MG4 XPOWER – a beast unleashed

CAR of the year accolades by the shedload, stylish looks, an enviable driving range, a compelling price point plus a marathon warranty.

Seems like the MG4 fully electric hatchback had everything wrapped within just a few short months of being launched.

Well not quite. There was still a desire for something the original MG brand of the 1960s and 70s actively courted – there was the need for speed.

And for those happy to splash out an extra £10k it is up for grabs in the sensationally rapid MG4 XPOWER high performance model.

But before we look in more detail at the attributes of the supercar-rivalling XPOWER, a bit about the standard MG4.

Well-built, keenly priced, stylish and practical it is one of the best value cars on the road, let alone the best value electric model, costing £26,995 in entry level SE trim.

And even though the regular MG4 has a range of 323 miles, those wanting greater peace of mind can opt for the Extended Range version with its promise of 452 miles, though the tab here mirrors the XPOWER.

The latter though is one hooligan of a car – if the choice is to drive it that way – and it looks the part too.

Distinguished from other MG4s by its 18-inch Cyclone alloys with striking orange brake caliper covers, this most powerful production MG model yet also features a two-tone black roof, twin aero rear spoiler and Black Alcantara seat upholstery.

But it’s under the skin that the XPOWER really sizzles. A pair of electric motors, one at the front the other at the back, deliver a seismic 425PS of punch and 600Nm of pulling power, driving all four wheels.

The upshot is 0-62mph acceleration in just 3.8 seconds, and a dynamic cornering control system – available for the first time on an MG – with a locking electronic differential plus something called Intelligent Motor Control to allow torque vectoring between all four wheels.

Uprated and ventilated 345mm disc brakes ensure that the car can slow back down as swiftly as it can lift off and drivers also have the option of switching between the five drive modes of Eco, Normal, Sport, Custom and Snow.

Drive in Eco or Normal around town and the XPOWER behaves much like any other MG4 in that it’s spirited, agile, comfortable and well able to match its official electric range of 239 miles.

Unleash the beast – there’s even Launch Control whereby you rev the car while holding onto the brakes before lifting off for a slingshot launch – and things remain well balanced and positive with sharp steering and firm suspension.

Of course the economy suffers; our average return over 200 miles of mixed urban and motorway motoring was 199 miles – half decent in the circumstances.

Otherwise, the MG4 is well kitted out and user friendly with its 10.25-inch colour touchscreen displaying performance analysis and power distribution data and there’s also a seven-inch driver display with real-time info.

There’s plenty of leg and headroom for a family of four – five at a push – a 363-litre boot and standard kit like sat nav, a 360-degree parking camera, phone charging pad, heated front seats and steering wheel and an iSMART communications set-up plus a raft of safety features.

It’s a really impressive package in an electric hatchback that’s thrilling to drive and represents excellent value for money, all with a seven-year/80,000-mile transferable warranty.