Bought one last November, absolutely love it! A couple of days ago I had a Jag SUV up my arse on a slip road onto a motorway - hit the quiet pedal and he/she was a distant memory in a few seconds - the sleeper awakes!
This car hits the mark for me. I prefer the understated look rather than a childlike hot wheels car. Convenience of a 5 door hatchback with the fun of beating ICE boy racers at the 🚦🚀....silently. If fun = hard suspension track focused I'd rather a GT kind of set up...fast and comfortable for normal roads
@@renz2.060 The part where you say you actually drove the car, implying that the RUclipsr did not, which seems odd considering he drove it for 100s of miles
As for the styling. I'm buying one BECAUSE it doesn't look any different to a standard car. If it looked like say a Hyundai hot hatch which look like someone spent £50 on them at Halfords, I wouldn't be buying one. All other points are accepted.
I exactly like that the XPOWER does not look so much different from the regular MG4. I call it a Sleeper Steal. What I don‘t like so much is that MG missed optimizing it for cornering. Adaptive / dynamic dampers and the option to lower it in sport mode is what I am missing. But I love it.
@renz2.060 Crikey! I often suspected there was something abnormal about me. This finally confirms it! I am nearly 70 and I have been like this all my life. Show me a great piece of road and I just want to ....go, go, GO!
I am roding my new XPower now for one week and I ❤ it. Honestly, I don‘t care so much about consumption currently but enjoy the pure fun factor … and as for cornering - better than expected.
Reviewer was repetitively negative from the start and simply didn't like the car for some reason and looked for any tiny thing to vocalize his dislike no matter how petty, what a waste of 45 mins.
Well I’m not sure what video you watched, but I think you’ve picked up something that isn’t there. There is no negativity there, as I say (on more than one occasion) it’s a very good car. I do like it. However, I feel the better car in the MG4 range is the Trophy Extended Range as I think it’s quick enough, and it has a better chassis as it’s a single motor and therefore not as corrupted at the front axle by having to deal with more power. Stating as we find is what AutoEV is about. We review cars based on many years of experience and speak as we find. Now that won’t be what every channel does, as they prefer sitting on a fence. That’s not us. People rely on us to deliver a thoughtful and considered verdict, hence why we put the cars through quite extensive use during our time with them, with many being reviewed in Scotland as it provides me with a long journey to evaluate them and form these opinions. But I digress. There was no “petty dislikes” just honest and considered opinions. I’m sorry if you have a different opinion of the car, but we are all different with differing likes and dislikes. But please don’t criticise me for something I didn’t do, and for perhaps holding a different opinion to you. Thank you for watching.
@roblippiatt3727 Good that compared to other fast EV'S they are really cheap and it's a lot less than you'll lose on a Taycan, Jag, Audi, BMW, EV6 . 👍 What's not to like. 🤣
@@petrolhead023 it’s less yes because it’s cheaper to buy in the first place, but I still lost £18k in 12 months … I don’t consider that in any way a good thing .
@@Trevelyan1971 I smell something.... The cheapest Xpower on Autotrader UK is £27,494. I guess you lost £18k in a dream. 👍 At least base discussions on fact. 👍 Maybe a better idea to stick to commenting on the Triumph or Enfield.
I now have an MG4 SE LR and it is faster than I will ever need. I cannot imagine how fast the XPOWER must be or why anybody would feel the need or even desire to buy it.
why are you comparing 1980 to now. The MG4 looks great. Drives great and has all the modem tech. Why are you complaining for a cheap EV with everything. The worse is BYD.
Well thought out and thorough review, as usual. When I drove the MG Luxury I thought like you yes this is a very good car for the money, so much that I ordered one, over 10 months ago. Unfortunately I have just cancelled my order because of the non existance of any type of customer service with only lies.
Literally only getting this car because it doesnt look too 'boy racer' and it wont be as much of a bone shaker in every day use as most other hot-hatches. It ticks most of the boxes for me. The only things I would like are an option to have it without the orange plastic brake covers (or at least a black or grey option), wireless android connection, and for it to remember your settings between journeys.
I drive a 2022 Mini Cooper S E level 3, it’s huge fun and well built. For many the small battery is a problem but not for me as I use mine as a runabout on the fast straight flat A roads across Central Scotland where my longest ever round trip was 90 miles. The Mini is also very very efficient even in hooligan mode. For the money I would sooner change my Mini in 2-3 years time for the X-Power or the Trophy Extended range that don’t pretend to be anything other than cheap performance than to spend it on the forthcoming next gen Mini that has no screen in front of the driver, has next to no buttons on the fascia/dash, a silly huge central screen that controls all the controls that should have buttons on the dash not buried in the menus of a computer screen (buttons work well in the current gen Mini’s why change them) and will be built for low cost in China but sold at top end European prices here.
blimey our brains must have been separated at birth 😄 i too own a mini se ..love the car but no interest in the new minis controls ..so yes in two more years when the cars pcp is up i really do fancy the x power.
Nice review…. But the things you dislike about it are the very things some like. It’s the beauty of a review and subjectivity……So just a heads up for those tempted….. these can be got for under 30k now brand new with careful shopping. Also, in my past experience with cars and rubber…. The Bridgestone Turanza is literally the last tyre I would choose. Decent rubber will transform the handling & resonance I’m sure. Will find that out.
Very rarely test drivers mention the turning circle. I think it is an important thing to make our life easier in parking situations and deserved to be mentioned systematically in every test.
Thankyou for your review. However I can't understand why this particular MG gets reviews from one extreme to the other. Personally go and have a test drive yourself. And judge your own opinion. Because I found the car brilliant 👏
I think you’ve hit the nail on the head there. Remember, all we can do is judge it on our own opinions, and like I say, it is a very good car. I just think the extended range Trophy is probably the one I’d go for.
Great review - I was looking forward to this one. I’ve seen this exact car at a dealer and the green colour is beautiful in the flesh. Agree it has had very little done to it, especially in the interior. Tempted to have a test drive but my company lease runs for another 18 months so not in a position to get one yet. I’d definitely go for the extended range version apart from one thing - you can only get the green colour in the XPower. Would that change my choice, am I that shallow? Quite possibly as it is gorgeous!
Negativity... 1.32 - Mg's history is Pok Marked, 5.21 - started slagging off the styling, reviewer thinks it's should not be a 'Q car' - it should be a rampant toddler dressed in 1980's benneton' , 06:34 - cover on the calipers...mmm. Bryan not happy, 07:56... it's not really any different to the regular trophy.... Bryan does not like a 'Q Car', 08:04 0 Bryan's problem is how the car doesn't look..., 10:19 - Bryan has 'tightness under the drivers seat for his feet...', 10:54 - Bryan doesn't like the 'dark' in the rear as he thinks it should have a sun roof, 12:14 - rear door bins won't take Bryan's drink bottles - only a childs, 13:10 - Bryan's got an issue with the inside.. it's the same as the praised MG4 trophy but Bryan's not happy with the same interior in the Xpower,... Where's the red seat belts.. yeah..., 13:55... Bryan want's red stiching or a red emblem to make him think he's sitting in the Xpower, 19:44... Steering wheel was uncomfortable...., 20:14 .. the buttons on the steering wheel have to be 'physicially touched....' Bryan doesn't like..., 22:14... The plastics on the dash were great in the 'old' mg4 but they are starting to 'feel cheap' in the Xpower.. , 23:17 ... Bryan's unhappy with the 10" screen again....., At this point I could not be bothered to comment more on the negativity of Bryan.
If you can’t take a constructive review of a car (which I happen to say is actually a good car, but maybe not the best choice in the range) then perhaps you need to stop watching car reviews. Just in case they happen to offer a different opinion to yours. If you don’t agree with my points, then thats fine. But what do you want me to say? It’s a bloody brilliant thing because it’s £36k and it’s faster than a Porsche? I offer constructive opinions and reviews for car buyers answering questions car buyers might want to know. If you just want sensationalism then watch Matt Watson’s drag races on Carwow. Don’t mistake opinions and fact to negativity. Otherwise life may disappoint you. At no point do I say it’s bad car, it’s just I feel there is a better one within the MG4 range.
