Simplicity is often one of the joys of life, and the MG4 EV makes moving into the electrified future a simple choice with a starting price of $4.5 million. This makes it amongst the most cost-effective ways to get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric vehicle.

EXTERIOR

The MG4 is a family hatchback, a segment generally known for safe, conservative styling. While the MG4 doesn’t push any design boundaries, it does lean into its electric roots with a very time-forward appearance.

It’s sporty looking with sharp, muscular lines, and a low squat shape that provides a host of functionalities inside and out of the car. It doesn’t draw on the visual cues of its SUV stablemates and will pull some attention, mostly positive as people try to figure out what make of machine it is.

INTERIOR

Free of its combustion history, the MG4 EV charts its own path from the very entrance into the vehicle. There is no start button. Entering and exiting the car with the fob is all that is necessary to power it up or down.

The price tag has little effect on the interior. Its exterior dimensions, especially that of its wheelbase, mean plenty of cabin space for occupants and cargo, plus lots of storage for the average family to use. Accenting the comfort borne of its interior size is the minimal intrusion of external noise.

The comfortable cloth seating, which has enough adjustability for drivers of all sizes, is an expanse featuring a clean, simple, and modern design boasting build quality on par with class rivals. The standout element will be the centre console, offering up a semi-free-standing look as it angles back over itself to present the illuminated rotary gear selector.

It’s one of the major pieces, including the steering wheel, to allow physical interaction with the MG4. The few remaining buttons are for key features that need to be quickly accessed. However, don’t mistake the starkness for missing content. A large portion of the MG4’s technology, of which there is plenty, has been moved into the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display, itself assisted by a 7-inch driver’s screen. From both screens, convenience features can be set to function automatically or just monitored. Menus are easy to navigate due to their logical and uncluttered arrangement.

The transition to electric has best served the vehicles at the smaller end of the market. No longer burdened by a low-powered small displacement engine that often struggles to deliver power in a timely manner, small family hatchbacks are now blessed with instant torque provided smoothly.

The MG4 EV takes full advantage of its EV powertrain. The range is up to 530 kilometres on a charge, depending on which configuration of the car is opted for. The standard MG4 EV is rated at 350 kilometres per charge. Power can be restored quickly via its CCS2 port at Level 2 or more DC fast chargers. An installed home charger is included with the purchase price. For those trying to squeak every last mile out of a kilowatt, the one pedal driving can be engaged to aid with the regenerative braking system.

As for driving, the suspension is comfortable, and the steering is direct to control the potential bursts of acceleration through the rear wheels. For long journeys or urban traffic, MG Pilot can take over with Automatic Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist.

THE VERDICT

The MG4 EV does everything a small family hatchback should do and more, specifically due to its all-electric format. Being an EV, it’s endowed with space, comfort, practicality, and refinement not usually seen at this end of the market.

The key is not to be fooled by the price tag; there’s a lot of value in the MG4 EV, for those looking to begin their gas-free journey, or those already on the electric route wanting another EV without major financial investment.

The MG4 EV uses the CCS2 charging port standard. (Photo: Rory Daley)

There’s more than enough cargo space for the average family of four in the MG4 EV. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The all-electric platform gives the MG4 EV interior space beyond what its external dimensions may show to the eye, making driving a comfortable experience for occupants. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The MG4 EV packs technology within the confines of its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, leaving an uncluttered modern interior design. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The MG4 EV is one of the most cost-effective ways to get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The MG4 EV might be a family hatchback, but it does bring some visual drama as its form seeks functions. (Photo: Rory Daley)