Democratizing the EV: MG4 launches in the Philippines, starts at ₱1,468,888

MG Philippines is finally bringing its lineup of electric vehicles into the Philippines, starting with the MG4 hatchback. It's one of two models the British heritage brand has brought in to address the country's increasing demand for electric vehicles.

Sleek exterior

The MG4 comes with the brand’s latest styling design with a sleek front fascia dominated by a sharp nose and angular LED lighting. It also has a swept-back profile that gives it a sharp, clean look.

Completing its side profile are its 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels, which differ depending on the variants you choose. The 17-inch wheels are wrapped in 215/50 series tires, while the 18-inch wheels come with 235/45 rubber.

Something to note is that the electric vehicle does not come with a spare tire available, as it has a tire repair kit instead. 

Speaking of variants, the MG4 EV has two options: the Standard model which is the entry-level variant, and the Lux model, the top-of-the-line unit.

In terms of size, the EV measures 4,287 mm long, 1,836 mm wide, and 1,503 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,705 mm, which are similar dimensions to that of a subcompact crossover.

Minimalist yet clean interior

The MG4 has a minimalist and clean interior, a large 10-inch touchscreen dominating the dashboard, and a small 7-inch display for your digital gauge cluster. It also has easy-to-use automatic climate controls with a PM 2.5 cabin filter.

The 10-inch infotainment system comes standard for both variants with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. As for the sound system, the Standard model gets a 4-speaker sound system, while the Lux receives a more comprehensive 6-speaker setup.

The Standard version of the electric vehicle comes with fabric seats and manual adjustability while the Lux has semi-leather seats and power-features. The MG4  car also comes with a urethane or leather-wrapped steering wheel, with the former being for the entry-level model and the latter for the top-spec variant. 

Two powertrains to choose from

Powering the MG4 are two electric motor options. The first is a 170 PS motor with 250 Nm of torque, paired with a 51 kWh battery pack that gives the vehicle an estimated range of about 350 kilometers.

The second option is an electric motor that produces 204 PS and 250 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 64 kWh battery pack, giving it an estimated range of 435 kilometers. 

Both versions of the electric vehicle are rear-engine rear-wheel drive, with the only differences in powertrain being their maximum output, battery capacity, and estimated range.

Regardless of the variant, expect it to take a few hours to charge using the included AC wall charger, but it is much faster if you use a DC charging station, as both variants come with a Type II port. Yes, you can charge it in malls or at Shell's DC charging stations.

Safety features and pricing

For its safety features, the MG4 is well equipped as it comes with the latest versions of the brand’s advanced driving assist systems, which include:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Six airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Cornering brake control
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Electronic stability program
• Hill hold control
• Traction control
• Vehicle dynamic control
• Intelligent speed alert
• Pedestrian warning system
• Tire pressure warning system
• Lane keep assist system
• Blind spot indicator system
• Intelligent headlight control
• Reverse camera
• Reverse sensor

As for its pricing, the MG4 Standard starts at ₱1,468,888 while the Lux variant is priced at ₱1,738,888. Both variants of the vehicle come with a 5-year or 100,000-kilometer warranty, whichever comes first, and with an 8-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty for the battery.

The electric vehicle can also be hand in orange, white, and red as its exterior color options.