MG4 X-Power

The supercar hatchback?

When I was but a young motoring journalist, I got the chance to drive my first ‘supercar’. It was a Lamborghini Gallardo, nearly $400,000 worth of sculpted Italian performance machine. And it was quick for the time, with a sub-five second 0-100kmh time – 4.6 seconds to be exact.

I am not sure 23-year old Richard understood that two decades later, Chinese built hatchbacks would be quicker. By quite a lot too!

But then here we are, with vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 Performance offering supercar performance for premium car money, and the MG4 taking that one step further into family-car money.

The MG4 X-Power isn’t just a car; it’s a revelation in the hatchback segment. Combining the practicality of a family car with the thrilling performance of a supercar, it challenges the norms of what a hatchback can be.

Sure there have been hot hatches before, but none with performance of this level.

And it does it without loosing anything that makes the base car such a solid allrounder. It looks like a fairly standard hatchback, has the space of a standard hatchback, and still seats five and carries shopping.

So what is different? Starting at the front there is not a huge amount to set it apart. The nose is augmented with subtle silver accents that add an aggressive edge. The headlights with their claw-like motif, work with the cars sporty intent.

The vehicle sports 18-inch Bridgestone Turanza tyres, chosen for their optimal balance of performance and comfort. The black mirrors and roof contribute to a sleek profile, while the matte silver details and vibrant orange wheel covers inject a sense of excitement. The rear retains much of the standard MG4’s design but features an aggressive air diffuser and the huge spoiler it shares with the Essence model.

A unique touch is the MG4 X-Power’s Hunter Green matte paint option, a subtle yet impactful choice that accentuates the car’s curves and lines, especially under the early morning sun. This option, while requiring extra care, adds a level of exclusivity should you choose it.

The interior is almost unchanged from the Essence – with the key change being the same steering wheel and seats upholstered in Alcantara, providing a tactile and luxurious feel. The seats are supportive, though some drivers may desire additional bolstering for more spirited drives.

So what are we looking at from a performance potential? The MG4 X-Power is a powerhouse. Equipped with dual motors, it delivers an astonishing 380kW of power and 600Nm of torque.

This powertrain enables a blistering zero to 100km per hour time of just 3.8 seconds, putting it nearly a full second ahead of the aforementioned Lamborghini. And it is an easy performance to tap into. Using the included launch control – set the car to Sport, sit on the brake pedal and accelerator and release when ready – and we could hit close to that number every time.

It is a grin and laugh inducing party trick.

The battery is the same 64kWh NMC unit as the Essence, with fast charging capability of up to 140kW. WLTP range is 400km, but drive in a performant way and you could knock that off in under 200km. It would be arguably worth it!

The suspension, firmer by about 25% compared to the standard model, provides a ride that is sporty yet comfortable. The steering is relatively precise, offering a responsive and engaging feel that enhances the driving experience.

Its instant power delivery and confident grip make for an exciting drive. However, there’s room for refinement, particularly in the software that manages power distribution during aggressive cornering.

The vehicle also boasts innovative features like a stage mode for setting up timed courses on public roads and a track mode for enhanced lap timing on racetracks.

Out verdict

The MG4 X-Power is a testament to the fusion of practicality and performance. It offers the acceleration and thrill of a supercar at a fraction of the cost. While it shines in many areas, there are aspects, such as the power delivery tuning and interior finish, that could be improved. Nevertheless, these are minor compared to the overall package the car offers.

In conclusion, the MG4 X-Power stands out as a unique proposition in the automotive market. It’s not just a high-performance hatchback; it’s a vehicle that redefines what is possible in this segment. And at $69,990, it is a strong bargain.