@@AutoEV I never said that you claimed it was ' a bad car'. I just commented on the repetitive negative comments in the review. It would have been nice if you could have focused more on the positives as you mention above. Overall the review was heavily biased on negatives in your opinion when in reality yes, the car has some stronger and less strong attributes but overall it's nothing short of stellar for the money
@@petrolhead023 I agree that it is very good for the money, but it isn’t the best choice of MG4 in my opinion. That’s the point I’m making. They should have done more to make the XPower stand out, and the other points I raise are applicable across the board. The car is an excellent car, but it’s not without fault, and it’s my job to highlight the areas that could be improved.
I have the new Trophy and I see what you mean, but this is the Aldi/Lidl of electric cars, the price reflects that so I think if someone wants a sports car with the flash then pay more, a lot more
seriously considering the trophy extended model, more than enough for me. This just seems overkill with the speed yet doesn't seem like they designed the brakes and handling to accommodate it...
That would be my pick of the range for sure. I’d trade the performance for the better range and sweeter chassis: and to be fair, the extended range car is still quick!!
@@AutoEV exactly. I honestly don't see why anyone needs a faster car unless it's for tracks. I can see so many people getting into trouble when they can buy a sub 4 second car for cheap.
They should have optioned it so you could make it wilder looking. I've never got hot hatches, convertable driving with the roof down is always the best fun, you don't so much power.
The NISSAN LEAF ZE1 NISMO Edition is a way better looking HOT HATCH than this ! And better in many other ways that are most important like Reliability, Safety, Value.
In fact, I agree with you on all points and thank you for your interesting, competent and exciting report about the MG4 xpower. I would like to learn a little more about the so-called “autopilot” function. In particular, whether an improvement can be noticed after the last software update. How does the “Autopilot” perform compared to competitors after the last update? Have you already talked about it in one of your videos? We don't hear much about this from German car RUclipsrs. Kind regards from Aix la Chapelle, Germany
Every tester has complained about the orange caliper covers? To me they look good and keep the caliper clean! I don't get the complaint.The whole point of a sleeper car is not to bring attention to yourself. Audi are masters at making cars that look ordinary with massive power!
@@AutoEV it just looks good, especially against the silk finish of the paint. There are many cars with painted calipers, yellow, red, black, would you take them off if you bought one then?
I have a standard MG4 and it's no slouch. I test drove the X-Power last month and it is an absolute lunatic. I honestly think it's too quick. I'd much prefer the new Extended range Trophy for the same money which will still hit 60mph in around 6 seconds.
Fast acceleration is something you can do with electric cars, it suits the tecnnology. But putting on wide grippy tires to make them suitable as track racers will reduce the range too much. Hence we get cars like Kia EV6 GT and MG4 Xpower, it is kind of a new thing.
At 15.27 you show the info. screen of the MG. I was very surprised to see that it was showing 2.5 mls/kwh and a range of 150 miles. Is this consumption average for this car, in your opinion? Or, have you been giving it a good old spanking? 🤔 Enjoyable review as always Bryan, keep up the good work.
As always, thank you for watching and taking the time to send such a lovely comment. It was a mixture of motorway driving the previous day from Surrey to Scotland, and then that morning some relatively quick driving to get the b-roll footage on the Beeftub, so I probably haven't helped it much! On my way back from Scotland however, I could have done the trip with just two 30 minute charges, and its a 350 mile trip. Its not bad if you don't have a heavy right foot.
I think I can simply settle either for a Essence 64 or Long Range 77 otherwise your Trophy if that's what is called. Both are pure RWD. Excite 51 and longer range Excite 64 are no slouches but normally I like to go for a high spec trim. However the Excite 51's price tag minus rebate temps me. The only part of the XPower I really like is a set of Pure Alloy wheels, NO plastic covers!
Great review - thank you, agree the Trophy LR would seem to be the one to go for. Its refreshing that traditional brand snobbery is being eroded by those car makers investing and innovating in EV design.
I think the Q car thing is something that should be celebrated. In fact there’s an argument that MG may have invented the genre in the 1950’s with the Magnette of the early part of that decade. Pauses for nasal anoraks to shout me down.
Hi Bryan, I like the slightly understated look of this supposed sporty version and wouldn't want it to be too 'blingy'. But I need to get to the interior bit and the way she drives. Interiors on the cheaper models to me look just like that - CHEAP. I have a ZS EV and whilst it may have aspects I would like to change, the interior is not one of them; especially since I bought her brand new 2 years ago for 15,500€. Re the centre media console and it's reactiveness whilst on the move : does the car have voice activation? If it does it might be worth doing a comparison between button pressing versus voice actuation. Also whilst on the move, voice actuation should be the winner every time, if only for safety reasons ???
Do you know if it has the same functionality as Marvel R Performance AWD with the reverse gear? When reversing with Marvel, it's RWD, meaning that no power to the front wheels whilst on reverse. Stupid functionality which makes it pretty unusable in Nordic winter.
Its a hard one its great to go ahead with the bmw squad on a straight line and traffic lights but country roads I no what you mean about the rear wheel aspect had the old escort rs 2000
What is a “fun” hot hatch? A FWD GTI which I know well but not so great in the wet. Many say the AWD Golf R is dull. Is it the AWD that makes these all wheel drives dull? Waiting for the XPower to be released in Australia, have driven the Essence 64kW (similar to a UK Trophy).
It all depends on what you class as “fun” I suppose. Many people see the acceleration as fun (I personally don’t) and many say you need RWD, which I don’t necessarily subscribe to either. I have a FWD MINI Cooper S which is a fun car. My issue with the XPower is that it feels like they chased headline power and sprint times for their headlines, not a fluid drivers car. I drove the Polestar 2 BST270 down the same road a few months back and the subtlety in the chassis, the way it dealt with imperfections was sublime. But it has the same power as the standard Polestar 2 with Performance Pack, but feels even better. It’s the fluency that you don’t lose as you increase the speed that is the key in my opinion. If you can drive down the same road 10-20mph faster and still feel in control, that’s the key. In the XPower, you feel that as the speed increases, the control you have as a driver disappears. Hope that makes sense?
My current car is a 2011 VW Polo Sportspak with the slightly lowered suspension. A lot of fun to drive with its 77kW, quiet, comfortable, go kart like and none of the modern LKA rubbish. Often think a slightly less powerful car you can drive "hard" without breaking too many laws is ultimately the most fun. In Australia there are serious incentives to go electric, no fringe benefits tax payable if the car is company owned, etc. Here MG4s range from GBP19.800 for the 51kW Excite to about GBP28000 for the 77kw Essence (UK Trophy).
It is what it is and a great car, in a straight line. However the disjointed dealership support and lack of support from China in terms of software and firmware updates (no change logs) makes it a frustrating experience to own an MG.
@@AutoEV Yes, I own a Trophy, bought in April this year. I experienced an AC compressor with no oil and warped under tray. Both issues rejected by MG at one dealer (my local MG, but with no technicians so I was sent to Volvo next door), but then both fixed after MG approval at another, albeit 80 miles away from me. China releases firmware and software updates with no change logs, so dealerships do not know what fixes what. Dealerships also lack technicians (likely demotivated and leave), so booking in can take months. I have booked in to fix bluetooth and remote hvac enabling issues, but the next slot is two months away. I could go on...
@@dean7442 wow, that’s a disappointing chain of events. Not what the fastest growing brand in Europe should be about. I’m sorry to hear about this. I’m interested to know (and it might seem a silly question of course!) but does it put you off having another, or do you see an improvement happening now?
@@AutoEV The car itself is a good car, bar the software bugs and faults I mentioned. It's the dealerships and MG support which gives me cause for concern. Of course having China in the mix complicates things. Another couple examples are one pedal driving is released on 'Phase 2' cars, but MG state they are unlikely to deploy to 'Phase 1' cars, despite the cars being capable of using it, as seen with 'TJA' traffic jam assist stopping the car. Also OTA (Over The Air) software updates promised, but not forthcoming. So, would I buy again?.. No, good car, but worrying how MG will survive with that level of service and I do not see any change soon, all dealers franchised out, SAIC own MG and SAIC are owned by the Chinese state. I am now looking at the Volvo EX30.
