Gridly
Overview
The MG4 XPOWER applies dual-motor AWD to MG’s compact EV platform. Two motors produce 320kW combined and significant torque - figures that produce 3.8-second acceleration in a compact hatchback that costs under $55,000. For context, the Kia EV6 GT ($94,900) and BMW i4 M50 ($119,900) produce similar acceleration at substantially higher prices. The XPOWER is a performance argument that is genuinely difficult to counter on a per-dollar basis.
The seven-year unlimited warranty on a 320kW performance car is unique in the Australian market. Every BMW M, AMG, and Porsche buyer accepts a shorter warranty as the cost of performance brand ownership. The XPOWER breaks that assumption - combining MG’s warranty confidence with hot hatchback performance at a price below many conventional performance hatchbacks.
The 385km WLTP is the range that AWD mass and performance output permit on the 64kWh battery. Real-world driving at 110 km/h returns approximately 300-330km - significantly less than the 64kWh Excite’s 360-390km. Performance-oriented driving reduces this further. Buyers who regularly use the XPOWER’s full performance potential should plan charging stops accordingly.
Pricing & Variants
| Variant | Battery | Range | Drive | 0-100 | DC Charging | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MG4 Excite 64 | 64kWh | 450km WLTP | RWD | 7.7s | 135kW | ~$43,990 |
| MG4 Essence 64 | 64kWh | 435km WLTP | RWD | 7.7s | 88kW | ~$42,888 |
| MG4 XPOWER AWD | 64kWh | 385km WLTP | AWD | 3.8s | 135kW | ~$53,990 |
The XPOWER costs $10,000 more than the Excite 64 for the AWD system and performance output. The trade-off is 65km less WLTP range. For buyers focused on performance rather than efficiency, the XPOWER is the clear choice. For buyers who want maximum range, the Excite 64 is the better option.
Performance
The XPOWER uses a dual-motor AWD configuration: one motor at each axle, producing a combined 320kW and 600Nm. 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds is measured under controlled conditions with launch control engaged. Top speed is 200 km/h.
The AWD torque distribution provides excellent traction in wet conditions and confident, neutral cornering balance. The XPOWER’s chassis is tuned to exploit the dual-motor setup’s ability to vector torque between axles - the result is a compact hatchback that punches well above its price in terms of performance character.
XPOWER-specific exterior treatment includes unique bumpers, wider track, and low-profile performance tyres that contribute to the visual identity and dynamic capability. 500kg towing is rated but performance tyre wear should be factored into long-term costs.
Range and Charging
- WLTP range: 385km
- Real-world estimate: 300-330km at highway speeds (110 km/h)
- Real-world estimate (spirited driving): 250-280km
- DC charging: 135kW (CCS)
- AC charging: 7.4kW (home wall charger)
- 10-80% at 135kW DC: approximately 28 minutes
- Full charge at 7.4kW AC: approximately 10 hours
The 385km WLTP range is the XPOWER’s main concession. For a performance-oriented buyer who primarily uses the car in urban environments and on weekend runs, 300-330km of real-world highway range is adequate with home charging as the primary replenishment method. For buyers who need maximum range for work commutes or regional driving, the Excite 64’s 450km WLTP is a more appropriate choice.
The 135kW DC charging ensures that when a charge stop is needed, it is brief - approximately 28 minutes for 10-80%.
Interior and Technology
The XPOWER’s interior is largely identical to the standard MG4 - functional, modern, and appropriate for the price. The 10.25-inch infotainment runs wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. XPOWER-specific badging and the sport-oriented steering wheel distinguish it inside from the regular MG4.
The cabin quality remains the MG4’s honest limitation at this price - the materials and tactile quality do not match what Kia, Hyundai, or Volkswagen offer in their performance variants. The XPOWER’s value proposition is raw performance per dollar, not luxury interior execution.
Practicality
Five seats, compact hatchback body. Boot capacity is 363 litres. 500kg towing. No V2L. The XPOWER’s wider track and performance tyre fitment make it marginally harder to manoeuvre in very tight urban carparks than a standard MG4 - the wider body needs slightly more clearance.
Safety
Five-star ANCAP. Full MG Pilot ADAS suite: AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection; Lane Departure Warning; Lane Keep Assist; Blind Spot Detection; Rear Cross Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control. The comprehensive ADAS package is unchanged from the standard MG4 - a meaningful safety specification on a performance car.
Running Costs and Ownership
- Energy cost: (64 ÷ 385) × 100 × $0.30 = $4.99/100km at $0.30/kWh (conservative; performance driving will increase this)
- Warranty: 7 years / unlimited kilometres
- Dealer network: MG Australia’s national dealer network
The seven-year unlimited-kilometre warranty on a performance car is the XPOWER’s strongest ownership argument. Performance tyre wear will be an additional consumable cost - factor in two sets of tyres over a 60,000km ownership period at approximately $1,200-$1,800 per set depending on compound choice.
Verdict
The XPOWER is the performance EV value benchmark: 3.8-second AWD acceleration, seven-year unlimited warranty, and wireless CarPlay at $53,990. The range trade-off and functional interior quality are genuine limitations. For buyers who want performance EV ownership at a price that doesn’t require a premium, the XPOWER is the most persuasive argument in its category.
No other vehicle in Australia combines 320kW, AWD, a seven-year unlimited warranty, and a sub-$55,000 price tag. That combination will not exist for long as Korean and other manufacturers respond - buyers who want it now will find the XPOWER’s value proposition compelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MG4 XPOWER faster than the Kia EV6 GT?
The EV6 GT does 0-100 in 3.4 seconds versus the XPOWER’s 3.8 seconds. The EV6 GT costs $94,900; the XPOWER costs $53,990. For budget-conscious performance buyers, the XPOWER delivers meaningful acceleration at a meaningfully lower price - but the EV6 GT’s additional 0.4-second advantage is genuine and backed by Kia’s full engineering depth, faster DC charging, and a more mature performance chassis. The XPOWER wins on value; the EV6 GT wins on performance execution.
How does the XPOWER handle in wet conditions?
The dual-motor AWD system provides excellent wet-weather traction - distributing torque between front and rear motors faster and more precisely than any mechanical all-wheel-drive system. The XPOWER’s AWD significantly improves confidence in wet-weather performance driving. The performance tyres are optimised for dry-road grip and may perform less well than all-season tyres in very wet conditions at the limits.
Why does the XPOWER have the same DC charging speed as the Excite 64?
Both the XPOWER and Excite 64 use the 64kWh battery with 135kW DC charging capability. The XPOWER’s performance comes from adding a second motor rather than upgrading the battery or charging hardware. This means the DC charging speed is identical across both variants - 10-80% in approximately 28 minutes. The additional AWD motor draws on the same battery capacity, which is why range (not charging speed) is where the XPOWER trades against the efficiency-focused Excite 64.
