2:06 - "Definitely going to appeal to a younger market". Ha, I'm 63 and had mine for 3 weeks - pretty much as much fun as I had on my recently-sold BMW R1200RT motor bike.
My MG4 greets me with: "Please turn off Lane Keep Assist!" Its under Settings->voice settings then look for something like greetings. You can choose off, random or custom.
I had my MG4 a whole year and it was an awesome car to drive, however the software just went from bad to worse during my ownership. LKA is completely unfit for purpose and has to be disabled every journey to drive the car safely. Stuff like random warning triangles, temperature control that’s 5c out of calibration, auto lights that were too sensitive which “flashed” other drivers plus none of the assistance systems such as traffic jam assist or cruise control could not be trusted whatsoever. Build quality was also an issue, I had oil leaks ! Warped motor undertray ( that they refused to replace ) very rough / noisy sounded air con pump, failed rear tail lamp, glvoebox cover poorly manufactured, seat bolsters / fabric showing bad creases and wear even when new and finally the dashboard stated to bubble. Thankfully I got rid after 1 year and before I lost too much money, I wouldn’t touch another MG with a barge pole.
Not my experience either, 15,200 miles in the first year and all great. Sure LKA is pants compared to the MG ZS I had previously but a simple start up routine, I switch on speed limiter at start so switching off LKA is on the check list before setting off. The temp is taken from the air vent not the cabin and I’ve had cars that do that before, I don’t take much notice just turn the temp up or down until comfortable. The sound system is not so good though so I upgraded the speakers to solve that one.
@@CastleKnight7 Same here. I turned off LKA on my journey home from picking the car up fifteen months ago and it has stayed off ever since. I'm not allowing any software updates until it allows LKA to be turned off permanently.
Had my MG X power for about 2 months now. With the LKA you can turn it off, yes annoying each time you start the car but still its a small issue. The range is not as bad on mine, stick the car in ECO and energy saving mode and it can be very economical around 4.0KW per mile i was getting was no struggle. Stereo is absolutely fine just use media from your phone and the sound quality is just fine. Tyres are not great but i have never been found wanting for grip and i drive it pretty hard some days, NOTE that 4wd is only active in sport mode! Steering feel is definitely vague and is not very sharp....but for me for whole point of this car is like a fun electric muscle type car. Trust me when i say this....this is a fun car in its own right.....I have owned 996 GT3, 997.1 GT3, Cayman 981 GTS, 1M, 997 Carrera S, E34 M5 just to name a few cars that i have owned over the years! Yes its a flawed car but i think of it as characterful. Dont have any issues with vibration also, there is a very slight hum at motorway speeds but it certaintly doesnt kill the enjoyment. As for the running costs.....just make sure you have an EV tariff. I have night rate with E.on at 7p per kw and this is a crazy cheap car to run. Its got 430bhp and is very useable so take its flaws for what it is and enjoy the thing! I traded my A35 Amg for this car and i am a petrolhead through and through, but i can honestly say that am not missing the A35 at all and for some reason am much more enjoying this car!
Good to hear. Also thinking of one. So I see the same in most reviews they don't use eco which is RWD only and power save plus many reviews in the cold (Likie this) saying the range is pants. But good to hear you can do 4Kw per mile.
this is an excellent post here. I am also a petrol head and have owned some big boys as well. I daily a volvo c40 twin motor as a company car and I am getting this for my wife. I love the fact that is scrabbles for traction on hard acceleration this is what I want to feel whereas the volvo feels almost too buttoned down!!
@@Techtablets thanks. TBH I have not tried the car in the winter months and I’m sure this will affect the range as in most EVs it would. It depends what you are using the car for..if your commute is 100-150mile a day then that will not be an issue at all. For pottering around, traffic lights and quick getaway from roundabouts etc this car is rapid and that’s where it’s happiest.
@@triniflyer8685 yeah for sure, it will scrabble a bit especially in 2wd mode if you nail the throttle but it never feel dangerous in anyway. I have thrashed mine off round about lights etc and that torque got you immediately. Unless it’s teeming down it hooks up brilliantly and that 0-60time is definitely for real.
