Upcoming 2026 MG4 Model to Incorporate an Economical Front-Wheel Drive Configuration
The British automaker MG is set to expand its electric hatchback range in Australia with the introduction of the new MG4 Urban, a front-wheel-drive (FWD) model scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2026. Priced below $38,000 driveaway, the MG4 Urban will offer an entry-level option that undercuts the current rear-wheel-drive (RWD) base MG4 Excite priced at $37,990 driveaway.
Key Features of the MG4 Urban
The MG4 Urban will come equipped with a single front-mounted electric motor delivering 120kW power and 250Nm torque. It will feature smaller lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries of 43kWh and 54kWh capacity, offering up to approximately 437 km and 530 km range under the CLTC testing standard, respectively.
Other key features include front-wheel drive, a different platform and styling compared to the existing MG4 RWD and AWD, MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension, integrated thermal management using proprietary aluminium alloy for efficient battery temperature control, and support for 2C ultra-fast charging, enabling 30%-80% charge in 20 minutes. The interior will boast 30 storage spaces and a 98L concealed dry/wet separation boot storage.
Comparison with Current MG4 RWD and AWD Variants
The MG4 Urban will differ significantly from the current MG4 RWD and AWD variants, both in terms of drive layout, battery options, range, suspension, pricing, and size. A comparison table highlights these differences:
| Aspect | New MG4 Urban (FWD) | Current MG4 RWD / AWD | |----------------------|------------------------------------|----------------------------------| | Drive layout | Front-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive | | Motor power | 120kW, 250Nm | RWD: similar motor, AWD versions more powerful (MG4 XPOWER AWD at higher prices) | | Battery options | 43kWh and 54kWh LFP batteries | 51kWh and 77kWh batteries (to be phased out) | | Range (CLTC) | Up to 530 km (54kWh battery) | Similar to or higher with bigger battery options | | Suspension | MacPherson strut front, torsion beam rear | Multi-link independent rear suspension | | Pricing (driveaway) | Below $38,000 (estimated) | Starts from $37,990 (RWD base Excite) to $55,990 (MG4 XPOWER AWD) | | Size | Slightly larger, 4395mm length | 4287mm length |
Broadening the MG Electric Hatch Range
The MG4 Urban is designed as a more affordable, city-friendly version to complement the more premium RWD and AWD MG4 variants, both of which will remain available in Australia. With its sharper pricing and smaller batteries, it aims to rival cheaper electric hatchbacks like the BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora more directly.
The new FWD MG4 will replace the current 51kWh option and join updated RWD and AWD 64kWh variants at higher prices. Additionally, an upcoming semi-solid-state battery option for the FWD MG4 is set for mass deliveries later this year, promising superior low-temperature discharge power and better energy retention than rival units.
In China, the front-drive variant of the MG4 is launching on September 5, featuring a larger 15.6-inch touchscreen, 50-watt wireless phone charging, leather-look seats, ventilated front seats, 256-color ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade.
The MG4 is currently available in rear- and all-wheel-drive variants with battery options of 51kWh, 64kWh, and 77kWh. The FWD MG4 is expected to broaden the vehicle's appeal, particularly in China where the sportier RWD styling has underperformed. The starting price for the 51kWh RWD MG4 is under $40,000 drive-away.
The new FWD MG4 will be based on a different, larger platform with softer styling and a longer 2750mm wheelbase. MG Australia CEO Peter Ciao stated that the new FWD MG4 will "complement the MG4 RWD and AWD," ensuring that MG's electric hatch range caters to a broader audience in 2026.
- The introduction of the new MG4 Urban, a front-wheel-drive electric hatchback, is expected to strengthen MG's position in the industry, offering an affordable option in the automotive sector that competes with vehicles like the BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora.
- In the realm of finance, the MG4 Urban, priced below $38,000 driveaway, will provide a competitive edge in the transportation sector, appealing to budget-conscious consumers across Australia and China, where it is also set to launch.