@@dean7442 well thank you for your insight and views on the situation. Obviously we deal with MG UK so have to rely on people like yourself to tell us about the ownership experience and whether it’s good or bad. Thank you for being so candid. Good choice on your next car by the way! I’m very much looking forward to seeing and driving the EX30. Bryan @ AutoEV.
Disagree with the conclusions of this video..if you want a hyper EV hatch not huge range then this will suit you down to the ground. When I was after a m140i,I didn't consider a 118 d instead just because it had better range...
I think my MG4 trophy is way powerful enough and I wouldn't like to loose the range. Great to see the back wiper but they could have got rid of the awful piano black.
I’m trying to decide between the XPower or Trophy, I don’t need the extra power but I do like the idea of AWD rather than RWD for winter driving. This would be a salary sacrifice car and we don’t have storage for winter tyres, so that’s not an option. I don’t need the extended range…but do like the idea of the electric boot on the XPower etc.
We orderd the new trophy yesterday. Our first EV and Mrs will be driving it most of the time so we thought we'd ease her in gently while MG perfect the XPower. Not arsed about measuring lengths with the Porsche and Audi EV drivers just yet as we have a young family, but we will in a few years time.
@@giantballoon3491it will be our first EV too. It was between the MG4 or the Kia Niro (we ruled out the Leaf) but we’ve narrowed it down to the MG4, just not sure which one. I’m away to have another look this afternoon 😊
I had the Trophy on order but changed to X Power for the 4 wheel drive and supercar power when you want to embarrass the boy racers revving their ICE cars at the lights. Will be a company car so also looking forward to minimal personal tax
Hi Gail, Please don't fall for the often told myth that AWD is better in snow and ice than RWD or FWD. Yes on a flat surface with slow pulling away speeds and minimum snow and no ice an AWD is slightly better than a FWD which in turn is better than a RWD, but on faster roads, turns, slip roads and inclines the grip to get you moving and keep you moving in these conditions is given by the tyres which is why people do fit winters. If the tyre provides no grip then FWD / RWD cars will just spin the 2 driven wheels whereas an AWD will just end up spinning all 4. If you're worried about winter driving and can't store winter tyres a set of All Season tyres such as the Michelin Cross Climate 2's would be a better option for winter driving than an AWD on summer tyres and they can be left on all year round. A set of these for example fitted on a RWD Trophy will be far better and safer for winter driving than the summer tyres fitted to an AWD XPower. A friend had All Seasons fitted to his 3 series, also RWD, and had no problems in winter driving while chuckling at struggling Range Rovers sliding down slip roads on their summer tyres..
@@johnstephenson6231I think one of my concerns is that we can’t control tyre choice as they’re included as part of our package and we don’t have the option of paying more for all season tyres. All changes need to be approved by the salary sacrifice company. My dad mentioned that it’s more about weight distribution with RWD and with this car having 50:50 distribution it may not be as bad as an ICE RWD.
Not sure the review matches the price of the vehicle and the comparisons with the competition are severely lacking. I have no vested interest in MG anything, but really, a AWD car under steers? Is that some sort of news? Isn't the essence of the hot hatch to be an overpowered econobox? I mean, the comparison at the beginning with the MG Metro is funny, because with the rest of the video you make it sound like that was such a polished experience.
But you misunderstand the point. I'm not saying its a bad car - far from it, its a very good one. But as I say, it is so because the standard car is, and my point is that if they had been trying to chase driver enjoyment, then I would have stuck with the single motor at the rear and not chased as big a power output for better handling finesse. Plenty of hot hatches handle very well, Peugeot 205GTi, Renaultsport Clio, VW Golf GTI Mk5, etc, and they don't have big horsepower in comparison. Just adding power doesn't make it better, it just makes it faster. And once you've done the silly acceleration a few times, what is left? That's why I would recommend going for the Trophy Extended Range at the same price. Still quick, but with a better chassis and a longer range. Surely that makes sense? Oh, and I am very well aware of how UNpolished an MG Metro was.....!!!🤣🤣🤣
@@AutoEV I do understand the recommendation aspect from a sensible point of view. However, the consideration for hot-hatches, is not very seldom based on reason. There is undoubtedly an appeal for the abnormally quick acceleration, otherwise Tesla would not have the fan base they have. Don't get me wrong, I prefer less acceleration for other aspects of the driving experience, but then again, I never really bought into the hot-hatch thing, precisely because they are too compromised. Thanks for the positive and quick reply though. Nice touch.
@@AutoEV there must be a section of the sport mode in the MG4 menu, dedicated to drifting, if the safe controls are not esculded I think that mode must be great fun! DId you tried? Old school based on lack of safety sistems, made AWD understeering, novadays this is stupid and make RWD so better. with some tricks I can make my 408cv VOlvo recharge AWD, oversteer but is not simple like WAS in my old BMW I3
Enjoyed the review. Yes to me this model should at least look more fun than the standard one. As one reviewer commented, the car looks like a shoe. Price-wise, I suppose it's difficult to have all the power plus all the handling fun rolled into one, maybe unrealistic. That achieved, I'm sure would add another £20k or more to the price. At the end of the day you get what you pay for. And on that note we eagerly await the Cyberster...
What is the point of a very fast 0-60 time when you can’t do that on everyday roads in the UK. The tradeoff for that acceleration is the extremely poor range. Perhaps in a couple of years when the UK charging network goes from awful to slightly less awful (or battery capacity improves) then it would be impressive (same for the new ‘sporty’ Ioniq).
I’d say that is the correct opinion to have. Some will trade the handling and range for that ridiculous speed, where others will find it superfluous and will want the bigger range.
The counterpoint to Rampant toddler dressed in 80's Benneton is the sleeper car. No one can tell your car has extremely compromised efficiency and you run a tab at the tire shop because it's dangerously fast. You can park it at your office job and drive it to your climate action meetings without shame. Red belts would ruin this bland interior, not improve it. A key historic attribute of an MG is simplicity and austerity. It seems to me, this car ever so slightly has that characteristic. It's not lacking tech, but it's not focused on it. I'm in the USA, so these MGs are forbidden fruit, but it seems that aside from the fact that it's not got much British about it, the MG4 is a winner. Now about that silly amount of power and excessive acceleration... The trophy's 7.1 sec 0-60 time is good, and considering electrics have good torque whenever you want it, that's probably consistent with how MGs in the past underperformed in a straight line, but made up for it with light weight, and sporty handling. We drive a BMW i4 eDrive40 with 0-60 times around 5.2 seconds and it's too fast for such a heavy car. BMW shouldn't have bothered with the AWD M50 and I feel that way about this X-Power too. They should have probably focused on sports seats, adjustable dampers, and mildly more power, not this insane supercar beating crap that just escalates the problem with TOO FAST EVs. Finally, if I'm honest, you'd do well to pop around to your GP and get your height measured once and for all. We all vary with the time of the day. Get an official reading and stop waffling about your height. It makes you look like you're either unaware, or OCD. haha, just joking. Great review and thanks.
Our last car was an Elise, and that car had 0-60 in 4.9 sec. with only 190 hp, because lightness. I never speeded in that car, but it was great fun just driving a sane speeds, slowing a bit less for corners. I know we're struggling with weight on these big battery cars. We need a reality check on giving family cars supercar acceleration. It's a dangerous formula that baits immature drivers into bad behavior on our already unsafe roads. And yes, 65 year old men are often immature drivers. It's why Astin Martin and Jaguar F-Type exists. ;^) And yes, Tesla started this acceleration seeking mess. We should push back and focus far more on efficiency and increasing road handling without the need for massively wide tires, which trash efficiency.
I’ve driven the MG4 Xpower and it’s competitor the Smart #1 Brabus which is £7k more expensive. I’ll tell you which I’ve ordered and why after I’ve viewed this video.
Best Q car ever. Do they offer the option of NOT having all those silly special details? Definitely NOT the special matt color, I wouldn' t want to alert petroheads...