Got my x power yesterday and what a fun little ev. I drive a c40 Volvo Twin motor and that to me to heavy with big wheels. Although more torque nowhere close to the fun factor in this car. Also the motor whine on acceleration on the x power makes the car feel better. The accelerator tuning is also less electric I find. The Volvo has a lot pedal lag then hits you with a wad of torque but also dies out quickly. Anyone who is telling you this is a one trick pony car is not understanding that the Xpower is trying to be. If you don’t care about range and want a fun ev hot hatch with a tonne of power for this price don’t hesitate
I bought the MG4 Xpower. My experience is completely opposite. I really enjoy the speakers, it's on par with the Model 3 LR I had. I am glad I was able to buy a 4x4 for 35 000 here in the north.
Very good and honest review! Again, I like how the 2 of you are sharing opinion each from own perspective, and no sales talk here! Keep up the good work.
I test drove Xpower today. The salesman had not done a launch control start.... he remained calm with mine ;). Did the roundabout understeer plough test and it is reasonable locking in and accelerating. It is rapid.
Thanks for the review guys, that rebooting screen put me right off, 3 reboots on the one drive? a flakey screen is not good enough in a top of the range model. Hope you are able to review the Volvo ex30 when it arrives 👍
I’m leasing the MG4 trophy. Drives like a golf gti in my opinion. Mines has the oil leak but didn’t bother about it. Probably no oil left to dirty the driveway. Lane keep assist is dangerous in this car and has given me a few frights. No rear wiper can be annoying. Rear reversing camera screen too small.handles well and wife loves driving it especially with the heat d steering wheel. She prefers it over the MK1 ZS ev.
Nice to see an honest review. Its like most of the car reviewers are gagged from saying anything negative. When they could spend ages talking about the terrible software throughout the car and the app. If you want one, don't buy new, used prices tank as soon as they leave the forecourt. Get a used one for many thousands less which then makes it a better offering personally. I don't like the back as well and anyone that has caught their hand or ribs of the sticking out lights will know what I mean.
The Lane Keep Assist is a common complaint on forums - being called the Lane Kill Assist by some - apparently it drove someone off the road in Scandinavia recently. It is really dangerous - I turn it off on my Trophy - but I don't always remember and the car tries to stop me leaving a nearby dual carriageway..... Pulling me back into traffic
Hi James just to let you know my Niro had a new traction motor and reduction gear fitted under warranty (finally) but I wanted you to know about my odd uncentering steering along with being hyper sensitive on broken/poor road surfaces (making the vehicle feel really unsafe at any speeds above 20mph) when they disconnected the 12v and I guess the main high voltage system (most of my settings in eco/normal etc got reset) and the steering has returned to what is was before. I’m not sure if it was relevant but last year my inside driving wheel bounced on a guess diesel and since then this problem existed? Just incase you get a Niro with similar issues in the future before starting to change components try this for customers maybe? Sorry for the long winded explanation mate hope it helps at some point. Cheers George and Liz
Great review. I decided not to get the xpower or standard due to poor dealer back up. I decided on the byd dolphin which has excellent efficiency, I've covered 4k and average 4.1 through the winter. One thing I did was swap the tyres(ling longs are awful) I've had a cupra born mg4 and niro- covered just over 30k and the byd trumps them all all aspects. Shame about the xpower which I feel is a 1 trick poney
@@MarthaMansbridge well it clearly does as I have a BYD dealer near me.... Also they care about their customers and MG do not! Make sense???? Clearly you don't know my story 😂😂
@@peterarmstrong3853each to their own but BYD have absolutely no track record at all - how can you say they care about their customers when there are only about 1200 registered in the UK and I suspect half of them are demonstrators or press vehicles. They might turn out to be amazing but it’s a stretch to claim they have good dealer back up or care about their customers. Best of luck, sincerely 👍
@@MarthaMansbridge any questions I've had they resolved straight away. They replaced my ling long tyres after issues in the first week and always checked in with me. Mg had the MG4 in the garage for months just to replace the cable locking mechanism. After joining forums and reading up to really put me off. Also it wasn't a friendly experience trying to book a test drive.
Not just this car that has issues with LKA and beeping for collisions but don’t let that stand in the way of a negative review. The VAG hot hatches have a much more sensitive collision avoidance system for example. Their head unit and software is also buggy and freezes just as much. The Nissan Leaf which has now been out what 7 years has the same issues with LKA and a sensitive collision avoidance system. The infotainment system with the leaf for wired android auto is also a pain and loses connection every day.
