000 for the entry model and £26,500 for the top variant. The brand also provides 0 % finance with no deposit, making the car financially attractive.
Insurance is rated at group 22 for the smaller battery and group 23 for the larger. Depreciation is expected to be 40–41 % after three years, slightly better than the ordinary MG 4 EV’s 33–39 %. The vehicle’s tax rating is 4 % until spring 2027, after which it will rise by 1 % annually.
Where It Stands in the Market
The MG 4 EV Urban sits between the ultra‑cheap city cars like the Dacia Spring and the more mature super‑minis such as the Renault 5 and Citroën e‑C3. Its larger boot and higher roof give it a feel closer to a Golf‑sized hatch, while its price keeps it competitive with the £22,000‑£25,000 bracket. The main drawbacks are its slower DC charging and the interior’s scratchy feel, but the overall package – space, safety, and a generous list of features – makes it a compelling choice for buyers with a budget of up to £25,000.
Final Thoughts
The MG 4 EV Urban is a bold step for MG into the entry‑level electric market. By re‑engineering the platform, trimming weight and offering a range of battery options, the brand has created a compact hatch that feels larger than it is. While it may not match the charging speed of some rivals, its spacious interior, full safety suite and attractive pricing give it a strong case for anyone looking for a practical, affordable electric car in the £22,000‑£28,000 range.