No one said it’s a Mustang - it’s a hot hatch, and I’d like to have seen them so something a bit different over the standard car. I get a sleeper, but if you are trying to tempt people out of GTIs and Golf Rs they will want a bit more pizzazz than a set of orange brake callipers covers a and some red stitching.
Nice description but Joe Soap and Mrs Miggins won't drive this car anywhere as well as you do. Cars nowadays are very fast, even the little ones. Unfortunately, overtaking has gone out of the window due to folk being ground down to mediocrity.
Don't get the looking like other mg4s. Golf R Ford Focus ST etc...barring a couple of things like twin exhausts they look exactly the same. But in saying that I would go for the Trophy version mainly because of the increased range. Great upload pal.
I can’t wait for your take on the updated Tesla Model 3 - specifically the removal of the fixed, discoverable column controls in preference for moving buttons and screen dabs/swipes. ASAP please. The LFP MG is a replacement contender for our Model 3 if we were in a hurry to sell it.
Well a lot of work for MG happens in the UK (they have a design studio in London) so I’m sure they do know about it. Do they care about it? I’m sure there will be stuff they want to forget, but I’d like to see them trade a bit more on that heritage.
I think for that kind of money, I would rather go for a better-known brand. At the 2wd price point, I think the MG4 is a great car, the X-Power just seems to be trying too hard, and it doesn't seem special enough when compared to the other cars in the range. Sure, the extra power is nice, but in reality, when would you really need it?
18" is better than 20" in nearly every situation. F1 used 13" until recently, NASCAR uses 15". 20" wheels make a certain statetent about the driver - that he doesnt understand.
Ok I’ve watched it now. I completely agree with your feelings and any sensible person would go for the trophy. There’s a very good reason why the Xpower and the Brabus etc will never be any good tearing round corners and that’s weight and that why my i3s is much more fun. 1,800kg 1,900kg & 1,300 kg respectively. So with that out of the way I’ve gone for the Brabus even though it’s £7k more expensive than the MG. The extra quality ride and kit it’s in a different league. Eg both seats electric, HUD, ski hatch, dog mode, red accents & seatbelts, matrix led lights, heat pump, electric tailgate, flush door handles with puddle lights, cool box from AC, panoramic roof with electric blind, self parking and a big plus for me 22 kW onboard AC charger and much more. If you like this you will hate the Volvo EX30 because it’s a complete opposite even though it’s made by the same company on the same platform, it’s too Tesla too ikea no driver or HUD it’s sparse.🎉
you just like a show off of the car. more bling bling inside, why do care about what other can see.. I would know its the Xpower, i don´t care about if other can see that. so forget the inside bling bling with colors and sticking. not neasareay. and the 77kw version will be a lot heavier..
Evs are not for driving enthusiasts at all, i wanted to love the Xpower, but coming from a GTi and a Porsche Boxster, the Xpower is extremely underwhelming to drive in every aspect besides acceleration. Put your 36k towards a nice Boxster or Cayman, it will satisfy in every way, and wont lose epic amounts of cash either.
Mg4 retains 66% of it's value £28k - loss of £9611. Porsche boxster retains 64% and you've just lost £23450. Cayman loses even more£££. So. Buy a boxster/Cayman and lose loads of money if that's what pleases you. 👍
You're missing the point a bit. It's 36k for a new car which does 0-60 in 3.8 seconds. We'd have to spend more than double that for a Porsche brand new. If money wasn't an option then sure, but it is for most of us.
Thank you for your comment. It has always been a real quandary for us about the length of our videos. Our issue is that we are quite small with no "big names" attached to us such as Fully Charged or Electrifying.com has so its all about finding "our" audience. One thing we found early on is that a lot of people who watch AutoEV are looking to potentially purchase a car, and so we decided that our USP should be that we are thorough and really go deep into what the cars are like with all the pros and cons. In other words, we should cover everything that a potential buyer may ask in the showroom. Its also why i try to put as many miles onto the cars during my time with them, in order to find out how they really are to live with. Not just 30 minutes round the block and give a 5 minute presentation. I completely understand that this won't appeal to everyone, and it goes against what many people said about RUclips videos (keep them short and concise), but it helps us stand out in a crowded automotive media space. I do take on board every comment, especially those who say our videos are too long, but I hope that I have gone some way to explain why we do it this way? Anyway, thank you for watching and as I say, for taking the time to comment. I hope you persevere with us! Best wishes Bryan
@@AutoEV Bryan, on that note, given that the channel aims at providing good sensible buyers guide, wouldn't it make sense to do a BEV / ICE comparison fro each car you test. I find that this is the biggest missing bit of information in any channel. People are mostly driving ICEs still so, having a like for like for each EV tested would be a great asset.
Bought one last November, absolutely love it! A couple of days ago I had a Jag SUV up my arse on a slip road onto a motorway - hit the quiet pedal and he/she was a distant memory in a few seconds - the sleeper awakes!
This car hits the mark for me. I prefer the understated look rather than a childlike hot wheels car. Convenience of a 5 door hatchback with the fun of beating ICE boy racers at the 🚦🚀....silently. If fun = hard suspension track focused I'd rather a GT kind of set up...fast and comfortable for normal roads
You'll all be pleased to know that I watched this video then went ahead and ordered the Xpower. Difference is I've also driven it.
Well done, me too!
@@benoittardivaud6370 Congratulations! In green as well?
I am confused. You say you watched the video, but you say you have actually driven it? This guy not only tested drove it, he drove it 100s of miles!
@@gregb1599 Which part confuses you?
@@renz2.060 The part where you say you actually drove the car, implying that the RUclipsr did not, which seems odd considering he drove it for 100s of miles
It looks like a genuine sleeper car!
I am taking of the silly orange brakes caps. Maybe a blue one, green is also fine.
Perfect supercar killer! ❤
As for the styling. I'm buying one BECAUSE it doesn't look any different to a standard car. If it looked like say a Hyundai hot hatch which look like someone spent £50 on them at Halfords, I wouldn't be buying one. All other points are accepted.
I exactly like that the XPOWER does not look so much different from the regular MG4. I call it a Sleeper Steal. What I don‘t like so much is that MG missed optimizing it for cornering. Adaptive / dynamic dampers and the option to lower it in sport mode is what I am missing. But I love it.
Don't read too much into car journalists' comments on cornering. They are talking about treating B-roads as a race track. Normal people don't.
i read that it is as low as it can go, the manafacturer says that if it were any lower it would scrape when flooring it.
@@caboodle5462 That is indeed what MG have said.
@renz2.060 Crikey! I often suspected there was something abnormal about me. This finally confirms it! I am nearly 70 and I have been like this all my life. Show me a great piece of road and I just want to ....go, go, GO!
I am roding my new XPower now for one week and I ❤ it. Honestly, I don‘t care so much about consumption currently but enjoy the pure fun factor … and as for cornering - better than expected.
Now you've made me curious to see you test the extended range Trophy MG4 :)
Reviewer was repetitively negative from the start and simply didn't like the car for some reason and looked for any tiny thing to vocalize his dislike no matter how petty, what a waste of 45 mins.
Well I’m not sure what video you watched, but I think you’ve picked up something that isn’t there. There is no negativity there, as I say (on more than one occasion) it’s a very good car. I do like it. However, I feel the better car in the MG4 range is the Trophy Extended Range as I think it’s quick enough, and it has a better chassis as it’s a single motor and therefore not as corrupted at the front axle by having to deal with more power. Stating as we find is what AutoEV is about. We review cars based on many years of experience and speak as we find. Now that won’t be what every channel does, as they prefer sitting on a fence. That’s not us. People rely on us to deliver a thoughtful and considered verdict, hence why we put the cars through quite extensive use during our time with them, with many being reviewed in Scotland as it provides me with a long journey to evaluate them and form these opinions.
But I digress. There was no “petty dislikes” just honest and considered opinions. I’m sorry if you have a different opinion of the car, but we are all different with differing likes and dislikes. But please don’t criticise me for something I didn’t do, and for perhaps holding a different opinion to you.
