In the ever-growing EV segment, competition has never been fiercer. With no fewer than 25 new model launches in Malaysia in 2024 alone, choosing an EV these days isn’t an easy task. Mind you, those 25 models span practically every price range – from the RM100k mark right up to RM700k.
The 2024 MG4 you see here was launched in Malaysia back in March 2024, with prices starting from RM 103,999 for the Standard variant and topping out at RM 158,999 for the XPower variant. The variant you see here is the 2024 MG4 Lux Extended Range, priced from RM 148,999 (on-the-road, without insurance).
Overview – It seems like the 2024 MG4 Lux Extended Range got overlooked?
Last year, MG Malaysia sold roughly 520 units of the MG4. For context, BYD Malaysia sold almost six times as many Atto 3 units, registering 2,969 units.
But does that necessarily mean the Atto 3 is six times better than the MG4 just because it sold six times more? We beg to differ – the MG4 definitely has some aces up its sleeve.
On paper, at least, the 2024 MG4 Lux Extended Range ticks all the right boxes for a hot hatch: its rear-wheel drive layout and boasts a 50:50 weight distribution. It even features a five-link rear multi-link suspension as standard across all variants—something the BYD Dolphin doesn’t offer for all variants.
The MG4 is developed on SAIC’s Modular Scalable Platform (MSP), the same platform that underpins the eye-catching MG Cyberster. Depending on market, MSP is also known as Nebula. Said MSP platform also underpins the recently-previewed MG S5 EV.
In the Lux Extended Range variant, power comes from a rear-mounted electric motor that outputs 180 kW (245 PS) and 350 Nm, juiced by a 77-kWh (74.4-kWh usable) nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) CATL-sourced battery pack. Under the WLTP test cycle, the 2024 MG4 Lux Extended Range can return up to 520 km.
As for charging speeds, it would take up to 10 hours to fully charge the MG4 Lux Extended Range when using a 7 kW AC charger. With a 50 kW DC fast charger, it takes 61 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% state-of-charge (SoC). Similar to other segment rivals, this variant of the MG4 also supports up to 150 kW DC fast charging, bringing the charge times down to just 38 minutes (10% to 80% SoC).
Exterior – Nothing else looks quite like the MG4
Forget everything you know about curves; the 2024 MG4 Lux Extended Range is anything but. Practically every part of it is designed with sharp edges in mind: the headlights, bumpers, trim pieces, spoiler, and taillights all feature bold, angular lines. Eye-catching? The MG4 certainly is.
The 2024 MG4 Lux Extended Range you see here is visually identical to the Lux variant, down to the 18-inch wheels with aero covers, automatic LED headlights, twin aero spoilers, and a full-bar LED taillight.
As for the charging port, it’s located on the left side of the car and houses the CCS Type 2 charging connector.
Interior – Adequate for what it is
Step into the cabin of the 2024 MG4 Lux Extended Range and you’re greeted by a modern, minimalist dashboard. A free-standing 10.25-inch display handles infotainment duties, while a smaller 7-inch unit serves as the digital instrument cluster.
Build quality and fit-and-finish are decent – we didn’t notice any creaks or odd noises during our time with the car. And that’s driving the MG4 over some poorly-maintained roads in Klang Valley.
Audio quality, on the other hand, could have been better. The 6-speaker sound system is decent, but it lacks the dynamic range and punch of a more upmarket setup. At least there’s support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which is reasonably seamless to set up and works without a hitch.
Similar to most EVs out there, the MG4’s air-conditioning controls are nestled in the touchscreen infotainment’s interface, though MG has thankfully included programmable shortcut buttons on the steering wheel that can be used to control the AC. Think of it like the steering wheel of the ACV40-generation Camry and you get the idea.
Visibility is generally alright, though rearward visibility through the rear-view mirror is somewhat compromised by the already-small rear window and the headrests.
If we were to nitpick, we would have preferred the frunk to be actually usable to store items.
Driving Experience – Not what we expected, in a good way
Thanks to its rear-wheel-drive layout and balanced 50:50 weight distribution, the 2024 MG4 Lux Extended Range is a surprisingly capable little steer.
Chuck the 1,784 kg hatchback into a turn and the body leans in nicely—without any drama. Trust the MG4’s Bridgestone Turanza T005 EV tyres to do their job and you’ll have a fun time eating up corners. Of course, drivers should be aware of the tyres’ grip limits and stay within them.
The suspension is tuned slightly on the firmer side, giving off a hint of sportiness that suits the MG4’s image. Coupled with the five-link rear multi-link setup, the MG4 holds corners confidently and offers better ride comfort than rivals with rear torsion beam suspensions.
The rear-mounted electric motor in the Lux Extended outputs 180 kW (245 PS) and 350 Nm—enough to propel this C-segment hatch from 0–100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds. Overtaking and keeping up with traffic is a breeze. Just gently squeeze the throttle and the 2024 MG4 Lux Extended Range builds momentum with ease.
Steering is sharp and accurate, though we would’ve appreciated a bit more road feedback. You can still feel hints of what the front tyres are doing, though it’s not as communicative as a true-blue sports car.
Of course, that’s no surprise considering that the MG4 was developed with Europe in mind, which explains the European-biased handling. Think of the MG4 as an EV competitor to everyday European hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf, SEAT Leon, or even the Peugeot 308 and you’ll understand the handling and driveability of the MG4.
If there’s one area that could use some polishing, it’s the MG4’s noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels. While NVH is decent on smoother roads, road noise becomes noticeable on rougher surfaces. Maybe a bit more soundproofing, MG?
Watch: My MG4 RWD Long Range Review
Conclusion – Still very much a likeable option, though overlooked
After spending a couple of days with the 2024 MG4 Lux Extended, we found there’s actually a lot to like about this little MG.
Its styling might take some getting used to, but we felt right at home with the MG4’s eagerness to tackle twisty roads. The instantaneous torque can get rather addictive too.
The MG4’s credentials doesn’t end at its handling – this electric hatchback was Germany’s best-selling Chinese EV in 2024, registering more than 11,000 units within the first nine months of the year. On top of that, the MG4 was also Europe’s best-selling Chinese EV within the first half of 2024.
In our humble opinion, the MG4 definitely deserves to rank higher on the sales charts, especially in Malaysia. You should really give one a go before signing that dotted line for another EV. After all, with monthly installments starting from RM 1,521 for the MG5 Lux, there’s no better time to hop into an EV.
