2023 MG 4 electric car detailed for Australia

The first Australian specifications for the 2023 MG 4 Electric have been published online, ahead of a local launch in the first half of next year.

MG's rival for the Nissan Leaf and upcoming Cupra Born electric hatchbacks, the MG 4 will be the Chinese brand's second electric vehicle in Australia, joining the strong-selling ZS EV small SUV.

Government documents seen by Drive show MG has received approval to sell one version of the MG 4 in Australia so far: an entry-level model, with a 125kW rear electric motor and a 51kWh battery pack.

In the UK, this variant quotes 350km of driving range according to European WLTP test procedures – and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.7 seconds.

Prices for Australia are yet to be confirmed, but the UK model range starts from the equivalent of $AU40,000 drive-away for an entry-level 51kWh model. The most affordable MG ZS EV costs $44,990 drive-away in Australia, with 320km of driving range

A long-range 64kWh (total capacity, or 61.7kWh usable) battery pack is available overseas, with up to 452km of claimed driving range – but this is not listed in the initial certification documents seen by Drive.

MG Australia is yet to confirm local specifications for the new MG 4 range, however Drive understands the 64kWh is still on the cards for an Australian launch – even though it is not included in the initial government documents.

The larger battery pack can be paired with one electric motor developing 150kW (for a 7.9-second 0-100km/h) time, or dual motors with 330kW and 600Nm combined, capable of a 3.8-second dash from zero to 100km/h.

Few other details can be gleaned from the government documents, beyond that 17-inch wheels will be standard across the range in Australia, and braked and unbraked towing capacities are identical at 500kg.

The MG 4 measures 4287mm long, 1836mm wide and 1504mm tall, riding on a 2705mm wheelbase – about 90mm shorter in overall length, but 45mm wider, 70mm taller and 65mm longer in wheelbase (suggesting greater interior space) than a Toyota Corolla hatchback.

Available features in Europe include a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7.0-inch instrument display, artificial leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, wireless phone charging, and a full suite of advanced safety features.

The 2023 MG 4 electric car is due in Australian showrooms in the first half of next year. Stay tuned to Drive for more news closer to launch.