Thank you for watching.
If you brought one of these new in the last 12 months you can kiss goodbye to 50% of what you paid 😢
@roblippiatt3727 Good that compared to other fast EV'S they are really cheap and it's a lot less than you'll lose on a Taycan, Jag, Audi, BMW, EV6 . 👍 What's not to like. 🤣
@@petrolhead023 it’s less yes because it’s cheaper to buy in the first place, but I still lost £18k in 12 months … I don’t consider that in any way a good thing .
@@Trevelyan1971 I smell something.... The cheapest Xpower on Autotrader UK is £27,494. I guess you lost £18k in a dream. 👍 At least base discussions on fact. 👍 Maybe a better idea to stick to commenting on the Triumph or Enfield.
I now have an MG4 SE LR and it is faster than I will ever need. I cannot imagine how fast the XPOWER must be or why anybody would feel the need or even desire to buy it.
why are you comparing 1980 to now. The MG4 looks great. Drives great and has all the modem tech. Why are you complaining for a cheap EV with everything. The worse is BYD.
Not a complaint, just not the best MG4. The one I’d buy is coming in our next video up against two rivals.
Well thought out and thorough review, as usual. When I drove the MG Luxury I thought like you yes this is a very good car for the money, so much that I ordered one, over 10 months ago. Unfortunately I have just cancelled my order because of the non existance of any type of customer service with only lies.
With Xi Jinping intent on starting a war with the west, this is no time to buy a Chinese car.
I love that it's a "sleeper" build
Great in depth review. I've just ordered the extended range. Can't wait to get my hands on it 😊
Got our trophy extended last week. 240bhp rear wheel drive. Great balance. It's fantastic
Literally only getting this car because it doesnt look too 'boy racer' and it wont be as much of a bone shaker in every day use as most other hot-hatches. It ticks most of the boxes for me. The only things I would like are an option to have it without the orange plastic brake covers (or at least a black or grey option), wireless android connection, and for it to remember your settings between journeys.
Very interesting, if i was 40, not 75 would order it immediately...
I drive a 2022 Mini Cooper S E level 3, it’s huge fun and well built. For many the small battery is a problem but not for me as I use mine as a runabout on the fast straight flat A roads across Central Scotland where my longest ever round trip was 90 miles. The Mini is also very very efficient even in hooligan mode. For the money I would sooner change my Mini in 2-3 years time for the X-Power or the Trophy Extended range that don’t pretend to be anything other than cheap performance than to spend it on the forthcoming next gen Mini that has no screen in front of the driver, has next to no buttons on the fascia/dash, a silly huge central screen that controls all the controls that should have buttons on the dash not buried in the menus of a computer screen (buttons work well in the current gen Mini’s why change them) and will be built for low cost in China but sold at top end European prices here.
blimey our brains must have been separated at birth 😄 i too own a mini se ..love the car but no interest in the new minis controls ..so yes in two more years when the cars pcp is up i really do fancy the x power.
Nice review…. But the things you dislike about it are the very things some like. It’s the beauty of a review and subjectivity……So just a heads up for those tempted….. these can be got for under 30k now brand new with careful shopping. Also, in my past experience with cars and rubber…. The Bridgestone Turanza is literally the last tyre I would choose. Decent rubber will transform the handling & resonance I’m sure. Will find that out.
Very rarely test drivers mention the turning circle. I think it is an important thing to make our life easier in parking situations and deserved to be mentioned systematically in every test.
Thankyou for your review.
However I can't understand why this particular MG gets reviews from one extreme to the other.
Personally go and have a test drive yourself. And judge your own opinion.
Because I found the car brilliant 👏
I think you’ve hit the nail on the head there. Remember, all we can do is judge it on our own opinions, and like I say, it is a very good car. I just think the extended range Trophy is probably the one I’d go for.
Great review - I was looking forward to this one. I’ve seen this exact car at a dealer and the green colour is beautiful in the flesh. Agree it has had very little done to it, especially in the interior. Tempted to have a test drive but my company lease runs for another 18 months so not in a position to get one yet.
I’d definitely go for the extended range version apart from one thing - you can only get the green colour in the XPower. Would that change my choice, am I that shallow? Quite possibly as it is gorgeous!
No mention of the Lane Assist - has that improved and less likely to try and kill you? Also, did I see grab handles?
apparently, impossible to switch the intrusive damn thing off for good
@@dangosypethausame as MG4 😢
Negativity... 1.32 - Mg's history is Pok Marked, 5.21 - started slagging off the styling, reviewer thinks it's should not be a 'Q car' - it should be a rampant toddler dressed in 1980's benneton' , 06:34 - cover on the calipers...mmm. Bryan not happy, 07:56... it's not really any different to the regular trophy.... Bryan does not like a 'Q Car', 08:04 0 Bryan's problem is how the car doesn't look..., 10:19 - Bryan has 'tightness under the drivers seat for his feet...', 10:54 - Bryan doesn't like the 'dark' in the rear as he thinks it should have a sun roof, 12:14 - rear door bins won't take Bryan's drink bottles - only a childs, 13:10 - Bryan's got an issue with the inside.. it's the same as the praised MG4 trophy but Bryan's not happy with the same interior in the Xpower,... Where's the red seat belts.. yeah..., 13:55... Bryan want's red stiching or a red emblem to make him think he's sitting in the Xpower, 19:44... Steering wheel was uncomfortable...., 20:14 .. the buttons on the steering wheel have to be 'physicially touched....' Bryan doesn't like..., 22:14... The plastics on the dash were great in the 'old' mg4 but they are starting to 'feel cheap' in the Xpower.. , 23:17 ... Bryan's unhappy with the 10" screen again....., At this point I could not be bothered to comment more on the negativity of Bryan.
If you can’t take a constructive review of a car (which I happen to say is actually a good car, but maybe not the best choice in the range) then perhaps you need to stop watching car reviews. Just in case they happen to offer a different opinion to yours. If you don’t agree with my points, then thats fine. But what do you want me to say? It’s a bloody brilliant thing because it’s £36k and it’s faster than a Porsche? I offer constructive opinions and reviews for car buyers answering questions car buyers might want to know. If you just want sensationalism then watch Matt Watson’s drag races on Carwow. Don’t mistake opinions and fact to negativity. Otherwise life may disappoint you. At no point do I say it’s bad car, it’s just I feel there is a better one within the MG4 range.
@@AutoEV I never said that you claimed it was ' a bad car'. I just commented on the repetitive negative comments in the review.
It would have been nice if you could have focused more on the positives as you mention above. Overall the review was heavily biased on negatives in your opinion when in reality yes, the car has some stronger and less strong attributes but overall it's nothing short of stellar for the money
@@petrolhead023 I agree that it is very good for the money, but it isn’t the best choice of MG4 in my opinion. That’s the point I’m making. They should have done more to make the XPower stand out, and the other points I raise are applicable across the board. The car is an excellent car, but it’s not without fault, and it’s my job to highlight the areas that could be improved.
love the debate on this channel .. but ive still ordered the XPower lol
@ 8:54 .. did the Scot hold his breath and brace his core.. just to open the boot ?
Is it THAT heavy ..
Or has our “Lad” suffered a hernia ?
I have the new Trophy and I see what you mean, but this is the Aldi/Lidl of electric cars, the price reflects that so I think if someone wants a sports car with the flash then pay more, a lot more
Thank you for a Very thorough unbiased review I will definitely be subscribing to all your future videos 👍
seriously considering the trophy extended model, more than enough for me. This just seems overkill with the speed yet doesn't seem like they designed the brakes and handling to accommodate it...
That would be my pick of the range for sure. I’d trade the performance for the better range and sweeter chassis: and to be fair, the extended range car is still quick!!
@@AutoEV exactly. I honestly don't see why anyone needs a faster car unless it's for tracks. I can see so many people getting into trouble when they can buy a sub 4 second car for cheap.
Brilliant review 👍
They should have optioned it so you could make it wilder looking. I've never got hot hatches, convertable driving with the roof down is always the best fun, you don't so much power.
