The MG4 XPower at €43,000: insane performance
For less than €43,000 for 435 horses? In the case of the MG4 XPower, this has become a reality. But does the added power take full advantage of the chassis potential that this electric car has demonstrated from the start?
The appearance remains the same. With the orange cover of the actual brake disc, you can easily identify the top-of-the-line MG4 XPower gear. The 345mm disc does not need to be manually enlarged, and the braking distance is 33.9 meters per 100 kilometers. In sporty driving, attention must be paid to the adjustment of the brake pedal and the smooth transition between the recovery disc and the steel disc. However, when we braked hard multiple times in a row without much cooling opportunity, we felt a slight drop in their performance.
Extra engine, extra power
What distinguishes the XPower from the others is the presence of an electric motor on the front axle. The rear engine provides 170 kilowatts (231 hp) and is responsible for the main drive, while the front engine is responsible for situations that require 150 kilowatts (204 hp) of output. That is, when you want to enjoy acceleration to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, for example, this will put many times more expensive athletes in your pocket.
However, the MG4 XPower can't transfer those advantages to corners, and from the driver's seat, it doesn't seem to be any better than the regular MG4. It's not an insult, as the base offers great handling, but if we're talking about a hatchback, it needs a little more tuning. Due to the weight of the front motor, the suspension of the front wheels was strengthened, and the rear wheels were not unmodified. In addition to the reinforcement, the electronic rear differential lock is also present here for the first time.
A real hot electric car?
Because of this, the rear axle can transfer power to the road more efficiently, but it becomes lacking if you want to attack corners. The front motor is connected in two-tenths of a second, but is actually at full power. That's why you have to use the throttle very appropriately so that the front wheels don't suddenly put you in understeer. The second reason why you need to be very careful with the gas is the ESP setting.
Even after announcing that it's off, it doesn't actually shut down, and in a split second it actually cuts off your connection with a performance limit of a few seconds. In a straight line, you'll be the king of the road, but in the corners you'll need more fun. In addition, the width of the 235/45 Bridgestone Turanza tires is not wide enough to provide the mechanical grip to match the performance load.
For every day
The XPower should be considered the MG4 with four-wheel drive. This did not have a negative impact on energy consumption, with the combined traffic flow averaging 18 kWh per 100 km. The lower price and weight are achieved through the use of a smaller 64 kWh battery, which, according to the manufacturer, should be enough to travel less than 400 kilometers per charge. We're already close to the number 360, which is still a good value. The charging power is 142 kilowatts.
XPower also brings a wealth of equipment such as heated front seats, a 360-degree camera, advanced security systems, and gadgets such as the Vehicle 2 Load feature, which powers external devices directly from the car's battery. With snow mode, four-wheel drive keeps you going, even on slippery winter roads.
Price bomb
With a promotional price of €43,200, the MG4 XPower can compensate for some of its shortcomings with relative ease. However, if you expect the hatchback of this car to compete with the Korean representatives of this new segment, then the fun is simply not there. That is, if your priority is not to destroy the self-esteem of a premium limousine driver who is many times more expensive when sprinting on the field.
| Technical Specifications: | MG4 electric XPower |
| engine | electrical |
| Battery type and capacity | Lithium-ion battery, 64 kWh |
| Maximum Capacity | 320 kW / 435 hp |
| Maximum torque | 600 Nm |
| The range indicated by the manufacturer | 400 km |
| drive | All-wheel drive |
| Gearbox | 1 – Step by step |
| Dimensions, weight, and volume | |
| length | 4,287 mm |
| Width (without mirrors) | 1836 mm |
| altitude | 1504 mm |
| wheelbase | 2705 mm |
| Curb weight | 1878 kg |
| Luggage compartment volume | 363 liters |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 3.8 sec |
| Tire size | 235/45 R18 |