MG's Affordable Hatch Enters Elite Group of Semi Solid State Electric Vehicles | Carscoops

      MG4 features a semi-solid-state battery with a range of 334 miles and a minimal liquid electrolyte content.

      Entry-level variants of the MG4 will come equipped with battery packs of 42.8 kWh and 53.9 kWh.

      MG has not yet revealed the price for the model with the semi-solid-state battery.

      It is powered by a single electric motor providing 161 hp (120 kW) and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque.

      Electric vehicles typically follow the usual automotive trend, remaining in production for six to ten years. However, in China, where the EV market is rapidly changing, this timeline is shortened. Less than three years after the MG4 was introduced, it is already receiving a second-generation upgrade, and this is more than just a minor update.

      The new version features a complete redesign, a fresh platform, an revamped interior, and significantly, a semi-solid-state battery option. Perhaps most surprisingly, it has a starting price of only 73,800 yuan, or just under $10,300.

      It has been nearly five months since the first images of the new MG4 appeared, and only now have sales commenced and technical details been verified. The standout feature is the battery. One of the options includes a semi-solid-state unit created by QingTao Energy, marking the first time a mass-produced EV incorporates such a battery pack.

      A New Type of Battery Technology

      Although not a genuine solid-state battery, which does not utilize liquid electrolyte, the battery powering the second-gen MG4 includes only 5 percent liquid electrolyte, which is less than the semi-solid-state batteries used in the Nio ET5 and IM L6 Max Lightyear. Its energy density is not particularly noteworthy at 180 Wh/kg, but the reported 70 kWh pack can deliver a range of up to 334 miles (537 km) for the electric hatchback.

      This battery option will not be standard, and pricing for it has yet to be disclosed. We do know that the more affordable versions will feature 42.8 kWh and 53.9 kWh battery packs, providing ranges of 271 miles (437 km) and 329 miles (530 km), respectively.

      The entry-level version priced at 73,800 yuan ($10,300) is termed the Comfort, while the model above it is the Ease, starting at 81,800 yuan, approximately $11,400. The top-tier variant of the 42.8 kWh model is called the Freedom, starting at 90,800 yuan or $12,600. The 53.9 kWh Smart version begins at 105,800 yuan or $14,700.

      The revised MG4 has seen a slight increase in dimensions compared to its earlier model, now measuring 4,395 mm (173.1 inches) in length, 1,842 mm (72.5 inches) in width, and 1,551 mm (61.1 inches) in height, with a wheelbase extending to 2,750 mm (108.3 inches).

      Enhanced Aesthetics and Interior

      In terms of design, the new MG4 adopts a softer, more curved appearance than its predecessor. The interior is notably well-equipped, featuring a 15.6-inch infotainment screen, a compact digital instrument cluster, a wireless phone charger, and a floating transmission tunnel. True to typical EV designs, it is quite minimalist yet appears premium, especially for its price range.

      Additionally, the MG4 boasts heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic glass roof with an electric sunshade, and rear seat backs that recline up to 27 degrees. Synthetic leather is present throughout, along with a heated steering wheel.

      Though pre-sales for the new MG4 have just begun, MG has not indicated when customer deliveries will start. The timeline for launches in international markets is still unclear, but the small MG is expected to eventually reach key regions like Europe and Australia.