New MG EV: MG4, MG3, or Something Else?
A new electric vehicle from MG has surfaced, stirring up questions about its identity. According to documents sourced from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) by CarNewsChina, the car is listed as the MG4. However, its design cues and proportions closely resemble the MG3, potentially causing confusion.
Adding to the uncertainty, MG has applied for approval with the MIIT using the MG4 EV badge, alongside the names ‘MG3 EV’ and ‘E5’. The automotive community is speculating on the possibility that these alternative names might be intended for different markets.
Interestingly, a new generation hybrid and combustion MG3 was recently launched. However, the ‘new MG4’ boasts larger dimensions than the current MG4, suggesting it could potentially replace the electric-only hatch if it were to launch in Australia.
The new car is 4395mm long, exceeding the 2025 MG4’s length of 4287mm. For comparison, the MG3 measures 4055mm. The ‘new MG4’ also exhibits a width of 1842mm, a height of 1551mm, and a wheelbase of 2750mm, surpassing existing MG4 specifications.
Additional details confirm at least one variant will integrate a 120kW motor, and its kerb weight is 1485kg. Despite the car’s increased size, it’s unlikely to be a simple facelift. The varied badging could be designed for specific markets, considering the MG4’s mixed popularity in China, where both the MG4 and MG3 have secured top sales positions in Australia.
In 2024, the MG4 was the top-selling ‘small car under $40K’ with 6934 sales, while the MG3’s 12,563 sales made it the best-selling ‘light car under $30K’. Both models lead their respective categories regardless of pricing.
Given the frequency of badge name changes between Chinese and Australian markets, the true identity of this new car remains uncertain until confirmed for the Australian market. The MG4 currently dominates the electric hatch market, outshining rivals like the BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora. Moreover, a new electric small SUV, designed to replace the MG ZS EV, will soon join the lineup.
