- Priced from under £22,000, it undercuts key rivals like the BYD Dolphin Surf and Citroen e-C3 while offering more interior space.
- It uses a different, simpler platform than the standard MG4, which impacts its driving dynamics and packaging.
- Offers a generous 350-litre boot and generous standard equipment, making it a practical family hatchback.
Here's the thing about cheap electric cars: we've been waiting for them. The MG4 Urban isn't just another new model, it's a statement. Priced under twenty-two grand, it's a direct shot across the bow of rivals from BYD and Citroen. But to hit that price, MG had to make a big, fundamental change. They built it on a cheaper platform. That single decision explains everything that's good about this car, and everything you might have to give up.
MG4 Urban Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | From under £22,000 |
| Rivals | BYD Dolphin Surf, Citroen e-C3 |
| Battery Capacity | 51 kWh (usable, estimated) |
| WLTP Range | Approx. 218 miles (estimated from sources) |
| Power | 168 bhp |
| Boot Space | 350 litres |
| Platform | Different, simpler platform than standard MG4 |
That Cheaper Platform Isn't Just Fine Print
Forget the battery size for a second. The most important spec here is the platform, or more specifically, the one it's not using. The regular MG4 rides on SAIC's fancy Modular Scalable Platform. The Urban doesn't. It's on something older and simpler. That's how you carve thousands off the sticker price. But you feel it. One source put it bluntly: the car "didn't like potholes." So if you're expecting the sharp, fun drive of the standard MG4, adjust those expectations. The tune here is softer, built for comfort on a budget.
Where That Simplicity Actually Wins
But here's the clever part. By using this cheaper architecture, MG kept the car's generous footprint. You aren't losing interior room. In fact, you're getting a 350-litre boot that's actually bigger than what you find in some rivals. For a family that needs to cram in a stroller and a week's worth of groceries, that's a tangible win that matters more than perfect body control on a roundabout. It's a smart trade.
Battery and Power: Just Enough
No one's buying this car to set lap records. The specs are tuned for real life, not a press release.
Range You Can Actually Use
It packs a 51 kWh usable battery. MG estimates that's good for about 218 miles on the WLTP cycle. That's the sweet spot. It's enough range that you won't be plugging in every other day. You can do a decent commute all week, or even tackle a longer weekend trip without sweating it. For the price, that's not just good, it's essential for making an EV your only car.
Power That Doesn't Surprise You
The 168 bhp motor is perfectly adequate. It'll get you up to motorway speed without drama and feels zippy enough in town. They didn't detune it to be sluggish, but they also didn't give it the hot hatch treatment. The goal is preserving that range, not winning drag races. It feels like a normal, modern hatchback. And that's exactly what it should feel like.
How It Stacks Up On Paper
Let's be honest, this is how most people will decide. You look at the numbers side-by-side. And on that spreadsheet, the MG4 Urban looks pretty good.
| Specification | MG4 Urban | BYD Dolphin Surf | Citroen e-C3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Under £22,000 | Comparable (approx. £22,000+) | Comparable (approx. £22,000+) |
| Battery (usable) | ~51 kWh | ~44.9 kWh | ~44 kWh |
| WLTP Range | ~218 miles (est.) | ~211 miles | ~199 miles |
| Boot Space | 350 litres | 345 litres | 310 litres |
See that? On the key metrics of price, battery size, and boot space, the Urban leads. It's got a few more miles of estimated range and a few more litres for your bags. That's a strong opening argument. But paper doesn't tell the whole story. The Citroen might ride more comfortably. The BYD's interior might feel a bit nicer. The MG's potential weak spot, hinted at by that platform swap, is how it feels on a rough road compared to cars engineered with a different priority.
What You're Actually Buying
The sources all agree on one thing: it's not a stripper model. "Generous equipment" means you're probably getting a decent infotainment screen, climate control, and the basics covered without jumping to an options list. But the real headline is the space. They keep saying it: "huge space, a big boot and generous equipment." In a cheap car, that's what sells. You're getting a functional family cabin that doesn't punish you for wanting an EV on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MG4 Urban the same as the regular MG4?
No. They share a name and look similar, but the Urban is built on a different, simpler platform. That means it won't drive the same, but it does cost a lot less.
What is the real-world range of the MG4 Urban?
The official estimate is around 218 miles. In reality, with the heater on and mixed driving, you'll likely see something in the 180-200 mile ballpark. That's still plenty for most people.
Who are the main rivals to the MG4 Urban?
Its direct competition is the BYD Dolphin Surf and the Citroen e-C3. They're all fighting for the same buyer who wants a new electric hatchback without breaking the bank.
The Final Take
The specs tell a clear story. The MG4 Urban is a car built to win on a spreadsheet. It offers more battery and more space for the money than its closest rivals. That's a legitimately great thing. But that value comes from somewhere, and that somewhere is the platform underneath you. It's the part of the car you can't see in a spec table. So by all means, be impressed by the numbers. Just know that the test drive is non-negotiable. You need to feel if that cost-saving trade-off is one you can live with, because on paper, this car is a no-brainer.
Sources
- stuff.tv
- threads.com
- electrifying.com
- aol.com
- msn.com