MG4 Urban razor sharp pricing and spec announced: Australia has a new budget EV buy
MG Motor Australia has confirmed a razor-sharp starting price for the MG4 EV Urban compact EV ahead of its arrival in showrooms from April 2026, with the new entry-level electric hatch positioned as one of the most affordable EVs on sale locally.
Priced from $31,990 drive-away for the MG4 Urban Essence 43, it undercuts most rivals once on-road costs are factored in.
It sits above the the two-model BYD Atto 1 line-up, which is priced at $23,990 and $27,990 plus on-road costs.
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Other key rivals such as the BYD Atto 2 and entry versions of the GAC Aion UT are also listed at $31,990 before on-road costs, pushing their real-world pricing higher than the new MG. Until early April the GAC is on launch offer at $30,990 drive-away.
The other model in the MG4 Urban line-up is the Essence 54, which has yet to have its pricing announced. For both models, the number denotes the size of the battery pack.
The new Urban introduces a lower-cost entry point into the MG4 range, distinct from the existing rear-wheel-drive MG4 already on sale in Australia.
Unlike that model, the Urban uses a front-wheel-drive layout and different engineering focused on cost and packaging efficiency.
MG says the MG4 EV Urban will be available for customer test drives from April 1, with the brand positioning it as its most accessible EV yet and a key step in broadening electric vehicle uptake in Australia.
The model arrives at a time when MG is looking to regain momentum after slipping from its previous position as Australia’s leading Chinese automotive brand in 2025.
The MG4 Urban forms part of a broader repositioning of MG’s electric line-up locally. The existing MG4 continues as a separate, more performance-focused rear-wheel-drive model, while the range is set to expand further with the upcoming MG4X crossover SUV, aimed at the growing small electric SUV segment.
Under the skin, the MG4 EV Urban features a new 6-in-1 electric drive system, integrating key components into a compact unit designed to reduce weight and improve interior packaging.
MG claims this contributes to a 20 per cent increase in passenger and luggage space compared with the existing MG4. The quotes numbers are 382 litres with the rear seats in-place and 1266 litres with them folded.
The Urban is offered with a 43kWh LFP battery pack that provides a claimed 316km WLTP range and a 54kWh pack with a 405km range.
DC fast-charging capability is up to 150kW enabling a 10 to 80 per cent recharge in around 30 minutes.
A high-efficiency heat pump is also standard, aimed at improving energy use and maintaining performance across varying climates.
MG also highlights the torsion beam rear suspension design, saying it prioritises space efficiency and urban usability, including a tighter turning circle for city driving.
Inside, the MG4 EV Urban is configured to seat four adults (it has five seatbelts) and includes MG Pilot driver assistance systems, with the brand targeting everyday use cases such as commuting and family duties.
The model will be backed by MG’s 10-year warranty when serviced within its dealer network, alongside capped-price servicing aimed at reducing ownership costs.
The MG4 EV Urban will be displayed publicly at the Melbourne Motor Show ahead of its showroom arrival.
“The MG4 has been a strong performer in Australia and the UK, showing there’s real demand for practical, affordable EVs, and the MG4 EV Urban builds on this by giving even more local drivers a way into electric mobility. Given current world events and skyrocketing local fuel prices, we are seeing a new cohort of motivated drivers wanting to explore what an EV could look like in their life,” said Dimitri Andreatidis, Marketing Director at MG Motor Australia.
MG4 EV Urban – Australian specifications (2026)
Variants
Essence 43 (Standard Range)
Essence 54 (Long Range)
Pricing
Essence 43: $31,990 drive-away
Essence 54: TBC
Powertrain & Performance
| Essence 43 | Essence 54 | |
|---|---|---|
| Drive layout | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Motor type | Permanent magnet synchronous | Permanent magnet synchronous |
| Power | 110kW | 118kW |
| Torque | 250Nm | 250Nm |
| 0–100km/h | 9.0 sec | 8.7 sec |
| Top speed | 160km/h | 160km/h |
Battery & Range
| Essence 43 | Essence 54 | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 43kWh LFP | 54kWh LFP |
| WLTP range | 316km | 405km |
| Efficiency | 16.5kWh/100km | 16.1kWh/100km |
| Heat pump | Standard | Standard |
Charging
| Essence 43 | Essence 54 | |
|---|---|---|
| DC fast charging | Up to 150kW | Up to 150kW |
| 10–80% (DC) | ~28 min | ~30 min |
| AC onboard charger | 6.6kW | 6.6kW |
| Charging standard | CCS Type 2 | CCS Type 2 |
Dimensions & Practicality
| Both variants | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4395mm |
| Width | 1842mm |
| Height | 1549mm |
| Wheelbase | 2750mm |
| Boot (seats up) | 382L |
| Boot (seats folded) | 1266L |
| Underfloor storage | 98L |
Chassis & Suspension
| Both variants | |
|---|---|
| Front suspension | MacPherson strut |
| Rear suspension | Reinforced torsion beam |
| Brakes | Ventilated front discs |
Key Features (both variants)
Exterior & Interior
– 17-inch alloy wheels
– LED headlights, DRLs and tail-lights
– Roof rails and rear spoiler
– Heated front seats
– Heated steering wheel
– Dual-level boot floor
Technology
– 12.8-inch infotainment screen
– 7.0-inch driver display
– Satellite navigation
– Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
– Wireless phone charging
– iSMART connectivity
Safety
– MG Pilot driver assistance suite
– Adaptive cruise control
– Autonomous emergency braking
– Blind spot detection
– Lane keep assist and lane departure warning
– 360-degree camera
– Seven airbags
