MG4 EV Urban Review – Same Name, Completely Different Car
The MG4 EV has quickly become one of the most important electric cars in the UK, proving that a rear-wheel drive EV hatchback with genuine driver appeal could be affordable. Now MG has done something curious. It has launched another car… also called MG4 EV. Well, the MG4 EV Urban, to be precise.
At first glance, that sounds like a trim level. It isn’t. It sits alongside the existing MG4 EV rather than beneath it. It looks different, rides on a completely different platform, is front-wheel drive instead of rear-wheel drive, slightly larger, and crucially, cheaper.
So what’s going on? The MG4 EV Urban is MG’s new entry point into its EV range, aimed squarely at towns, cities and everyday family use rather than the sportier brief of the original MG4.
Pricing starts at £23,495 for the Comfort Standard Range with a 43kWh battery offering up to 201 miles. The Comfort Long Range at £25,495 gets a 54kWh battery and up to 258 miles, while the Premium Long Range tops out at £27,995. With the EV grant, entry pricing drops to under £22,000, which feels almost rebellious in today’s market.
Power ranges from 147bhp to 158bhp, with 0–62mph in 9.5 seconds. That sounds modest, but like most EVs, the instant torque means it feels perfectly adequate in real-world driving.
The biggest change lies underneath. The Urban uses MG’s new E3 front-wheel drive platform, designed for efficiency, cost and packaging. That fundamentally alters its character. Where the original MG4 is playful and rear-driven, the Urban is stable, predictable and easy in traffic. It’s less about B-roads and more about daily life.
It’s also 110mm longer and slightly taller, giving it a more substantial feel. While technically a compact hatchback, it feels like a large one, with proportions that suggest genuine family usability.
Visually, the Urban softens things. The sharp creases of the original MG4 are replaced with smoother surfacing and slimmer LED headlights, with subtle Cyberster-inspired cues. At the rear, a full-width light bar keeps things modern without overdoing it. I still prefer the edgier original, but this will appeal to buyers seeking understatement.
Practicality is where the Urban really shines. Boot capacity is 479 litres, plus 98 litres under the floor, giving a total of 577 litres. That’s excellent for this class. The opening is wide, the loading lip sensible, and the split-folding seats make it genuinely versatile.
Rear space is equally impressive. With the driver’s seat set for my 6ft-plus frame, there was ample knee and headroom. Foot space is a touch tight, but still comfortable. With ISOFIX points and three seatbelts, it’s properly family-friendly.
Up front, the cabin is clean and logical. Twin screens dominate, but crucially MG retains physical controls for temperature and volume. The MG Pilot safety suite includes adaptive cruise and lane assist, while features like heated seats and smartphone integration are available depending on trim. Material quality feels appropriate for the price – not luxurious, but far from cheap.
On the road, the Urban feels exactly as intended. Steering is light and easy, visibility is good, and performance is more than sufficient for everyday use. In Sport mode it’s brisk enough, though on damp roads you’ll occasionally feel the front wheels working hard. Ride comfort is a highlight, coping well with poor British surfaces without becoming harsh.
Ultimately, if affordability, space and usability matter most, the MG4 EV Urban makes enormous sense. At under £22,000 with incentives, up to 258 miles of range and a 577-litre boot, it stands out as one of the most rational electric hatchbacks in the UK today.
BrownCarGuy.com
YouTube.com/BrownCarGuy
Facebook.com/BrownCarGuy
Instagram.com/ShahzadSheikh
Twitter.com/Shahzad_Sheikh