Focus ST couldn't do that and got 25mpg according to my friend. EVs could be better though, decoupling the second motor when cruising etc. can't do that with combustion engines really.
Well fairly reviewed I would say MG have some wsy to go especially for a niche version as the power consumption kind of takes the shine off but a lesser model used might tempt me down the line.
2 things you can tweak the stereo to its buried within the settings, it sets up a virtual subwoofer and 3 d sound. The vibration issue on our December 2033 collection isn’t there, maybe it’s been fixed on later prod runs.
I've been looking at the MG4 for a while to replace our aging BMW i3. Issue is, the base MG4 is missing several things I'd like. So, you move up a few models, and then it's getting very close to the price of a Tesla Model 3. (New Zealand pricing). Certainly close enough in weekly costs to make it a competitor. Once you compare to the Tesla, the MG looks like a poor choice, UNLESS you need the hatch. I'd even look at a second hand M3 performance, particularly over the XPower.
As we know the cost of insuring any vehicle at the moment (Elect or Ice) has seen vast increases. Surely the cost of insuring this type of vehicle with supercar acceleration must be daunting to say the least.
Enjoyable review, thanks! But remind me never to let you drive me anywhere - the speed you were hammering through flood water and puddles made me wince just watching it. You were lucky not to end up in a ditch.
Great video guys looks like a funmobile for the future kids once second hand 😂 ps Beaumont leys Tesco extra is getting....TWELVE rapid chargers meaning it beats the A50 Shell recharge TEN for biggest Bev hub in Leicester! Cheers
That flashing overspeed display is so annoying even if just 1kph/mph over the limit it still fashes and at night would be super distracting! Yes I know just like the terrible LKA it can be turned off but just like the LKA every time you start the car it resets. Have they fixed the one pedal driving where even if you change from like eco to normal it cancels the one pedal driving?
Good point. Lane departure systems suck. More dangerous than extra save. With lane merging and narrow roads with extra bicycle sides it's rally extra dangerous. But, hey NCAP is all about bells and whistles nowadays.
I am surprised they used the 250nm front motor and not the 350nm as seen on the LR MG4, as our non high performance AWD EV6 has 5nm more torque than this MG4 performance model. Also, I would have thought the MG4 Xpower would get wider tyres 235 are the same as the smaller, less powerful MG4 models.
Did no-one else notice that the launch said dry conditions and the windscreen wiper was going, the ground was wet and there were puddles everywhere????????
Despite the sometimes poor sound quality of the reviews on this channel, the reviews themselves are always excellent, anyway that's the positivity out of the way ;-) I've driven all of the MG range so far, and owned a ZS EV for a year and IMO none of them are 'yet' acceptable although the MG4 is the best they have made yet, again IMO. After sales service is terrible , the warranty is boasted as 7 years, well it took me 1 of those years just to NOT get certain faults fixed. The cars themselves are ok, but the 'quality' that you at first thinks exists soon exposes itself to being quite poor after constant use. And whilst it has a 5 star NCAP, they clearly didn't test the safety systems because they are mostly useless....in fact the LKA on my ZS was incredibly dangerous. Yes i'll get accused of 'trolling' etc...but actually I feel a duty to try and warn people away from buying into the MG 'world' because quite frankly at the moment it's not fit for purpose.
Not sure that anybody buying the XPower would expect great efficiency particularly in those conditions. Surely as the hot version a buyer is interested because of its performance not frugality, nobody buys a Ferrari expecting 50mpg.........
Bridgestone must be offering some manufactures fantastic deals they can not afford to refuse. I have seen these tyres fitted on some of the VAG group performance and EV models and I can not for the life of me, understand why they fit them ?. I totally agree with James, they are made with a hard compound which is good for wear, but the traction on FWD cars is absolutely terrible and the road noise in the cabin is LOUD !. Fitting them on an EV is a mistake ( ask me how I know ) but on the X Power is madness. A set of Mich Pilot Sports would have been a much better option. These were fitted to a new VW model I owned once, could not replace them quickly enough.
I don’t think you fairly judge traction in January on cold roads with cold tyres, I’ve driven it in summer and traction was great, a ti y bit of front scrabble at most.
