MG4 Urban: Cheaper Than the Regular MG4, But Is It the Better Buy?
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MG keeps adding new electric cars to its lineup, and now there is the MG4 Urban. The name makes it sound like a smaller city version of the MG4, but that is not the case. This is a completely different car with a different platform, different layout, and a very different role in the range.
So the real question is simple. Is the MG4 Urban actually good, and who should buy it?
Where the MG4 Urban Sits in the MG Lineup
The MG4 Urban is not a trim or variant of the regular MG4. It is a separate model built on MG’s new E3 platform. That also means a major mechanical change.
Regular MG4: rear wheel drive
MG4 Urban: front wheel drive
New E3 electric platform
Positioned as the brand’s cheapest electric car
In the UK, prices start from £23,495. That puts it close to cars like the Renault 5 and Hyundai Inster. MG is also offering a £1,500 brand discount, which drops the entry price to £21,995.
There is also a zero percent finance offer with no deposit, which makes it one of the most affordable new EVs on sale in that market.
Design and Dimensions
The MG4 Urban borrows styling cues from MG’s Cyber inspired design language. The arrow shaped rear lights stand out the most.
Wheel sizes depend on the variant.
Entry Comfort trim: 16 inch wheels with covers
Premium trim: 17 inch alloy wheels
There are three standard paint colours at no extra cost. Metallic colours cost £545, while the premium Dynamic Red paint costs £695.
Interestingly, despite the lower price, the Urban is actually bigger than the regular MG4.
108 mm longer
Slightly wider
Slightly taller
It is even larger in every dimension than the Nissan Leaf, which gives you a hint about the space inside.
Battery, Range, and Charging
This is where the “Urban” part of the name starts to make sense.
Battery options
Standard range
41.9 kWh usable battery
201 miles official range
Long range
52.8 kWh battery
258 miles official range
Costs about £2,000 more
These figures beat the Renault 5, but they fall behind cars like the Nissan Leaf, Kia EV3, and even the regular MG4.
Charging
Fast charging is limited.
Maximum DC fast charging: about 85 kW
That is not ideal if you do long motorway trips regularly. But for city use and home charging, it should be acceptable for most owners.
Boot Space and Practicality
MG claims a 577 litre boot, but that figure is measured to the roof and includes underfloor storage. Most brands measure up to the parcel shelf, so the number looks bigger than it really is.
Even so, it is still a practical car.
Real world luggage test:
Renault 5: four cabin suitcases
Hyundai Inster: four cabin suitcases
MG4 Urban: eight cabin suitcases
That tells you everything you need to know.
Rear seat space is another strong point. Even a six foot adult can sit behind a similarly sized driver with good knee and headroom. There is also:
Flat rear floor
Rear air vents even in base trim
Large door bins
The only real miss is the lack of a rear armrest.
Interior, Features, and Quality
All versions get a 7 inch digital driver display and a 12.8 inch touchscreen. The system is not class leading, but it is a big improvement over older MG systems.
Physical air conditioning controls are still present, which is a welcome touch.
Comfort trim includes
Climate control
Adaptive cruise control
Rear view camera
Heated door mirrors
Heat pump
Premium trim adds
360 degree camera
Heated front seats
Heated steering wheel
Wireless phone charger
Extra speakers
Tinted rear windows
Live infotainment services
Storage is excellent up front, with big door bins, a central armrest cubby, cup holders, and a large space under the floating centre console.
Material quality is what you would expect at this price. There are plenty of hard plastics, but some soft padding and a suede style dashboard insert lift the feel slightly.
Performance and Driving Experience
Both battery versions feel similar on the road.
Standard range: 148 hp
Long range: 158 hp
0 to 60 mph: about 9.5 seconds
It is not quick by EV standards, but it is perfectly fine for daily driving.
Ride comfort is acceptable, though not class leading. It does not smooth out bad roads as well as more expensive cars like the Kia EV3.
Handling is also just average.
Slightly vague steering around the centre
Noticeable body lean in corners
Not as engaging as the regular MG4
Regenerative braking options include:
Low
Medium
Strong
Adaptive mode
One pedal driving
Brake pedal response can feel light at first, then suddenly sharp at low speeds, so smooth stops take a bit of practice.
Overall, it drives fine. Nothing special, but not bad either.
Safety, Reliability, and Warranty
The MG4 Urban has received a five star safety rating. It performed especially well in child occupant protection tests.
Some key rivals only managed four stars, including:
Renault 4
Renault 5
Hyundai Inster
Nissan Micra
Reliability is still an unknown because this is a new platform. However, MG ranked last in a 2025 manufacturer reliability survey.
On the positive side, the car comes with:
7 year warranty
80,000 mile coverage
MG4 Urban: Quick Pros and Cons
Pros
Very competitive price
Bigger than most rivals
Excellent rear seat space
Large, practical boot
Good standard equipment
Cons
Slower charging than rivals
Average driving experience
Interior materials feel basic
Real world reliability still unknown
Final Verdict
The MG4 Urban is not exciting, and it does not try to be. It focuses on value, space, and everyday usability.
If cars like the Renault 5 or Hyundai Inster feel too small, the MG4 Urban gives you much more room for similar money. It is not the most fun to drive, and it is not the fastest charging EV, but for many buyers, those will not be deal breakers.
In simple terms, it is a sensible, spacious, budget friendly electric car. And sometimes, that is exactly what people want.
Sources: Manufacturer specifications and figures, Euro NCAP safety data, and information from the original video review transcript.
Sources and References
MG Motor official website
Model specifications, features, battery sizes, and warranty details
https://www.mg.co.ukEuro NCAP official safety ratings
Safety test results and star ratings
https://www.euroncap.comWhat Car? video review and data
Driving impressions, practicality tests, boot space comparison, and equipment details
https://www.whatcar.com
