MG4 Urban and MGS9 PHEV: Range Expansion
MG expands its offerings in Europe with the MG4 Urban and the MGS9 PHEV. The smaller one competes in the Golf class, the larger is a 5-meter SUV.
The MGS9 PHEV is already available in other markets. In Germany, the SUV should be available at the latest from autumn.
(Image: MG)
So far, the number of Chinese electric cars on European roads has been quite manageable. MG is one of the brands that can already show a relevant number of new registrations. In February, the press office proudly announced a figure of one million vehicles delivered in Europe. The success is to be expanded with an enlargement of the range and a technically exciting battery. For this purpose, the MG4 Urban and the MGS9 PHEV are coming onto the market.
Semi-solid-state battery
Batteries with solid electrolytes have been discussed from time to time for a few years now. They promise a higher energy density than batteries with liquid electrolytes – in terms of weight and installation space. MG speaks of a semi-solid-state battery, in which solid-state electrolytes within the cells are intended to form a protective structure. Details on charging power or energy content are not yet available. The storage is advertised with high safety against thermal runaway and "performance at low temperatures". Preheating is no longer necessary, writes MG. It is to be sold in Europe from the end of 2026.
MG4 Urban
The launch policy around the MG4 Urban is somewhat confusing. Nothing about this model can be found on the German websites at the editorial deadline of this article, while the Austrian websites even mention a base price of 19,990 euros, which, however, includes some bonuses and discounts.
MG4 Urban (9 Bilder)
MG
)The 4.4 m long electric car is offered with two drive configurations. The base model with 110 kW motor power has a battery with an energy content of 42.8 kWh. The consumption in WLTP is stated as 15.5 kWh, and the range in the cycle is said to be 325 km. Charging is not particularly fast: at its peak, only 82 kW are available, and charging from 10 to 80 percent should take 28 minutes.
The top model does not deliver peak values in this regard either. The electric motor produces 118 kW, and the battery has a capacity of 53.9 kWh. From 10 to 80 percent, it takes 30 minutes under ideal conditions. The maximum DC charging power is 87 kW. MG states the consumption in WLTP as 15.3 kWh and the range as 416 km.
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Competition for the ID.3
With these key data, both are aimed at customers for whom long distances are the exception rather than the rule. The manufacturer promises generous space. With 2.75 m, the wheelbase is about as long as that of a VW ID.3. The trunk of the MG4 Urban holds 479 liters, plus an additional compartment under the load floor with 98 liters. This is possible because the MG4 Urban, unlike the still-produced and recently revised MG4 EV, relies on front-wheel drive. The interior is neatly finished; some chrome-glittering levers look good, but the seats look cheap.
MGS9 PHEV
It is not yet certain when the MGS9 PHEV will come to Germany. The SUV with plug-in hybrid drive and seven seats is almost five meters long, thus significantly exceeding, for example, a VW Tayron (test). The 1.5-liter gasoline engine produces 105 kW, the electric motor 135 kW. The system output is 200 kW. With an energy content of 24.7 kWh, around 100 km of electric range should be possible in WLTP. However, the final data are not yet available.
(Image: MG)
(mfz)