MG Motor has added a new top model to its MG4 electric series. The MG4 XPower has a 320 kW all-wheel drive, to which the front electric motor contributes 150 kW and the rear 170 kW.
For the standard sprint from 0 to 100 km/h, MG quotes a duration of 3.8 seconds – not surprising given the equivalent of 435 hp and 600 Nm of maximum torque in a 4.29-metre-long compact model. The SAIC brand does not give any details about the battery of the new MG4 XPower in the announcement, only mentioning the WLTP range of 385 kilometres. According to British media reports from June, however, the XPower will use the well-known 64 kWh battery of the 150 kW rear-wheel drive car. This would mean a maximum charging power of 140 kW and a charging time of around 26 minutes (ten to 80 per cent). The MG4 XPower can be ordered in the UK from mid-July at prices starting at £36,495.
When it comes to the bodywork, the designers have been surprisingly restrained with the top model – the most powerful vehicle to date based on the modular scalable platform (MSP) hardly differs from the familiar MG4 variants, there is no sportier front apron or special rear spoiler – MG itself speaks of a “subtle” design. But with larger rims and, above all, orange-painted brake callipers, the MG4 XPower is quickly recognisable as such. Things get easier when customers opt for the “Hunter Green” paint finish – this is only available on the all-wheel-drive version.
In terms of technology, however, the changes went far beyond the powertrain: for the first time on an MG, an all-new dynamic cornering control system is used, which includes an electronic limited-slip differential and intelligent engine management. This enables torque vectoring between all four wheels, ensuring maximum traction and outstanding stability in a wide range of driving situations. There is also a retuned spring/damper set-up, stiffer anti-roll bars and more direct-response steering. Braking distance is said to have been improved to 33.9 metres.
“We’re confident the MG4 XPOWER will shake-up the market like the MG4 SE and Trophy, showing that a compact EV can be affordable, practical and a terrific drive,” says Guy Pigounakis, Commercial Director at MG Motor UK. “We expect it will appeal to customers looking for a pure performance offering which is the antithesis of the traditionally ‘loud’ high performance hatchback.”
Keyword: MG Motor adds 320 kW AWD MG4 variant to lineup