MG4X Debuts with New Battery Technology

MG has previewed the MG4X in China, a C-segment SUV that’s essentially a facelifted MG S5 with a new name to tie it in to the wider MG4 family. The car was launched in China in June, exclusively with rear-wheel drive.

Specifications and Features

The MG4X can be had with semi-solid-state batteries, which are cheaper and less well-specced than the regular LFP ones. These variants produce 170 PS (125 kW) and 250 Nm of torque, whereas the LFP variants churn out 204 PS (150 kW) and 350 Nm – the same as the Malaysian-spec CKD MG S5.

The manganese-based semi-solid-state battery is also smaller at 53.9 kWh, versus 64.2 kWh for the CATL-sourced LFP pack. This corresponds to range figures of 510 km and 610 km respectively, both on China’s lenient CLTC cycle.

In terms of charging capabilities, the LFP variants have an advantage, supporting up to 150 kW of fast charging, while the semi-solid-state versions are limited to 120 kW. This results in differing DC fast charging times, with the LFP models taking 16 minutes to charge from 30 to 80%, and the semi-solid-state models requiring 25 minutes for the same charge level.

Design and Interior

The MG4X is quite a bit bigger than previously expected, measuring 4,500 mm long, 1,849 mm wide, and 1,621 mm tall, with a wheelbase spanning 2,735 mm. The car carries over the S5’s general body shape and rear end, but with a different front end unlike other MG models.

Inside, the MG4X retains the general dashboard layout of the Chinese-market S5, with a large 15.6-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument display. The car also features twin smartphone holders with a Qi wireless charger and the option of heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats.

The Middle Kingdom version of the MG4X gains highly-automated highway driving technology from Horizon Robotics. The interior design has also been slightly revised, with a new two-spoke steering wheel replacing the previous three-spoke design, and a distinctive purple color scheme available as an option.

Pricing and Availability

In China, the MG4X is priced ranging from 99,800 yuan (RM60,500) to 116,800 yuan (RM70,800). We’ll likely have to wait a while for the car to be offered in Malaysia, as MG is prioritising other models like the ZS Hybrid+ – already open for booking – and IM6.

Malaysians only just got the outgoing MG S5 in CKD form in April.

In terms of safety features, the MG4X’s highly-automated highway driving technology from Horizon Robotics is a significant addition, providing an enhanced level of convenience and safety for drivers.