Had mine a year now and not not had any major issues with software, sure the lane assist is pants but I switch it off when activating the speed limiter function so has become a normal start up for me. Once the steering wheel buttons are set to your liking it’s simple to switch between the function used regularly, I’d like a direct button for switching speed limiter and cruise control functions on the steering wheel to save tapping through screen menus but I’m used to the screen menus now so not so bad.
We have an MG5 & had a recent update that fixed out lane assist beeping & pulling, but no other problems since. Be nice if we could set a default for the KERS as we have to change that every time we get in it.
Yeah, echo your opinions. I have a couple of years to decide where to go after my TM3LR lease ends, and, frankly, it's currently not at all clear. Don't want to spend so much next time, and new models in the market are still catching up, so nothing stands out as a viable alternative at the moment. I won't go for another Tesla, due to the recent retrograde changes on the Highland, and the MG4 ER, which is what I want in o/a spec terms, is not quite where I'd want it to be in certain key quality areas. If they've sorted it out fully in 2 yrs time, I'd go for an ER version, without question.
Your Tesla has easily 300 miles on tap, no servicing, long range with boost smokes this mg4 xpower by a long way on the 1/4 mile plus the Tesla puts the power down all weather. I'm in the same boat, got 20 months left and looking at this car but under 200 miles to a charge? No chance. One appeal though is android auto. I've got it in my Tesla via an app but it's poor phone signal in the wireless tray makes it unusable for signal sadly. Thoughts?
@@bloodstockvip2176 Frankly, right now, my only thought is to leave it for the two years, and see what the lease company want for my Tesla when it's 4+ yrs old. It might be worth buying outright? If VW put the new high-output/high efficiency ID4 rear motor in the 77kWh ID3/Born, with upgraded controls, for the price of the MG4 ER, I'd be all over it for a new lease, but I somehow doubt that would happen. The other Chinese models, incl. Volvo EX30 are just not there at the moment. Maybe the MG4 ER will be improved by then?
@@bloodstockvip2176 Hey! Let us know how you get on with that - it was my only other option, but not having tried it, the reviews weren't convincing me. The proof of the pudding is always in the eating!
We have the MG4 x-power and could not disagree more with most of the comments. The lane assist is annoying but there is a software update due that makes it less agressive. On cold, wet roads putting all the power down will cause vibration, this is true in any powerful car but especially in a very powerful EV such as this one. On dry roads this disappears. The orange calipers are only caps that can be removed, we think it adds just a hint of its power, otherwise it looks like a standard MG4 on the outside. The stereo is awesome, you clearly have not adjusted the settings enough, the bass and treble is great. The satin green colour is getting all the comments and admiring looks, worth the extra few quid. Leasing this car makes the most sense, some great deals available around 310 per month with 6 months deposit. Finally, the range varies according to how you drive it, put in on full ECO mode and a decent weather day, you get a much better range on a longer run. Our advice is get one, they are great value!!
Thanks James & Kate an interesting & honest review. Makers should have a more basic range with maximum efficiency and cheaper price. I like how Tesla is bringing their prices down and they are so uncluttered with crap, have you seen the BMW five series EV! What steaming pile of expensive dead end metal! The Koreans seem to be doing a much better job than the Europeans.
yes i agree , however i see that y6ou cannot change the bulbs and i believe that you have to replace the whole headlight. ive also seen battery issues and the battery costs more than a new car.
Bit harsh to criticise the efficiency when, by your own admission, conditions were horrendous and we didn't get any sense of how aggressively you were driving it. Efficiency is pretty easy to calculate, in comparison to other EVs, using WLTP and usable battery capacity. This won't tell you the variation in different driving conditions, but you'll never be able to accurately compare efficiency across these variables, so WLTP is the best we have.
THE WLTP is 234 miles. This test was 2.8 after hooning it around in bad weather. Even at 3 miles/KWH that is 61 x 3 = 183 mile range in bad/cold weather. Not too bad imo.
Really think all these reviews of the xpower are extremely unfair. Would any serious car channel take a Golf R for a week and do a review that says: "It's got sports tyres that are awful in bad weather, it looks a bit boy racerish, it vibrates and makes noise when you put your foot down and I get more MPG in a van so if you're buying a golf I'd go get the TDI version" no they wouldn't.
