New 2023 MG4 XPower arrives as 429bhp electric hot hatch
The MG4 XPower is the firm’s most powerful road car yet, with a host of engineering upgrades to kick start MG’s performance car revival
MG has already given the EV establishment plenty to think about with the affordable, dynamically accomplished MG4 hatch, and now it has its sights set on the electric hot hatch market with this: the MG4 XPower. Along with the Cyberster sports car, the newcomer aims to reignite MG’s credentials as a performance car manufacturer, arriving as the firm’s most powerful production car to date.
Underpinned by MG’s MSP architecture, the XPower uses an uprated dual-motor setup that generates 429bhp and 442lb ft of torque, with the front and rear units contributing 201bhp and 228bhp respectively. With a new torque distribution control system and the inclusion of an electronic locking differential, the XPower deploys its power more efficiently than the standard MG4 for a 0-62mph time of just 3.8 seconds when using launch control. MG’s engineers have also reworked the 4’s regenerative braking system to allow for one-pedal driving.
> MG Cyberster 2023 review – is it a true sports car?
The XPower treatment also extends to the chassis, which receives new suspension components for tauter responses. Revised spring and damper tuning combines with new anti-roll bars for a 25 per cent increase in overall stiffness, with recalibrated steering to suit. The brakes, meanwhile, have been upgraded with ventilated 345mm discs at each corner.
Predictably, the greater energy demands of the new dual-motor setup impacts range compared to the less powerful MG4 Trophy; the latter achieves 281 miles compared with the XPower’s 239-mile figure using the same 64kWh battery pack. Still, 150kW rapid charging capability enables a 10-80 per cent top up in 35 minutes.
Going on sale this month from £36,495, the MG4 XPower gets a selection of subtle design tweaks along with the extra performance. Orange brake calipers, a black roof and new 18-inch alloy wheels are the most notable changes, along with a new matte-finish Racing Green paint colour exclusive to the XPower.
The cabin is largely familiar too, with the same general layout centred around a 10.25-inch touchscreen mounted to the dash. The XPower will get grippier Alcantara sports seats and aluminium pedal plates for a sportier ambience, though.
