2024 MG4 Standard Review

In 2024, the competition in Malaysia's B-segment electric vehicle market continues to heat up, with more and more consumers setting their budgets in the RM100,000 to RM120,000 range. They pursue the economy of pure electric mobility while valuing space and practical configurations. As a popular contender in this market segment, the MG4 Standard highlights its rear-wheel drive layout, long wheelbase, and 7-year comprehensive warranty as key selling points, attracting the interest of many family users. This test drive will focus on verifying its actual range, driving experience, and daily practicality to provide a reference for potential buyers.

The MG4 Standard's exterior design leans towards a simple and sporty style, with a smooth and low-slung silhouette that aligns with the common aerodynamic approach of electric vehicles. The front adopts a closed grille paired with slim LED headlights; the daytime running lights feature sharp zigzag lines, offering high recognizability. The air vents on both sides of the lower bumper, although not fully open, enhance the visual layering. The waistline along the car's side stretches from the front wing to the taillights, with 17-inch multi-spoke wheels providing a harmonious proportion. At the rear, the most striking feature is the full-width LED taillights, with horizontal light strips inside the assembly that stand out when lit; a black diffuser accent is added below the rear bumper, further emphasizing the sporty vibe. Overall, the MG4 Standard's design avoids excessive complexity, presenting an aesthetically pleasing and mainstream appearance.

Inside, the interior adopts a dark color theme, with the dashboard featuring a layered design and a layout that is simple and clear. The central area is dominated by a 10.25-inch floating touchscreen, with a resolution and responsiveness that are fairly standard. It supports Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Some physical buttons are retained below for controlling the air conditioning temperature and volume, making daily operation more convenient. For materials, the upper part of the dashboard uses hard plastic, while fabric is used for the inner door panels and seats. Although not luxurious, the touch is in line with the price range. In terms of configuration, it comes standard with automatic air conditioning, keyless entry/start, a 6-way manually adjustable driver seat, and rear air vents, which should meet everyday needs. For safety, the car features 6 airbags, lane departure warning, and ACC adaptive cruise control, enhancing driving safety.

Space performance is one of the advantages of the MG4 Standard. Its 2,705mm wheelbase ranks at the upper level among B-segment cars. Front-row seating is spacious, and a passenger with a height of 175cm, after adjusting to a proper sitting position, still has a fist-width of headroom left. Rear legroom allows for about two fist-widths of space, which means that even fully loaded with three adults, it won’t feel too cramped; however, the slightly raised center floor might affect comfort during long rides. For storage, the front center console box and door pockets are adequately sized, suitable for holding smartphones, water bottles, and other small items. The rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split, and once folded, the trunk space can expand, making it suitable for larger items like a stroller or luggage.

In the dynamic driving segment, the MG4 Standard is equipped with a rear-mounted motor with a maximum power output of 125kW (170PS) and a maximum torque of 250N·m. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 7.5 seconds. During actual driving, the power response at the initial stage is direct; a light press on the accelerator delivers noticeable push-back, making overtaking or changing lanes in urban roads relatively effortless. When switched to Sport mode, the power output becomes more aggressive, and the ability to accelerate further even at high speeds meets expectations. The rear-wheel drive layout enhances vehicle handling, with a precise steering wheel and minimal play. Body roll is well-controlled during cornering, instilling a certain level of driving confidence. The chassis uses a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup. When navigating common urban speed bumps or potholes, the suspension effectively absorbs the shocks; however, when passing over larger bumps at speed, the rear still experiences slight vibrations.

In terms of range, we conducted tests under mixed driving conditions (urban congestion + highway cruising), with air conditioning and music turned on throughout. The final range achievement rate was approximately 85%, with an actual driving range close to 300km, which meets the needs for daily commuting or short weekend trips. For fast charging, official data shows that it takes 37 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. In our test using a fast charging station, this timing was more or less accurate, offering reasonable convenience. Slow charging takes about 8 hours, making it suitable for overnight home charging. Noise control performance is average; the motor noise is not noticeable at low speeds, but tire and wind noise become evident at high speeds, though they do not affect normal conversations.

Overall, the core advantages of the MG4 Standard lie in its long wheelbase that provides spacious interior space, practical configurations, and reliable range performance. The 7-year vehicle warranty and 8-year battery warranty also offer assurance to consumers. Compared with competitors in the same segment, its price (RM 103,999) and rear-wheel-drive layout provide some competitiveness. However, the interior materials and high-speed noise control still have room for improvement. This car is more suitable for family users who value space, economy, and daily practicality, especially those whose daily commuting distance is within 50km and have fixed charging facilities.

In conclusion, the MG4 Standard is a well-balanced B-segment electric vehicle. Although it does not have particularly outstanding highlights, its performance in all aspects can meet the needs of family users, making it a worthy choice among the pure electric vehicles in the RM 100,000 price range.