SAIC begins accepting pre-orders for the renewed MG4 in the Chinese market

One of the most anticipated vehicles is about to hit the roads and streets of China, and later many other markets. SAIC Motor has just announced the start of sales, for now on pre-sale, of the renewed MG4 in its domestic market, with prices starting from 73,800 yuan. That works out to roughly 9 thousand euros at current exchange rates.

This electric compact is initially available in four versions, to which another better-equipped one will be added later in the year with a semi-solid-state battery pack, whose price will be revealed next September.

The MG4, based on SAIC’s E3 platform, features a single powertrain that delivers 120 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque, with its top speed limited to 160 km/h. Measuring 4.4 metres in length and with a wheelbase of 2.75 metres, this model sits in the electric compact segment and competes with models from other manufacturers such as the Dolphin from BYD or the ID.3 from Volkswagen.

Notable technical specifications

At launch, the renewed MG4 is available with two battery options, both LFP, with capacities of 42.8 and 53.9 kWh, with which it is possible to cover between 437 and 530 km under the CLTC homologation cycle. On the other hand, when performing DC fast charging, this model from the Chinese manufacturer can increase the state of charge from 30 to 80 percent in around 20 minutes.

SAIC also wanted to highlight at launch the level of efficiency achieved by the brand’s engineers, who have managed to reduce the MG4’s energy consumption to around 10.4 kWh per 100 km driven.

As we have already told you on previous occasions here at HighMotor, the future version of the MG4 equipped with a semi-solid-state battery pack will offer important advantages, especially when it comes to safety. This new battery technology has passed needle penetration tests in three different directions without sparks or smoke being generated.

A step prior to the long-awaited solid-state batteries

Beyond safety, its additional advantages include the ability to retain up to 75 percent of its range in extreme weather conditions with sub-zero temperatures, provided that automatic battery preconditioning is used. SAIC has invested around 500 million yuan -almost 60 million euros- in this technology, which uses an aluminium alloy with lanthanum and cerium to optimise strength and thermal stability.

On the other hand, the exterior design of the renewed MG4 features important updates, such as new arrow-shaped LED rear lights, the backlit MG logo, and new paint colours.