It’s the 0-62 moh that is 3.8sec.. The 0-60 mph is faster of course 3.7 official. 3.6s what car test.
The NISSAN LEAF ZE1 NISMO Edition is a way better looking HOT HATCH than this !
And better in many other ways that are most important like Reliability, Safety, Value.
In fact, I agree with you on all points and thank you for your interesting, competent and exciting report about the MG4 xpower.
I would like to learn a little more about the so-called “autopilot” function. In particular, whether an improvement can be noticed after the last software update. How does the “Autopilot” perform compared to competitors after the last update? Have you already talked about it in one of your videos? We don't hear much about this from German car RUclipsrs. Kind regards from Aix la Chapelle, Germany
+1 for understated. And like others, I would definitely do something about those orange brake caliper covers.
Every tester has complained about the orange caliper covers? To me they look good and keep the caliper clean! I don't get the complaint.The whole point of a sleeper car is not to bring attention to yourself. Audi are masters at making cars that look ordinary with massive power!
So why the need to put bright orange caliper covers on it?
@@AutoEV it just looks good, especially against the silk finish of the paint. There are many cars with painted calipers, yellow, red, black, would you take them off if you bought one then?
But those aren’t covers, the actual calipers are painted. It’s not the colour I have an issue with, it’s the fact they are just covers.
excellent video
cant believe i watched the whole thing.
There definitely seems to be a front motor vibration they REALLY need to fix with these.
I have a standard MG4 and it's no slouch. I test drove the X-Power last month and it is an absolute lunatic. I honestly think it's too quick. I'd much prefer the new Extended range Trophy for the same money which will still hit 60mph in around 6 seconds.
But would you not want to do 0 to 60 in 3 seconds?
A big difference 🙂
Fast acceleration is something you can do with electric cars, it suits the tecnnology. But putting on wide grippy tires to make them suitable as track racers will reduce the range too much. Hence we get cars like Kia EV6 GT and MG4 Xpower, it is kind of a new thing.
An easy way to spot one of these is the green paint, which is only available on the x power.
Good review Bryan👍
I think an uprated rear ARB would be the answer for getting the xpower easier through the bends. It is struggeling with lots of understeer......
At 15.27 you show the info. screen of the MG. I was very surprised to see that it was showing 2.5 mls/kwh and a range of 150 miles. Is this consumption average for this car, in your opinion? Or, have you been giving it a good old spanking? 🤔
Enjoyable review as always Bryan, keep up the good work.
As always, thank you for watching and taking the time to send such a lovely comment. It was a mixture of motorway driving the previous day from Surrey to Scotland, and then that morning some relatively quick driving to get the b-roll footage on the Beeftub, so I probably haven't helped it much! On my way back from Scotland however, I could have done the trip with just two 30 minute charges, and its a 350 mile trip. Its not bad if you don't have a heavy right foot.
I think I can simply settle either for a Essence 64 or Long Range 77 otherwise your Trophy if that's what is called. Both are pure RWD. Excite 51 and longer range Excite 64 are no slouches but normally I like to go for a high spec trim. However the Excite 51's price tag minus rebate temps me. The only part of the XPower I really like is a set of Pure Alloy wheels, NO plastic covers!
Great review - thank you, agree the Trophy LR would seem to be the one to go for. Its refreshing that traditional brand snobbery is being eroded by those car makers investing and innovating in EV design.
Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
Another great video... So what would you personally buy between this and a second hand ipace for the same money... Thanks kindly.
I- Pace. Every. Single. Day.
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
The extended range version if the one I'd like
I think the Q car thing is something that should be celebrated. In fact there’s an argument that MG may have invented the genre in the 1950’s with the Magnette of the early part of that decade. Pauses for nasal anoraks to shout me down.
Hi Bryan, I like the slightly understated look of this supposed sporty version and wouldn't want it to be too 'blingy'. But I need to get to the interior bit and the way she drives. Interiors on the cheaper models to me look just like that - CHEAP. I have a ZS EV and whilst it may have aspects I would like to change, the interior is not one of them; especially since I bought her brand new 2 years ago for 15,500€.
Re the centre media console and it's reactiveness whilst on the move : does the car have voice activation? If it does it might be worth doing a comparison between button pressing versus voice actuation. Also whilst on the move, voice actuation should be the winner every time, if only for safety reasons ???
Do you know if it has the same functionality as Marvel R Performance AWD with the reverse gear? When reversing with Marvel, it's RWD, meaning that no power to the front wheels whilst on reverse. Stupid functionality which makes it pretty unusable in Nordic winter.
if they ever make an EV that goes over speed bumps as smoothly as my shitbox renault clio I might concider it
Try a Citroën ëC4…….pure bliss.
Its a hard one its great to go ahead with the bmw squad on a straight line and traffic lights but country roads I no what you mean about the rear wheel aspect had the old escort rs 2000
What is a “fun” hot hatch? A FWD GTI which I know well but not so great in the wet. Many say the AWD Golf R is dull. Is it the AWD that makes these all wheel drives dull? Waiting for the XPower to be released in Australia, have driven the Essence 64kW (similar to a UK Trophy).
It all depends on what you class as “fun”
I suppose. Many people see the acceleration as fun (I personally don’t) and many say you need RWD, which I don’t necessarily subscribe to either. I have a FWD MINI Cooper S which is a fun car. My issue with the XPower is that it feels like they chased headline power and sprint times for their headlines, not a fluid drivers car. I drove the Polestar 2 BST270 down the same road a few months back and the subtlety in the chassis, the way it dealt with imperfections was sublime. But it has the same power as the standard Polestar 2 with Performance Pack, but feels even better. It’s the fluency that you don’t lose as you increase the speed that is the key in my opinion. If you can drive down the same road 10-20mph faster and still feel in control, that’s the key. In the XPower, you feel that as the speed increases, the control you have as a driver disappears.
Hope that makes sense?
My current car is a 2011 VW Polo Sportspak with the slightly lowered suspension. A lot of fun to drive with its 77kW, quiet, comfortable, go kart like and none of the modern LKA rubbish. Often think a slightly less powerful car you can drive "hard" without breaking too many laws is ultimately the most fun. In Australia there are serious incentives to go electric, no fringe benefits tax payable if the car is company owned, etc. Here MG4s range from GBP19.800 for the 51kW Excite to about GBP28000 for the 77kw Essence (UK Trophy).
Why didn't rhey just paint the calipers 🤔
It is what it is and a great car, in a straight line. However the disjointed dealership support and lack of support from China in terms of software and firmware updates (no change logs) makes it a frustrating experience to own an MG.
That’s interesting to hear. Do you own an MG4 (or other MG product to be fair!). Your experiences would be interesting to know.
@@AutoEV Yes, I own a Trophy, bought in April this year. I experienced an AC compressor with no oil and warped under tray. Both issues rejected by MG at one dealer (my local MG, but with no technicians so I was sent to Volvo next door), but then both fixed after MG approval at another, albeit 80 miles away from me. China releases firmware and software updates with no change logs, so dealerships do not know what fixes what. Dealerships also lack technicians (likely demotivated and leave), so booking in can take months. I have booked in to fix bluetooth and remote hvac enabling issues, but the next slot is two months away. I could go on...
@@dean7442 wow, that’s a disappointing chain of events. Not what the fastest growing brand in Europe should be about. I’m sorry to hear about this. I’m interested to know (and it might seem a silly question of course!) but does it put you off having another, or do you see an improvement happening now?
@@AutoEV The car itself is a good car, bar the software bugs and faults I mentioned. It's the dealerships and MG support which gives me cause for concern. Of course having China in the mix complicates things. Another couple examples are one pedal driving is released on 'Phase 2' cars, but MG state they are unlikely to deploy to 'Phase 1' cars, despite the cars being capable of using it, as seen with 'TJA' traffic jam assist stopping the car. Also OTA (Over The Air) software updates promised, but not forthcoming. So, would I buy again?.. No, good car, but worrying how MG will survive with that level of service and I do not see any change soon, all dealers franchised out, SAIC own MG and SAIC are owned by the Chinese state. I am now looking at the Volvo EX30.
