MG4 vs Leapmotor B10: which EV offers better value for money under 30,000 euros

Affordable electric cars have stopped being a promise. Today, below the psychological barrier of 30,000 euros, there are serious options, with useful ranges and equipment that three years ago was not available in this price range. Two names dominate much of the conversation in the compact segment: the MG4 and the Leapmotor B10. One is already a veteran of the segment; the other arrives hungry and with a very aggressive price tag.

Why does this comparison matter in 2026?

Choosing a compact electric car without going broke is, today, an exercise in patience. Prices fluctuate with promotions, and subsidies make the picture harder to read. Even so, there is a range — from 25,000 to 30,000 euros starting price — where the real battle for the mainstream electric car in Spain is being fought. That is where the B10 lands with disruptive ambition, and where the MG4, with its track record, remains a must-have reference.

A note before going on: the prices used here are the manufacturer’s recommended retail prices (RRP), without dealer discounts, one-off promotions or Plan Auto+ subsidies. In the real world, the final figure can move quite a bit.

MG4: the veteran of affordable electric cars (from ≈38,200 €)

The MG4 has been on the Spanish market for some time, and that works in its favour. Rear-wheel drive, carefully balanced weight distribution and dynamic behaviour that surprised more than one person when it arrived. The version we analyse here, the 64 kWh Premium with 190 CV, is the most complete variant in the range, which is why its RRP rises to around 38,200 euros. To bring it closer to the 30,000 barrier you have to drop to entry versions with a smaller battery — or wait for promotional campaigns, which in MG tend to be generous.

Design, platform and dynamic behaviour

The MG4 does not hide its intentions: compact sporty proportions, short overhangs and a stance that deceives on paper. Rear-wheel drive, unusual in this segment and price bracket, is noticeable in fast corners — the steering could use a bit more weight for our taste, but the whole package is enjoyable. It is a car that feels like a car, not an appliance.

Equipment and on-board technology

Here the veteran shows its age. The central screen works, and so does the smartphone integration, but the feel of the plastics and the interface feel a step behind what the newcomers are already offering. It is not a serious problem; it is a reality of the product cycle.

Leapmotor B10: the newcomer that breaks prices (from ≈29,300 €)

The B10 is Leapmotor’s serious card for the Spanish market. And it arrives with a clear proposition: a 56.2 kWh battery, 218 CV and an entry RRP of around 29,300 euros. In other words, it meets the headline claim. It sits below 30,000 euros — ex-works and without discounts. Few manage that.

Exterior and interior design

The B10 opts for clean lines, without excess. The interior is where it is most obvious that this is a later generation: a large screen, materials that surprise for the price and a minimalist approach that will age better than the cluttered dashboards of three years ago. That said, the ergonomics of so many menus can be questionable on long journeys.

Range and real-world use

The B10’s 360 km WLTP figure is the official one. In practice, with mixed use — a 40 km daily commute plus the occasional weekend out of the city — the realistic real-world range will be around 280–310 km. It is a fair battery for long trips, but perfectly comfortable for intensive urban and suburban use. And that is where the average compact electric car in Spain lives.

Direct comparison: price, range and equipment

The B10 wins on the most important headline — the entry price. The MG4 responds with commercial reach, an already established service network and a chassis that remains the dynamic benchmark of the segment. The balance depends on what the buyer prioritises: the label or the experience behind the wheel.

On paper range, the B10 claims 360 km; the MG4 Premium with its 64 kWh battery points to more, although its price is also higher. A fair comparison would require the entry-level MG4, not the Premium we have in our data sheet.

Summary table and score

Verdict: which one you can buy for under 30,000 euros

If the question is literal — which one you can buy for less than 30,000 euros RRP — today the answer is the Leapmotor B10. It meets the headline claim without depending on discounts or subsidies, and its interior proposition is more up to date. It is the natural candidate for anyone looking for a compact electric car without financial surprises.

The MG4 is still the better car to drive, with more character and an already proven commercial network. But to fit it into that bracket you have to go for entry versions or wait for a campaign. Whoever can stretch the budget and prioritises the dynamic side will appreciate it; whoever puts price-to-product criteria first will look at the B10. For additional context on the segment, the ranking of compact electric cars under 35,000 euros helps place both against rivals from other brands.

FAQ

Which is cheaper to buy, the MG4 or the Leapmotor B10?
The Leapmotor B10 starts at around 29,300 euros RRP without discounts, below the MG4 in its 64 kWh Premium version, which is around 38,200 euros. To match prices you would have to compare with the MG4’s entry versions and apply promotional campaigns.

What real-world range does the Leapmotor B10 offer?
It is homologated at about 360 km WLTP with the 56.2 kWh battery. In real mixed use, the reasonable figure is usually between 280 and 310 km, depending on climate, speed and driving profile.

Does the MG4 have rear-wheel drive?
Yes, the MG4 is built on a platform with a rear-mounted motor, which is unusual in the affordable compact electric segment. It is one of its most recognisable dynamic traits.

Can public subsidies be applied to buying these cars?
Both are pure electric vehicles with a zero-emissions label, and as a general rule they are eligible under the current subsidy framework (Plan Auto+). The specific amounts and conditions are best checked on the official website, as they are updated periodically.

Technical specifications of the cars in this article

CrossoverLeapmotor B105 versions · from 29,265 €

HatchbackMG MG43 versions · from 38,190 €