BIMS 2023: The MG4 is a striking and affordable EV we want to see in PH
For our coverage of the 44th Bangkok International Motor Show, we stayed in The Land of Smiles for a total of 4 days and 3 nights. Being in a foreign country, we would roam around during our free time and one particular car on the streets of Bangkok surely caught our eyes. That’s the MG4 Electric.
The MG4 EV is a small electric hatchback, first released to the Chinese market in June 2022 as the Mulan. It is built on SAIC Motor’s Nebula platform and has been available in Thailand since November 2022, and in Indonesia since February 2023. Now we want to see it here in the Philippines.
Looking at its exterior, the MG4 EV follows a different design language as compared to other MG models available in the Philippines. It does however maintain a sharp aesthetic with its thin matrix LED headlights and angular bumper design. The rear is also very modern with its wraparound LED taillights with a hint of sportiness given-off by its faux diffuser and tailgate spoiler.
For its interior, MG seems to have focused on giving it an uncluttered look with its use of mostly horizontal lines. Found here are dual screens with a 7-inch display for the driver’s instrument cluster, and a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen for infotainment. Other features are a two-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a rotary gear lever.
Now for its electric powertrain, the MG4 EV is powered by a Permanent Synchronous Magnet electric motor with a 51 kWh lithium-ion battery that produces 170 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque with a driving range of 425 km. MG estimates a charging time of 35 minutes from 10 to 80% charge using a 150 kW DC fast charger.
Pricing for the MG4 EV in Thailand starts at just 869,000 baht or around Php 1.38-million, and tops-out at 969,000 baht or around Php 1.54-million which makes it very affordable and will definitely make it a compelling option for those who want to start going electric in the Philippines.
With two of our ASEAN neighbors already selling the MG4 EV on their shores, it’s high time that MG Philippines plays catch-up especially with the growing popularity of fully-electric vehicles in the country, as well as the growing charging infrastructure as well.
