MG4 EV previewed in Australia, alongside MG ZS EV Long Range

The MG4 will undoubtedly be popular down under. Images: MG Motor

Debuting down under at the hugely popular Fully Charged Live electric vehicle show in Sydney, MG Motors Australia debuted its MG4 and ZS EV Long Range vehicles.

Due to land locally in Q3 this year, The MG4 is hotly anticipated, with its 400+ km WLTP range and spacious packaging. While pricing has yet to be confirmed, our best guess puts the starting price for the range between the $50-55,000 mark.

Australian customers will have the choice of 50.8 kWh and 61.7 kWh (usuable) battery sizes, offering 350km and 435km of WLTP range respectively. Two variants will be offered in the form of a comfort model (both batteries), and a luxury model (long range only).

Peak charging speed tops out at 135kW, providing a 10-80% charge in around 34 minutes for the long range MG4. The smaller battery variant is limited to 117kW DC charging, taking 37 minutes for an 80% charge.

Final specifications have yet to be confirmed by MG Motor Australia, but expect more details toward the second half of 2023. Given the interest in the car at Fully Charged, I’d also assume MG Motor Australia will be keen to set up an expressions of interest page.

MG brings us a Long Range ZS EV, with 440km WLTP range.

In exciting news for the stalwart MG ZS EV, a Long Range variant will be added to the Australian line-up, sporting a 72kWh (usable) battery. MG announced Australia/NZ pricing, set at $55,990 AU and $64,990 NZ MSRP.

This model was sorely needed for the brand; the ZS EV is a competent all-rounder, but its circa-260km WLTP range (closer to 220km real-world) is a hinderance to buyers looking for a vehicle that can manage both city duties and the occasional interstate trip. Expect over 400km real-world range from this one.

Peter Ciao, CEO at MG Motor Australia & New Zealand said the EV models on display at FullyCharged Live set a new standard for electric vehicles in Australia and NZ and demonstrates MG's commitment to making EVs accessible for everyone.

"MG Motor is very excited to be a part of the inaugural Fully Charged Live event, here in Australia. So much that we have decided to use this event as a platform to announce two major milestones in the Australian and NZ EV landscape. Following the success of the ZS EV in September last year, we have listened to our customer's feedback and have fast tracked the arrival of our new ZS EV long range.

"We know Australians love to drive and now they can go even further thanks to a larger 72kWh battery pack and a 440km range in the ZS EV Long Range.

"Equally, for this reason, we felt there was no better stage than FULLY CHARGED LIVE to offer a glimpse of MG's future in previewing our first global modular scalable platform in the MG4 and we know you'll be as excited as we are to see it on Aussie and NZ roads in H2 this year (2023)."

The interior of the MG4 is a no-nonsense, spacious cabin.

FullyCharged Sydney is expected to attract thousands of EV and automotive enthusiasts, industry experts, and policymakers from around Australia and the world.This is the first time FullyCharged Live has exhibited in Australia and patrons can expect to see a spectacular showcase of the latest developments in electric transportation.The event will feature a range of exhibitors, seminars, and interactive displays, making it the perfect platform for MG Motors Australia to showcase its newest EV offerings.

Only a handful of OEMs are scheduled to appear at the show however; whilst Polestar, MG and LDV had a presence, the likes of Hyundai/Kia, Audi/Volkswagen/Cupra and Renault and Subaru — each with a debut EV model about to hit the Australian market — are noticeably absent.