MG4 Nordic Edition: our long test drive in Denmark

The MG4 Nordic Edition is the entry-level version for the Danish market. It has a 51 kWh battery, a 170 horsepower engine, and a range of 350 km according to WLTP certification. Priced at 199,999 DKK, it comes with a very rich standard equipment package at this price point. It’s easy to understand why they are becoming quite common in the country.

Here’s how it went in our in-depth test covering about 700 km.

MG4 Nordic Edition: Our Tops & Flops

The MG4 Nordic Edition features a modern and youthful design, compact dimensions that make it seem larger than it is, and a truly impressive level of technology and safety. It excels in the space-to-size ratio and with the MG Pilot, which proves reliable, along with a generally well-crafted interior. Despite having a smaller battery capacity, its good charging power and overall satisfactory range might make it a preferred choice, especially for younger drivers and those seeking a practical electric car without breaking the bank. It’s a pity about the absence of cameras to assist in maneuvers, given the particular shape of the rear window, and there’s room for improvement in some aspects of the infotainment system.

What we like:

Well-crafted interior;
Good overall handling and enjoyable driving experience;
MG Pilot is very convenient.

What we don’t like:

We would have appreciated cameras in addition to sensors;
Compatibility with CarPlay and Android Auto doesn’t always work seamlessly;
Infotainment system sounds can be a bit bothersome.

MG4 Electric: A Very Personal Design

Setting aside the Cyberster, which is a completely different story, the MG4 Electric, first MG vehicle based on Saic’s MSP plarform, is the one with the most personal and successful design, at least in my opinion. Of course, we’re talking about personal preferences, but it’s evident that there’s a certain sophistication in both the exterior and interior. In fact, the design maintains the brand’s British origins, as it was conceived in London at the Saic Design Centre in collaboration with the Royal College of Art and with contributions from the Saic Motors headquarters in Shanghai, and in China is also produced.

The result is modern and dynamic, geared towards practicality. The front is pointed and tapered for better aerodynamic efficiency, featuring large standard full LED headlights in this Nordic Edition package that illuminate well in the winter darkness, among the best in this type of car. On the sides, relatively short overhangs and small wheels contribute to stability.

At the rear, it’s modern and refined, almost three-dimensional, perhaps reminiscent of other cars, but it’s quite striking both day and night. The test model might not be in the most suitable color to highlight it, but the brunito LED taillight strip that spans the width of the car, the almost Coupe-like sloping rear window, and the double spoiler give a truly sporty impression.

In terms of dimensions, the car is more compact than it appears. With a length of 4.2 meters, a width of 1.8 meters, and a height of 1.5 meters—particularly appreciated by those over six feet, like the author. The wheelbase is 2.7 meters, notable in relation to the length, providing ample interior space. The trunk starts with a capacity of 363 liters, but the space is quite usable.

Carefully Designed and Minimal Interiors

I appreciated the interior approach even more. Certainly, don’t expect “luxury” materials like wood or metal, but everything is well-assembled and practical, with a truly practical minimalism. The steering wheel is what I liked the most: a beautiful two-spoke design, comfortable to grip, doing what it’s supposed to, and the steering is precise enough.

The dash’s overhang under the display, featuring a large non-slip compartment for smartphones of all sizes and the gear selector rotor, is also well-designed, though it’s set in a glossy black plastic context that collects quite a bit of dust.

In general, the materials are pleasant to the touch, the seats are comfortable, and even in the back, there’s enough space. During one of the trips, as I had a video call to make, I deliberately sat in the back, letting others drive, and despite my height, I was very comfortable, with even legroom to spare. Quite rare in this type of car.

There are two screens, one behind the steering wheel, small and with a fixed display showing cruise control speed, ADAS information, and range. The central one is 10.25” with native infotainment, smooth in operation, and visually pleasing, though less so in terms of system sounds. It’s a shame that it’s also glossy, reflecting more light in the summer, and that there are few physical buttons, so, for example, the air conditioning is always managed through the infotainment system.

It’s compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: the first only via cable, the latter also wirelessly.

The MG Pilot is a Great Plus

The MG4 Electric Standard has a 51 kWh battery, more suited for urban use, although it performs well both in behavior and actual range. Driving outside the city, I stayed around 300 km, close to the declared 350 km, and certainly at higher temperatures, the range can only improve.

The behavior is typical of an electric car: smooth, dynamic, seemingly not heavily affected by its weight, partly because, for a battery-powered vehicle, it weighs relatively little thanks to the compact battery: 1.6 tons, in line with or slightly lower than other cars of similar size. Additionally, the handling is well done, with perfect 50:50 balance, which is very noticeable. I continue to say that electric engine makes much more sense for this type of car, compact or sedan/station wagon, rather than SUVs.

The motor delivers 170 horsepower, and the 0-100 km/h acceleration takes place in 7.7 seconds at its peak, which is felt in Sport mode. The drive is rear-wheel, typical of electric cars, sacrificing trunk space but also reducing wheel slip when easing off the pedal, common in front-wheel-drive electric cars. In short, we’re not talking about a sports car but a well-engineered vehicle that maintains its range quite well up to 110/120 km/h and is perfect for both city driving and short trips.

And here, the MG Pilot comes into play, the set of driving aids activated with a single button on the steering wheel, setting the speed, keeping the car in the lane, slowing down when obstacles are detected, all standard. In short, a real convenience with a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system that significantly reduces stress outside the city. There are also parking sensors, but no camera, and that’s a shame because rear visibility, with this unique design, is quite limited. On the flip side, it also includes V2L technology, serving as a power source for other devices: it’s the only electric car in its category to offer this feature.

In any case, even this 51 kWh variant can potentially be used for long trips. It takes about 35 minutes to recharge from 5% to 80% thanks to DC charging up to 88 kW, and even at the more powerful Clever charging stations with over 300 kW, made by Alpitronic and costing 4,99 DKK/kWh, the cost has never exceeded 170/180 DKK. Of course, for those looking for more, there’s the 77 kWh variant, which charges up to 135 kW in DC and has a range of over 500 km.