@@dean7442 well thank you for your insight and views on the situation. Obviously we deal with MG UK so have to rely on people like yourself to tell us about the ownership experience and whether it’s good or bad. Thank you for being so candid.
Good choice on your next car by the way! I’m very much looking forward to seeing and driving the EX30.
Bryan @ AutoEV.
Good question, why does it need so much power.
I like the way it looks.Neat and smart. If you try and Jazz it up I'm sure you will spoil it.
Are you looking for a GTI Golf for the price
Disagree with the conclusions of this video..if you want a hyper EV hatch not huge range then this will suit you down to the ground.
When I was after a m140i,I didn't consider a 118 d instead just because it had better range...
Understated fun is better...!! Don't let em see what's coming..!!
I think my MG4 trophy is way powerful enough and I wouldn't like to loose the range. Great to see the back wiper but they could have got rid of the awful piano black.
#lose#
Seriously thinking if getting one of these as love ghe cheap ev orospect if the MG4 but dont want a rwd ev where i live in winter!
I’m trying to decide between the XPower or Trophy, I don’t need the extra power but I do like the idea of AWD rather than RWD for winter driving. This would be a salary sacrifice car and we don’t have storage for winter tyres, so that’s not an option. I don’t need the extended range…but do like the idea of the electric boot on the XPower etc.
We orderd the new trophy yesterday. Our first EV and Mrs will be driving it most of the time so we thought we'd ease her in gently while MG perfect the XPower. Not arsed about measuring lengths with the Porsche and Audi EV drivers just yet as we have a young family, but we will in a few years time.
@@giantballoon3491it will be our first EV too. It was between the MG4 or the Kia Niro (we ruled out the Leaf) but we’ve narrowed it down to the MG4, just not sure which one. I’m away to have another look this afternoon 😊
I had the Trophy on order but changed to X Power for the 4 wheel drive and supercar power when you want to embarrass the boy racers revving their ICE cars at the lights. Will be a company car so also looking forward to minimal personal tax
Hi Gail, Please don't fall for the often told myth that AWD is better in snow and ice than RWD or FWD. Yes on a flat surface with slow pulling away speeds and minimum snow and no ice an AWD is slightly better than a FWD which in turn is better than a RWD, but on faster roads, turns, slip roads and inclines the grip to get you moving and keep you moving in these conditions is given by the tyres which is why people do fit winters. If the tyre provides no grip then FWD / RWD cars will just spin the 2 driven wheels whereas an AWD will just end up spinning all 4. If you're worried about winter driving and can't store winter tyres a set of All Season tyres such as the Michelin Cross Climate 2's would be a better option for winter driving than an AWD on summer tyres and they can be left on all year round. A set of these for example fitted on a RWD Trophy will be far better and safer for winter driving than the summer tyres fitted to an AWD XPower. A friend had All Seasons fitted to his 3 series, also RWD, and had no problems in winter driving while chuckling at struggling Range Rovers sliding down slip roads on their summer tyres..
@@johnstephenson6231I think one of my concerns is that we can’t control tyre choice as they’re included as part of our package and we don’t have the option of paying more for all season tyres. All changes need to be approved by the salary sacrifice company. My dad mentioned that it’s more about weight distribution with RWD and with this car having 50:50 distribution it may not be as bad as an ICE RWD.
Not sure the review matches the price of the vehicle and the comparisons with the competition are severely lacking. I have no vested interest in MG anything, but really, a AWD car under steers? Is that some sort of news? Isn't the essence of the hot hatch to be an overpowered econobox? I mean, the comparison at the beginning with the MG Metro is funny, because with the rest of the video you make it sound like that was such a polished experience.
But you misunderstand the point. I'm not saying its a bad car - far from it, its a very good one. But as I say, it is so because the standard car is, and my point is that if they had been trying to chase driver enjoyment, then I would have stuck with the single motor at the rear and not chased as big a power output for better handling finesse. Plenty of hot hatches handle very well, Peugeot 205GTi, Renaultsport Clio, VW Golf GTI Mk5, etc, and they don't have big horsepower in comparison. Just adding power doesn't make it better, it just makes it faster. And once you've done the silly acceleration a few times, what is left? That's why I would recommend going for the Trophy Extended Range at the same price. Still quick, but with a better chassis and a longer range. Surely that makes sense?
Oh, and I am very well aware of how UNpolished an MG Metro was.....!!!🤣🤣🤣
@@AutoEV I do understand the recommendation aspect from a sensible point of view. However, the consideration for hot-hatches, is not very seldom based on reason. There is undoubtedly an appeal for the abnormally quick acceleration, otherwise Tesla would not have the fan base they have. Don't get me wrong, I prefer less acceleration for other aspects of the driving experience, but then again, I never really bought into the hot-hatch thing, precisely because they are too compromised.
Thanks for the positive and quick reply though. Nice touch.
@@AutoEV there must be a section of the sport mode in the MG4 menu, dedicated to drifting, if the safe controls are not esculded I think that mode must be great fun! DId you tried? Old school based on lack of safety sistems, made AWD understeering, novadays this is stupid and make RWD so better. with some tricks I can make my 408cv VOlvo recharge AWD, oversteer but is not simple like WAS in my old BMW I3
Enjoyed the review. Yes to me this model should at least look more fun than the standard one. As one reviewer commented, the car looks like a shoe. Price-wise, I suppose it's difficult to have all the power plus all the handling fun rolled into one, maybe unrealistic. That achieved, I'm sure would add another £20k or more to the price. At the end of the day you get what you pay for. And on that note we eagerly await the Cyberster...
What is the point of a very fast 0-60 time when you can’t do that on everyday roads in the UK. The tradeoff for that acceleration is the extremely poor range. Perhaps in a couple of years when the UK charging network goes from awful to slightly less awful (or battery capacity improves) then it would be impressive (same for the new ‘sporty’ Ioniq).
I want xpower badges, bigger spoiler, better stance as the wheels are too far in. Better splitter and diffuser. Its nearly great but not quite.
at min 24: maybe if you try to backward the steering wheel and low it down?!😉
My opinion is....
Its worth a test drive at least, but does have a few issues
I’d say that is the correct opinion to have. Some will trade the handling and range for that ridiculous speed, where others will find it superfluous and will want the bigger range.
I agree with you it should be a bit more... more.... like the Civic Type R, go for it.
Body colour nice. Calipers mweh.
Great value cars.
The counterpoint to Rampant toddler dressed in 80's Benneton is the sleeper car. No one can tell your car has extremely compromised efficiency and you run a tab at the tire shop because it's dangerously fast. You can park it at your office job and drive it to your climate action meetings without shame. Red belts would ruin this bland interior, not improve it.
A key historic attribute of an MG is simplicity and austerity. It seems to me, this car ever so slightly has that characteristic. It's not lacking tech, but it's not focused on it. I'm in the USA, so these MGs are forbidden fruit, but it seems that aside from the fact that it's not got much British about it, the MG4 is a winner.
Now about that silly amount of power and excessive acceleration... The trophy's 7.1 sec 0-60 time is good, and considering electrics have good torque whenever you want it, that's probably consistent with how MGs in the past underperformed in a straight line, but made up for it with light weight, and sporty handling. We drive a BMW i4 eDrive40 with 0-60 times around 5.2 seconds and it's too fast for such a heavy car. BMW shouldn't have bothered with the AWD M50 and I feel that way about this X-Power too. They should have probably focused on sports seats, adjustable dampers, and mildly more power, not this insane supercar beating crap that just escalates the problem with TOO FAST EVs.
Finally, if I'm honest, you'd do well to pop around to your GP and get your height measured once and for all. We all vary with the time of the day. Get an official reading and stop waffling about your height. It makes you look like you're either unaware, or OCD. haha, just joking. Great review and thanks.
Our last car was an Elise, and that car had 0-60 in 4.9 sec. with only 190 hp, because lightness. I never speeded in that car, but it was great fun just driving a sane speeds, slowing a bit less for corners. I know we're struggling with weight on these big battery cars. We need a reality check on giving family cars supercar acceleration. It's a dangerous formula that baits immature drivers into bad behavior on our already unsafe roads. And yes, 65 year old men are often immature drivers. It's why Astin Martin and Jaguar F-Type exists. ;^) And yes, Tesla started this acceleration seeking mess. We should push back and focus far more on efficiency and increasing road handling without the need for massively wide tires, which trash efficiency.
