MG has revealed a new, high-performance version of its popular 4 EV family hatchback. The brand’s first hot hatch since the ZR of the early 2000s, the new MG 4 EV XPower will use two electric motors to provide supercar pace and all-wheel drive without compromising the standard car’s practicality.
Absolute power
With two electric motors producing a total of 435hp and 600Nm of torque, the XPower is the most powerful production MG ever. And thanks to a launch control system that allows it to put that power down more effectively, it’ll get from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds, making it faster than a Porsche 911. However, because the rear motor is slightly more powerful than the front motor, it is expected to retain something of the rear bias that has made the standard MG 4 EV such an enjoyable car to drive. And there’s other tech to ensure that’s the case, including a new Dynamic Cornering Control System, with a locking differential and a torque vectoring system that sends the power to the wheel with the most traction. The regenerative braking system has also been recalibrated. Less high-tech solutions have also been employed, with recalibrated spring and damper tuning, stiffer anti-roll bars and sharper steering. The suspension is 25 per cent stiffer, too, while MG has also fitted bigger brakes and new Bridgestone Turanza tyres for extra grip.
Performance-orientated design
MG says the XPower’s design tweaks are “subtle”, but there’s nothing subtle about the orange brake callipers hiding behind the 18-inch alloy wheels or the new Racing Green colour option. There’s a two-tone black roof, too, and polished trim accents. “We’re confident the MG4 XPower will shake-up the market like the MG4 SE and Trophy, showing that a compact EV can be affordable, practical and a terrific drive,” said MG’s Guy Pigounakis. “We expect it will appeal to customers looking for a pure performance offering which is the antithesis of the traditionally ‘loud’ high performance hatchback. The XPower also retains the generous technology and equipment levels, as well as practical hatchback features, of the award-winning MG4 range.”
Goodwood launch
The MG 4 EV XPower will make its dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this month (July 13-16) alongside the new EX4 concept car. Designed to “reimagine” the Metro 6R4 rally car of the 1980s, the EX4 celebrates the rally-going Metro’s 40th anniversary and will be shown off with a special livery.