You don't buy a sports car for efficiency. Would you buy a Focus RS and worry about the MPG? I doubt it. Even in your 2.8 m/kwh that is a real world driving range of 170 miles. Considering most EVs drop by 20-30% in winter, it really is not that bad.
I frankly can’t understand why on our dreadful roads, anyone would want or need a car that does 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. I’ll stick with my Kia Niro it’s better on electrons and 0-60 is 7.5 seconds plenty swift enough. I agree if I were to buy an MG I’d definitely go for the long range. As for those orange calliper’s 🤮 How on earth you find time to do these Vlogs along with servicing mine and other people’s EVs is unbelievably you must work night and day. 😅 Hailsham.
Absolutely hate you two now 😂 as a xpower onwer in volcanic orange 🍊. I remember my dad moning like hells gates had just opened because he had to start wearing a seatbelt lane keep assist is just the same, im now used to it as for the entertainment i got a wireless android auto adapter from ali express for about 25 quid.
It's odd in my mind that some other TH-cam channels do not really talk about the software shortcomings of the MG but bang on about it incessantly on the early VW EV cars. 🤔 Something I notice from this review is a third headrest in the rear of the MG4. This was missing in earlier models and rear seat comfort including space was one reason we decided not to go MG4 due to our need to transport oldies in the rear. I know some folk just love a sub 4 second nought to sixty but I really don't see the point for everyday use. It's a gimmick which is rarely practical to use and mostly excites the driver and a few teenage boys. I would be concerned about losing the main screen and about the power train judder. Here's hoping that these are not model issues but one-offs.
Ok lets just sit back and think about this, supercar performance, AWD is a big selling point, tyres and speakers are an easy fix. Again, cant be compared to a tesla rear wheel drive when the MG4 is AWD, and cheaper. If you want to compare to tesla, the model 3 performance is almost double the price. And, a heap of space when those seats are down in the mg4, Rear vibration is a recall so that can be fixed. cant be compared to a long range trophy, again not awd. you can disable the front motor in eco, yes i agree with brake callipers, range again its not a MP3 performance price bracket. I have MG4 trophy wheels, with aero covers, so will test out efficiency with those. Not buying this review, as there is nothing to compare it to for the money. its a a bit like buying a two seater and saying this is rubbish as i cant fit my ikea shopping in the back. let me know when u see a car with this performance in this price bracket and used for its intended purpose.
Till MG fix the vibration that they tried to fix with rubber dampeners. I cannot recommend if you intent on going over 100kmh. come on MG you know theres a fault. And refuse to fix or compensate customers.
For the reason I and most people buy this car it is incredible value. You will struggle to get anywhere near the performance at this kind of money in an EV. The stereo is terrible and mine is stuck on one station at the moment but I’m willing to overlook this. I’ve also driven to Weston super mare and back from Poole on a full charge and achieved 3.9 kw. So if you’re willing to be gentle on the pedal and tickle along in eco mode you can get the range. In terms of grip you’ve already answered your own observations. When I had an i30n from new it was night and day when I switched out the terrible Pirelli’s for Michelin pilot sport 4’s . That’s not the cars fault. Cannot see me getting bored with the insane acceleration. No cars are perfect and I love mine
Obviously you didn't listen, Kate said they had the car for a week! They strive to give real world reviews from their personal perspectives. Look at the comments and you will see the majority of them echoed.
If would appear to be the case that understanding the differences between power and torque, grip and traction, and speed and acceleration (fast car as you call it) are not really your forte! Best of luck anyway!
It is ugly as fck. My neighbour got it for lease and it is standing right in front of my window and I aways think to my self how embarrising this car looks like.
2:06 - "Definitely going to appeal to a younger market". Ha, I'm 63 and had mine for 3 weeks - pretty much as much fun as I had on my recently-sold BMW R1200RT motor bike.
My MG4 greets me with: "Please turn off Lane Keep Assist!"
Its under Settings->voice settings then look for something like greetings. You can choose off, random or custom.
Same here!
Brilliant video as always both. My M3RWD is still getting 4 .2 even in the recent weather.