You're talking rubbish mate. The car is fantastic
I didn’t say it wasn’t a good car. I just feel the extended range Trophy is the MG4 of choice.
I’ve driven the MG4 Xpower and it’s competitor the Smart #1 Brabus which is £7k more expensive. I’ll tell you which I’ve ordered and why after I’ve viewed this video.
Do let us know.
Best Q car ever. Do they offer the option of NOT having all those silly special details? Definitely NOT the special matt color, I wouldn' t want to alert petroheads...
Such a daft review. It's not a Mustang boasting its 8 cylinder power and torque.
IT'S A SLEEPER!
No one said it’s a Mustang - it’s a hot hatch, and I’d like to have seen them so something a bit different over the standard car. I get a sleeper, but if you are trying to tempt people out of GTIs and Golf Rs they will want a bit more pizzazz than a set of orange brake callipers covers a and some red stitching.
Nice description but Joe Soap and Mrs Miggins won't drive this car anywhere as well as you do. Cars nowadays are very fast, even the little ones. Unfortunately, overtaking has gone out of the window due to folk being ground down to mediocrity.
Don't get the looking like other mg4s. Golf R Ford Focus ST etc...barring a couple of things like twin exhausts they look exactly the same. But in saying that I would go for the Trophy version mainly because of the increased range. Great upload pal.
i think the dual motor version sold in china come with bucket seats
I can’t wait for your take on the updated Tesla Model 3 - specifically the removal of the fixed, discoverable column controls in preference for moving buttons and screen dabs/swipes. ASAP please.
The LFP MG is a replacement contender for our Model 3 if we were in a hurry to sell it.
Although not the revised Model 3, you might be interested in next week’s review……
They should do an electric metro! Plaese
Question; Does the Chinese owner know about the UK history (or do they care) of the MG brand?
Well a lot of work for MG happens in the UK (they have a design studio in London) so I’m sure they do know about it. Do they care about it? I’m sure there will be stuff they want to forget, but I’d like to see them trade a bit more on that heritage.
Why do you think they picked that green colour?
Street sleeper. I would never use auto steer. Do not think they are safe. Function over style suits me. £36000.. take my money even for a taxi! ;)
I think for that kind of money, I would rather go for a better-known brand. At the 2wd price point, I think the MG4 is a great car, the X-Power just seems to be trying too hard, and it doesn't seem special enough when compared to the other cars in the range.
Sure, the extra power is nice, but in reality, when would you really need it?
there is never enough power in reserve, for safety and fun!
Great review, but re the matsui hifi, its probably time to let that go.
I really wouldn't want to go fast in such a dangerous car. The lane assist is diabloical and to my knowledge MG have done nothing about it.
I get that thrum on my 307 peugeot 1.6 hdi it drives me mad
Should have better alloys wider tyres, i have the Cupra born with 20inch alloys they look better than the 18 inch
18" is better than 20" in nearly every situation.
F1 used 13" until recently, NASCAR uses 15".
20" wheels make a certain statetent about the driver - that he doesnt understand.
Of course it’s fun, it’s 435 bhp!
41% and 61m range say no more
Is the speed of this car, and even bulk standard EVs, the reason insurance premiums have gone through the roof?
I learned im the strange one.. never cared how my cars looks, I'm sitting in it most of the time and won't see the outside anyway
Its a cheap Chinese car with 430 PS. I think your expectations are way off.
Ok I’ve watched it now. I completely agree with your feelings and any sensible person would go for the trophy. There’s a very good reason why the Xpower and the Brabus etc will never be any good tearing round corners and that’s weight and that why my i3s is much more fun. 1,800kg 1,900kg & 1,300 kg respectively. So with that out of the way I’ve gone for the Brabus even though it’s £7k more expensive than the MG. The extra quality ride and kit it’s in a different league. Eg both seats electric, HUD, ski hatch, dog mode, red accents & seatbelts, matrix led lights, heat pump, electric tailgate, flush door handles with puddle lights, cool box from AC, panoramic roof with electric blind, self parking and a big plus for me 22 kW onboard AC charger and much more. If you like this you will hate the Volvo EX30 because it’s a complete opposite even though it’s made by the same company on the same platform, it’s too Tesla too ikea no driver or HUD it’s sparse.🎉
Haven’t driven the #1 Brabus but I do like the standard #1 (a lot) so I can see why you’ve gone down that route. It feels very premium.
Good choice!
@@AutoEV I should have it in two or three weeks. The lane keeping is much better it doesn’t yank the steering wheel out of your hand like the MG. 🤣
@@garrycroft4215 what colour have you gone for?
@@AutoEV laser Red/Black roof
At least the EX300 has instantly discoverable basic controls that Tesla has abandoned completely.
Tesla is still in the painful learning process.
you just like a show off of the car. more bling bling inside, why do care about what other can see.. I would know its the Xpower, i don´t care about if other can see that. so forget the inside bling bling with colors and sticking. not neasareay. and the 77kw version will be a lot heavier..
You don't mention what type of battery it has. Those plastic caliper covers need to go.
They’re not plastic, but metal covers.
Grab handles. S/S pedals
Course you shouldn’t buy it; it’s electric.
Duh!
Looks like you’ve taken a wrong turn somewhere my friend.
@@AutoEV In my life, I’ve taken many.
Fortunately, not yet towards an electric car ;-).
You are silly although this car is made for silly people 😎
Ok silly. What kind of pos do you drive ?
Evs are not for driving enthusiasts at all, i wanted to love the Xpower, but coming from a GTi and a Porsche Boxster, the Xpower is extremely underwhelming to drive in every aspect besides acceleration. Put your 36k towards a nice Boxster or Cayman, it will satisfy in every way, and wont lose epic amounts of cash either.
Mg4 retains 66% of it's value £28k - loss of £9611. Porsche boxster retains 64% and you've just lost £23450. Cayman loses even more£££.
So. Buy a boxster/Cayman and lose loads of money if that's what pleases you. 👍
@@petrolhead023 incorrect. My Boxster has lost £13k in 12 years. EVs are losing up to 50% in the first year.....
@@PaulHawkins87 Google auto express slowest depreciating cars. Jan 2023 article. Let the editor know that they have made a mistake. 👍
You're missing the point a bit. It's 36k for a new car which does 0-60 in 3.8 seconds. We'd have to spend more than double that for a Porsche brand new. If money wasn't an option then sure, but it is for most of us.
Very thorough and authorative, but far too long!
Thank you for your comment. It has always been a real quandary for us about the length of our videos. Our issue is that we are quite small with no "big names" attached to us such as Fully Charged or Electrifying.com has so its all about finding "our" audience. One thing we found early on is that a lot of people who watch AutoEV are looking to potentially purchase a car, and so we decided that our USP should be that we are thorough and really go deep into what the cars are like with all the pros and cons. In other words, we should cover everything that a potential buyer may ask in the showroom. Its also why i try to put as many miles onto the cars during my time with them, in order to find out how they really are to live with. Not just 30 minutes round the block and give a 5 minute presentation. I completely understand that this won't appeal to everyone, and it goes against what many people said about RUclips videos (keep them short and concise), but it helps us stand out in a crowded automotive media space.
I do take on board every comment, especially those who say our videos are too long, but I hope that I have gone some way to explain why we do it this way? Anyway, thank you for watching and as I say, for taking the time to comment. I hope you persevere with us!
Best wishes
Bryan
@@AutoEV Bryan, on that note, given that the channel aims at providing good sensible buyers guide, wouldn't it make sense to do a BEV / ICE comparison fro each car you test. I find that this is the biggest missing bit of information in any channel.
People are mostly driving ICEs still so, having a like for like for each EV tested would be a great asset.
@@PedroCarvalho0 that is not a bad idea. We have done it before for company car buyers, but maybe we should do it for private buyers.