MG Ireland has confirmed the pricing for its new entry-level electric car, the MG4 EV Urban, and it starts at an incredibly low €22,995 after all State incentives. There are two different battery sizes and three trim levels to choose from but note this: the MG4 Urban does not replace the existing MG4 EV. Instead, it sits alongside it as the more affordable option.
The MG4 Urban is still electric, right?
It is indeed, and its full official name is MG4 EV Urban. We kind of wish MG had given it a different name to differentiate it further from the other car, especially as it shares so little with it. The Urban's electric motor turns its front wheels for a start, whereas the MG4 EV is rear-wheel drive.
That won't matter to most buyers of course, as range is still one of first questions asked. The Standard Range battery is a 42.8kWh unit (41.9kWh of that is usable), enabling an official range of up to 325 kilometres on a charge. It's paired with a 149hp motor for 0-100km/h in 9.6 seconds.
Peak torque of 250Nm is available in all cars, though the Long Range model gets a power bump to 160hp. It features a 54kWh battery - of which 52.8kWh is usable - resulting in a WLTP range of up to 416km (it depends on the specification of the car).
Both batteries use the dependable lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) chemistry and, surprisingly at this price point, come with 11kW AC charging capability. The peak DC-charging rate for the smaller battery is limited to 82kW, versus 87kW for the larger pack. Either way, 10-80 per cent charging at maximum speed takes in and around half an hour.
So how much does each version of the MG4 Urban cost?
The headline-grabbing starting price of €22,995 is for the Standard Range Comfort model, which is generously specified for that outlay, including adaptive cruise control, a full suite of active and passive safety systems, LED lights all-round including auto headlights, rear parking sensors, 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control (even with rear vents), a heat pump, vehicle-to-load capability, keyless entry, one-touch electric windows all-round, digital instruments, 12.8-inch touchscreen with navigation built in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a reversing camera.
That specification with the Long Range battery is priced at €25,795 (and it gets the 416km range), while the most expensive MG4 EV Urban is the Long Range Premium model, at €28,795.
Among other things, the Premium grade adds rear privacy glass, power-folding door mirrors (they are electrically adjusted and heated on the Comfort spec, though), 17-inch alloy wheels, electric adjustment for the driver's seat, battery pre-conditioning software, heated steering wheel and front seats, ambient lighting, an upgraded sound system, live services for the infotainment, a wireless charging pad and a 360-degree camera system.
MG is likely to be inundated with orders, right?
The MG4 Urban certainly seems a lot of car for the money. And to sweeten the deal, MG Ireland has already announced its "262” offers ahead of the new registration plate in July, including zero per cent car finance and fixed-cost service plans. The latter are priced from €99 for three years on an EV or €299 on a hybrid.
To sustain MG's growth in Ireland, it is also expanding its dealer network. The latest addition is O'Brien's MG Tullamore, open since the start of the month.
Have you reviewed the MG4 EV Urban?
But of course... Read the full detailed test drive here, or watch Matt's video below.