It accelerates like a Porsche 911 GT3 and costs five times less: this is the car with more than 400 hp that is the cheapest on the market

There are plenty of cars with more than 400 hp on the market, regardless of size, category or propulsion system. But none is cheaper than the MG4 XPower, the most powerful and sporty version of the successful MG4. The truth is that electrification has made the power-to-price ratio much more affordable. In fact, if we sort them by price, among the 10 cheapest cars on the market that exceed 400 hp, all but one are 100% electric: the Ford Mustang GT, with a V8 that delivers 450 hp and a price of around 52,500 euros.

Below the Mustang, and down to the MG4 XPower, which has an unbeatable price of 42,190 euros without promotional campaign or Plan MOVES for 435 hp, we find cars such as the Smart #1 Brabus (428 hp and a price from 49,900 euros), the BYD Seal AWD (530 hp, from 49,000 euros) or the Volvo EX30 Twin Motor (428 hp and a price from 48,265 euros). And already above the Mustang in price, more electric cars: Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Motor, Polestar 2 Dual Motor, Tesla Model Y AWD Performance…

Now that we’ve set the scene, let’s look more closely at the MG4 X-Power, the car at hand. We travelled to Seville eager to get behind its wheel and see what this little “rocket” is capable of, which takes 3.8 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standstill, faster than a Porsche 911 GT3, to give one example. And we did, although I must confess not quite as I would have liked. The brand organised an original presentation in which we were able to drive the MG4 very briefly through different exercises (standing-start acceleration, an evasive manoeuvre, a slalom and a lap as co-driver)… but on the dirt track of a racecourse!

All in all, I was left wanting to tell you here whether, based on feel alone, we are really looking at what could be the first “real” electric GTI. Because there is no doubt that, going by the numbers, the MG4 could proudly lay claim to those legendary initials.

The exterior and interior design of the MG4 XPower: spicier!

Outside, the MG4 XPower stands apart from the rest of the range with its eye-catching body colour unique to this version, a “loud” green called Hunter Green. The 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, fitted with Bridgestone Turanza 235/45 tyres, the brake calipers painted orange (the green and orange combination doesn’t exactly match, but it creates a striking contrast at the very least), silver decorative inserts on some elements, a front spoiler, a rear diffuser and protectors on the rear doors are also specific to this model.

Some, like me, may think it’s not much compared with the rest of the MG4 range, especially given the tremendous potential hidden beneath the bodywork of this small sports car, which offers 230 hp more than the MG4 LUX. Placed side by side, the XPower doesn’t look that muscular. But many more people will surely agree with me that the interior deserves an even greater distinction, beyond the sports pedals and the Alcantara upholstery on the door panels and seats. Since this is a car that stands out from the ordinary, it should be noticeable from afar and behind the wheel even before you start it, don’t you think?

That said, the MG4 XPower adds two driving modes not found elsewhere in the range, in addition to the Eco, Normal and Sport programmes: a “launch control” function for maximum standing-start acceleration, and a “track” mode designed for sporty driving, showing on the multimedia screen information such as G-forces, steering angle, throttle percentage, instantaneous power and even lap-time monitoring with corner-by-corner comparisons and real-time display of racing lines.

As for equipment, this is the top-of-the-range MG4, and its specification is very complete, with standard features such as a heat pump, 360-degree camera, electric seats, wireless phone charger, route planner, heated front seats and an extensive catalogue of driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, rear cross-traffic alert and lane keeping assist, among others.

Two motors, all-wheel drive, 435 hp and 385 km of range

From a technical standpoint, the most significant aspect of the MG4 XPower is the addition of a second motor. With 204 hp on the front axle and 231 hp on the rear, the system output reaches the aforementioned 435 hp, with a combined maximum torque of 600 Nm. Though I’ll repeat myself, note the acceleration figures: 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, and 0 to 50 km/h in under two seconds, with a top speed limited to 200 km/h. Combined consumption is 18.7 kWh/100 km, with a WLTP range of up to 385 km, thanks to the 64 kWh battery capacity, which supports fast charging at up to 140 kW (charging from 10 to 80% in under half an hour) and offers V2L bidirectional charging to supply power to external devices, such as an electric bicycle.

To handle this increase in power, MG has made some adjustments to the MG4’s chassis. The steering is more direct, the suspension arms have been modified and are lighter as they are made of aluminium, and the damper calibration has been stiffened by 25%. In addition, the brakes, signed by Continental, feature larger-diameter ventilated discs (345 mm at the front and 340 mm at the rear axle), with oversized calipers as well.

I would have liked to tell you how all of this translates behind the wheel: whether the MG4 XPower manages the transfer of so much power to the tarmac well, whether it stops as well as it goes, whether it really delivers the sensations you would expect from a car that “boasts” GTI credentials… But I too was left wanting. As I said, the test was limited to a few exercises on a dirt track, entirely insufficient to draw any conclusions.

What I can tell you is that the “launch control” works well, and that if the car accelerates this way on a surface with so little grip, the acceleration on asphalt, at least in a straight line, should be incredible. How it will manage power delivery from the all-wheel-drive system when accelerating out of corners in sporty driving is another matter, one I don’t dare even guess at for two reasons: first, because the “hot lap” was as a co-driver, not behind the wheel; and second, because the test car had a “set-up” designed to look good in photos and make everything more fun, which, if you’re observant, you may have noticed in the image that opens this article, artificially favoured power to the rear wheels too much.

Otherwise, even at the risk of being wrong (we will soon be able to test the MG4 XPower thoroughly and properly), judging by the reactions and body movements during the evasive manoeuvres on dirt, I would say the suspension changes may not be enough for those who really seek “racing” behaviour on asphalt, which is what this car is designed for. As for the brakes, as you can imagine under these test conditions, it is impossible even to try to judge, although the figures provided by the brand, 100 km/h to 0 km/h in 33.9 metres, are more than promising. We will check very soon…

MG4 X Power – Image gallery