Test-Driving The 2026 MG4 UrbanForbesMatthew MacConnell, ContributorUpdatedFri, September 11, 2026 at 10:03 AM UTCAdd us on GoogleMG4 UrbanJames ArbuckleThe MG4 Urban is MG's new entry‑level electric hatchback — a model that shares its name with the regular MG4 but switches to a front‑wheel‑drive layout and a simpler, more cost‑effective package.It sits at the base of the MG4 line‑up, below the standard MG4 and the MGS5, with prices starting at £23,495.Competition is strong at this end of the market. The Urban goes up against the BYD Dolphin, Citroën ë‑C3, Dacia Spring, Fiat 600e, and the smaller‑battery versions of the Peugeot e‑208 and Vauxhall Corsa Electric. With so many choices, the question becomes whether MG's most affordable EV makes a compelling case for itself.What's new?AAlmost everything. Forget the MG4 for a minute. The MG4 Urban sits on an entirely different platform, meaning modest performance, a lower range, slightly slower charging, and a design aimed at families who already have another car for longer runs.MG4 Urban TrimsThe line-up kicks off with the 42.8kWh Comfort Standard Range, which MG claims is good for 201 miles WLTP; in real-world driving conditions, that could mean 155-165 miles. Likewise, this gets 16-inch alloys, a 12.8-inch infotainment screen, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a reversing camera.AdvertisementAdvertisementNext is the Comfort Long Range, priced from £25,495. It gets the same tech as the entry-level car, but with a larger 53.9kWh battery, delivering a claimed 258-mile range (circa 200-215 miles in the real world).Premium Long Range cars, costing £27,995, come with 17-inch alloys, a heated steering wheel and front seats, electric driver seat adjustment, wireless phone charging and a 360-degree camera. This gets the same 53.9kWh battery, but range drops to 251 miles because of the bigger wheels. Still, that isn't bad when compared with the Citroën ë‑C3 Aircross and BYD Dolphin.MG4 Urban practicality and boot spaceThis is where the MG4 Urban excels; it's incredibly spacious for an affordable EV. There's heaps of room in the front and back, and taller adults can sit comfortably behind the driver. It also has two Isofix fittings for child seats.Pop the boot, and you'll find a MASSIVE 577-litre space, which dwarfs that of the Ford Puma. You'll struggle to see this at first, but lifting the boot floor reveals a cavernous 98-litre area that's perfect for stashing charging cables and other girthy items.MG4 Urban interiorYou won't find squishy plastics or an overly lush interior. And yes, some of its rivals do look better inside, but MG has done a mighty fine job with its cheap Urban city car.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 12.8-inch touchscreen is easy to use. You can swipe to access shortcuts, which include MG's Pilot Custom setting. This lets you personalise which ADAS systems you want active, and when you restart the car, you can reactivate your setting with a couple of screen prods.MG4 UrbanThere are a few configurable buttons you can set to control an array of features, but it makes sense to tie them to brake regen and drive modes. Below the touchscreen, are physical buttons — hurrah! Bonus points to MG here, as these control the radio volume, fan and temperature, and window demist.As for safety, you needn't worry. The MG4 Urban was awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating.MG4 Urban chargingThe charging speeds aren't exactly quick. The smaller battery car gets 82kW DC rapid charging, while the Long Range gets 87kW charging. That means a real-world 100-mile top-up takes around 30 minutes.AdvertisementAdvertisementAll cars support up to 11kW AC charging, but most homes will only allow for 7.5kW. Plugged into a 7kW wallbox, the Comfort will go from 10 to 100% in around 7.5 hours, while the Long Range cars will take around 9 hours.MG4 Urban performance and comfortSome people think most EVs are quick. Unfortunately, this is not the case here. With 149 bhp, 0-62 mph arrives in just under 10 seconds. The Renault 4, which has 150 bhp, manages the same dash in 8 seconds. Still, the MG4 Urban lets you dash through roundabouts and merge safely into motorway traffic.MG4 UrbanIt also offers four levels of brake regen, including a one-pedal drive setting. If you're feeling brave, you can try the adaptive brake regen mode, which senses the car ahead and automatically applies the brakes to keep a safe distance. During my testing, however, this felt way too unpredictable.As for ride comfort, the MG4 Urban can be quite bumpy through town, but it settles at higher speeds.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Urban is a decent A-to-B car, but its driving experience is fairly forgettable. If fun is what you're after, look at the Renault 4 or Ford Puma Gen-E.MG4 Urban running costsMG offers some enticing deals. At the time of writing, an MG4 Urban Comfort Standard Range will set you back £285 per month with no deposit. This includes a £1,000 manufacturer contribution and a £1,500 MG EV car grant.Want an Urban Comfort Long Range? These land in at £295 per month. Again, no deposit is required. Finally, the Urban Premium Long Range costs £334 per month, and like the Comfort, this includes a £1,500 manufacturer contribution.As for interest? That's 0%, too. In all, the MG4 Urban is incredible value.MG4 Urban VerdictIf you want a roomy, sensible, great value mode of transport, the MG4 Urban is a good choice. Just don't expect it to light your hair on fire. Still, it's got enough space, safety, range and equipment for its price — something that's hard to find nowadays.AdvertisementAdvertisementWant something with a bit more zest? Get a Renault 5, 4 or Fiat Grande Panda.This article was originally published on Forbes.com