Aussie EV pricing breaks $40K barrier with new MG4, but how long will it be the cheapest electric car?

The cost of a new battery electric vehicle in Australia has broken the $40,000 barrier with the new MG4 compact hatchback range to start at $38,990 before on-road costs.

That’s the price plus on-road for the entry-level MG4 Excite 51 which comes with a 51kWh battery pack and a 350km claimed range (WLTP).

READ MORE: MG4 priced from $44,990 plus on-road costs as $3000 discounts offered on ZS EV
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It is then a $6000 step-up to the MG4 with a 64kWh battery and a 450km claimed range.

The line-up then progresses through the $47,990 64kWh/450km Essence and the $55,990 77kWh/530km Long Range.

The entire MG4 range is based on a new EV-specific architecture and is fitted with a single e-motor powering the rear wheels.

The base model makes 125kW, the two 64kWh models 150kW and the Long Range 180kW.

The dual-motor all-wheel drive 300kW MG4 X-Power performance model is under strong consideration for Australian launch.

MG4 orders open July 1, 2023 and deliveries in Australia start in mid-August.

The entire MG4 range will come with a five-star ANCAP safety rating and a seven-year warranty. The EV battery is covered by a seven-year, 160,000km warranty.

The MG4 Excite 51 undercuts the $44,490 drive-away GWM Ora on price, while MG has chosen to delete its own ZS EV Excite from the range, which was priced at $44,990 drive-away.

However, the MG ZS EV Essence and Long Range continue.

The next shot in the BEV price wars could be fired as soon as tomorrow Thursday (June 22) when the BYD Dolphin is launched in Australia.

MG MG4 EXCITE

KEY FEATURES:

  • 10.25-inch infotainment system
  • MG iSmart app connectivity
  • Automatic LED headlights and rear lights
  • MG Modular Scalable Platform (MSP)
  • MG Pilot Driver Safety Technology
  • Reverse Camera
  • 17″ alloy wheels with two-tone aero covers
  • Fabric Seat
  • Rear Wiper
  • 4 Speaker Audio
  • Driver’s 6-way Manual Adjustable Seat
  • Auto Hold & Electric Parking Brake
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • 7″ Instrument Cluster
  • Apple CarPlay + Android Auto
  • Range of up to 350km (WLTP)
  • Rear Spoiler
  • 10.5W C/A USB ports
  • 4 Regenerative Braking Modes (1,2,3,A)
  • Vehicle To Load Functionality (V2L)
  • 5 Driving Modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, Custom)

MG MG4 ESSENCE AND LONG RANGE

KEY FEATURES IN ADDITION TO MG4 EXCITE:

  • 360-degree camera
  • Twin-aero rear spoiler
  • Two-tone roof
  • 18″ alloy wheels with two-tone aero covers
  • Automatic climate control
  • Wireless phone charging
  • PU & Fabric Seat
  • 6 Speaker Audio
  • Range of up to 435km (WLTP)
  • Driver’s 6-way Electrically Adjustable Seat
  • Satellite Navigation