MG’s electric benchmark matures with a refined interior while retaining its driver-focused character. By Simon Harris.

What is it? Medium electric hatchback  How much? From £29,995  Range: 251-338 miles (WLTP)  Efficiency: 3.2-3.8mpkWh

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The MG4 was a watershed moment for the brand, marking the point where UK fleets began to take MG’s electric ambitions seriously.

It offered a rear-wheel-drive platform and a competitive range at a price point that made its European rivals look expensive. However, as the market matures with the arrival of sophisticated competitors such as the electric Vauxhall Astra, Peugeot 308 and the new Kia EV4, MG has responded with a mid-life refresh designed to keep its best-seller on the fleet radar.

On the road, the MG4 maintains the driver-centric character that set it apart at launch. While many of its peers in the C-segment have opted for a softer, more comfort-orientated setup, the MG4 offers more driver appeal.

The steering is quick and the nose is eager to tuck into corners, aided by the 50:50 weight distribution inherent in its dedicated electric platform.

The trade-off for this agility is a ride that remains firm. On the scarred surfaces of UK urban routes, you are more aware of the road’s imperfections than you might be in a Nissan Leaf or the Renault Megane E-Tech. However, for the user-chooser who values a car that feels taut and responsive, the MG4 offers a level of engagement that is arguably superior to many rivals.

The most vital updates have occurred inside the cabin, where MG has addressed the primary complaints of fleet drivers. The new 12.8-inch central touchscreen is a significant step up in clarity and processing speed.

More importantly, the inclusion of a slim bank of physical shortcut buttons for climate and volume beneath the screen is a welcome feature. It reduces the cognitive load on the driver – a critical safety factor for high-mileage users who previously had to navigate multiple sub-menus for some relatively simple tasks.

Space remains one of the MG4’s strengths. Despite its compact footprint, the long wheelbase of platform the MG4 uses liberates a surprising amount of interior room. There is genuine ‘stretch-out’ space for rear passengers, and the boot remains a practical, well-shaped 388 litres. It is a car that easily handles the dual role of a weekday workhorse and a weekend family car.

But there’s only one USB connector in the rear, and no rear cabin light, which might make navigating child seat harnesses more difficult in the dark.

The range remains highly competitive in 2026. The 64kWh battery offers a 280-mile WLTP range, while the 77kWh Extended Range pushes that to 338 miles. The high-performance XPower version provides the necessary comfort blanket for long-distance drivers, while the 150kW DC charging capability means a 10-80% top-up can be completed in around 26 minutes – comfortably within a typical motorway break.

While BiK tax is fixed at 4% for 2026/27 across the entire electric car market, the MG4 maintains a significant advantage through its aggressive P11D positioning.

Verdict

The updated MG4 is a more polished, more ergonomic and more desirable tool than the car it replaces. It has kept its sharp, slightly firm driving edge while fixing the interior foibles that held it back from true greatness. In a segment that is becoming increasingly crowded, the MG4 remains the benchmark for those who want their fleet car to be as engaging as it is efficient.

IN BRIEF

Key fleet model: Premium Extended Range

For: Value; engaging drive

Against: Firm ride; single rear USB connector

Seven-word summary: Sharp driving dynamics meet a matured interior

Also consider: Vauxhall Astra Electric; Kia EV4; Renault Megane E-Tech