With a four-second 0-100km/h time, Chinese brand MG’s new electric hatchback could give drivers of mid-range Teslas a run for their money… for far less money.
The 2023 MG 4 electric car has been revealed in China, ahead of an Australian launch due as soon as next year.
Named ‘Mulan’ in China after the well-known folk heroine – but likely to wear the MG 4 name in export markets – the new MG electric hatchback is slated to measure 4300mm long, on par with a Nissan Leaf or upcoming GWM Ora Good Cat small car.
Drawing styling inspiration from the Cyberster roadster concept – but not its name, contrary to past reports – highlights of the new Mulan/MG 4 include an expansive panoramic sunroof, LED headlights and tail-lights, a sporty rear spoiler, and black contrast elements.
Official details remain scarce for the time being, however Chinese media reports indicate the Mulan/MG 4 rides on a new ‘Nebula’ platform designed solely for electric cars, with a slim ‘LBS’ lithium battery pack under the car’s floor.
The new platform is rear-wheel drive on some or all variants – unlike the front-wheel-drive MG ZS EV currently on sale in Australia – and will reportedly be capable of a 0-100km/h sprint time of less than 4.0 seconds.
If true, the MG 4 would be capable of keeping up with the fastest petrol-powered, all-wheel-drive hot hatches from Mercedes-AMG and Audi, and within tenths of a seconds of Tesla and Polestar’s fastest dual-motor electric sedans.
While Chinese media reports mention rear-wheel drive, it’s not clear if a second electric motor on the front axle will be used to achieve the headline acceleration figure.
Multi-link independent suspension will feature at the rear – akin to a Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus – along with large circa-18-inch alloy wheels and orange brake calipers (though the size of the discs they clamp has not been confirmed).
No images have been released of the MG 4’s interior, though spy photos (and the rear 3/4 image above) point to a tablet-style infotainment touchscreen, a digital instrument display, and leather sports seats.
Further details of the 2023 MG 4 (or Mulan, using its Chinese nameplate) are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, either in China or Europe.
While an Australian launch was previously reported for early 2023, Drive understands this launch date may no longer be confirmed. However, a right-hand-drive model will be built for the UK, paving the way for a launch Down Under.
Pricing is yet to be confirmed for any market. The unrelated ZS EV is priced from $46,990 drive-away in Australia.
Our thanks to reader Hayden for the tip.
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