I had my MG4 a whole year and it was an awesome car to drive, however the software just went from bad to worse during my ownership. LKA is completely unfit for purpose and has to be disabled every journey to drive the car safely. Stuff like random warning triangles, temperature control that’s 5c out of calibration, auto lights that were too sensitive which “flashed” other drivers plus none of the assistance systems such as traffic jam assist or cruise control could not be trusted whatsoever.
Build quality was also an issue, I had oil leaks ! Warped motor undertray ( that they refused to replace ) very rough / noisy sounded air con pump, failed rear tail lamp, glvoebox cover poorly manufactured, seat bolsters / fabric showing bad creases and wear even when new and finally the dashboard stated to bubble.
Thankfully I got rid after 1 year and before I lost too much money, I wouldn’t touch another MG with a barge pole.
Not been my experience at all and I’ve had my MG4 for a year. Still enjoying it and not had any problems.
Not my experience either, 15,200 miles in the first year and all great. Sure LKA is pants compared to the MG ZS I had previously but a simple start up routine, I switch on speed limiter at start so switching off LKA is on the check list before setting off. The temp is taken from the air vent not the cabin and I’ve had cars that do that before, I don’t take much notice just turn the temp up or down until comfortable. The sound system is not so good though so I upgraded the speakers to solve that one.
@@CastleKnight7 Same here. I turned off LKA on my journey home from picking the car up fifteen months ago and it has stayed off ever since. I'm not allowing any software updates until it allows LKA to be turned off permanently.
MG5 seems pretty solid..
Great and honest review. I think the Long Range is the sweet spot. Range + efficiency and still fun to drive. Certainly fast enough for UK roads.
Had my MG X power for about 2 months now. With the LKA you can turn it off, yes annoying each time you start the car but still its a small issue. The range is not as bad on mine, stick the car in ECO and energy saving mode and it can be very economical around 4.0KW per mile i was getting was no struggle. Stereo is absolutely fine just use media from your phone and the sound quality is just fine. Tyres are not great but i have never been found wanting for grip and i drive it pretty hard some days, NOTE that 4wd is only active in sport mode! Steering feel is definitely vague and is not very sharp....but for me for whole point of this car is like a fun electric muscle type car. Trust me when i say this....this is a fun car in its own right.....I have owned 996 GT3, 997.1 GT3, Cayman 981 GTS, 1M, 997 Carrera S, E34 M5 just to name a few cars that i have owned over the years! Yes its a flawed car but i think of it as characterful. Dont have any issues with vibration also, there is a very slight hum at motorway speeds but it certaintly doesnt kill the enjoyment. As for the running costs.....just make sure you have an EV tariff. I have night rate with E.on at 7p per kw and this is a crazy cheap car to run. Its got 430bhp and is very useable so take its flaws for what it is and enjoy the thing!
I traded my A35 Amg for this car and i am a petrolhead through and through, but i can honestly say that am not missing the A35 at all and for some reason am much more enjoying this car!
Good to hear. Also thinking of one. So I see the same in most reviews they don't use eco which is RWD only and power save plus many reviews in the cold (Likie this) saying the range is pants. But good to hear you can do 4Kw per mile.
this is an excellent post here. I am also a petrol head and have owned some big boys as well. I daily a volvo c40 twin motor as a company car and I am getting this for my wife. I love the fact that is scrabbles for traction on hard acceleration this is what I want to feel whereas the volvo feels almost too buttoned down!!
@@Techtablets thanks. TBH I have not tried the car in the winter months and I’m sure this will affect the range as in most EVs it would. It depends what you are using the car for..if your commute is 100-150mile a day then that will not be an issue at all. For pottering around, traffic lights and quick getaway from roundabouts etc this car is rapid and that’s where it’s happiest.
@@triniflyer8685 yeah for sure, it will scrabble a bit especially in 2wd mode if you nail the throttle but it never feel dangerous in anyway. I have thrashed mine off round about lights etc and that torque got you immediately. Unless it’s teeming down it hooks up brilliantly and that 0-60time is definitely for real.
Got my x power yesterday and what a fun little ev. I drive a c40 Volvo Twin motor and that to me to heavy with big wheels. Although more torque nowhere close to the fun factor in this car. Also the motor whine on acceleration on the x power makes the car feel better. The accelerator tuning is also less electric I find. The Volvo has a lot pedal lag then hits you with a wad of torque but also dies out quickly. Anyone who is telling you this is a one trick pony car is not understanding that the Xpower is trying to be. If you don’t care about range and want a fun ev hot hatch with a tonne of power for this price don’t hesitate
I bought the MG4 Xpower. My experience is completely opposite. I really enjoy the speakers, it's on par with the Model 3 LR I had. I am glad I was able to buy a 4x4 for 35 000 here in the north.
Wow that was so difficult to turn the LKA off you had to press the screen 3 times nightmare 😂😂😂
Very interesting review. Really enjoyed your individual perspectives combined in one video. Thanks again!
On the ZS you can turn the sensitivity down to minimum and it stays there when you turn the car of and on again.
Very good and honest review! Again, I like how the 2 of you are sharing opinion each from own perspective, and no sales talk here! Keep up the good work.
Good reference to Cleevely Electric in the Guardian on March 12th in the reply in article about a Renault Zoe that Renault doesn’t want to repair 👍
I test drove Xpower today. The salesman had not done a launch control start.... he remained calm with mine ;). Did the roundabout understeer plough test and it is reasonable locking in and accelerating. It is rapid.
Thanks for the review guys, that rebooting screen put me right off, 3 reboots on the one drive? a flakey screen is not good enough in a top of the range model.
Hope you are able to review the Volvo ex30 when it arrives 👍
"dry conditions" 🤣🤣 puddles everywhere and the wipers going.
I’m leasing the MG4 trophy. Drives like a golf gti in my opinion. Mines has the oil leak but didn’t bother about it. Probably no oil left to dirty the driveway. Lane keep assist is dangerous in this car and has given me a few frights. No rear wiper can be annoying. Rear reversing camera screen too small.handles well and wife loves driving it especially with the heat d steering wheel. She prefers it over the MK1 ZS ev.
MSG have been a pretty ropey gti… o comparison yes this is much quicker but it’s bloody awful to drive, one engagement and terrible vibration
Most honest review I’ve seen so far.
The vibration. Totally agree. A brand new car with a wheel wobble at motorway speeds. Widely report here in the UK, China and Australia.
Nice to see an honest review. Its like most of the car reviewers are gagged from saying anything negative. When they could spend ages talking about the terrible software throughout the car and the app. If you want one, don't buy new, used prices tank as soon as they leave the forecourt. Get a used one for many thousands less which then makes it a better offering personally. I don't like the back as well and anyone that has caught their hand or ribs of the sticking out lights will know what I mean.
The Lane Keep Assist is a common complaint on forums - being called the Lane Kill Assist by some - apparently it drove someone off the road in Scandinavia recently. It is really dangerous - I turn it off on my Trophy - but I don't always remember and the car tries to stop me leaving a nearby dual carriageway..... Pulling me back into traffic
You can customise the wakeup screen to remind you to turn it off.
Hi James just to let you know my Niro had a new traction motor and reduction gear fitted under warranty (finally) but I wanted you to know about my odd uncentering steering along with being hyper sensitive on broken/poor road surfaces (making the vehicle feel really unsafe at any speeds above 20mph) when they disconnected the 12v and I guess the main high voltage system (most of my settings in eco/normal etc got reset) and the steering has returned to what is was before. I’m not sure if it was relevant but last year my inside driving wheel bounced on a guess diesel and since then this problem existed? Just incase you get a Niro with similar issues in the future before starting to change components try this for customers maybe? Sorry for the long winded explanation mate hope it helps at some point. Cheers George and Liz
I have an mg5. Efficiency is woeful in the winter. Especially Aberdeen.
And LKA systems, pay no attention to the state of the surface. So if you’re trying to avoid a pothole of rough surface, you’ll be fighting the LKA.
Great review. I decided not to get the xpower or standard due to poor dealer back up. I decided on the byd dolphin which has excellent efficiency, I've covered 4k and average 4.1 through the winter. One thing I did was swap the tyres(ling longs are awful) I've had a cupra born mg4 and niro- covered just over 30k and the byd trumps them all all aspects. Shame about the xpower which I feel is a 1 trick poney
You didn’t get an MG due to dealer back up but you DID go for a BYD?? That makes absolutely no sense at all.
@@MarthaMansbridge well it clearly does as I have a BYD dealer near me.... Also they care about their customers and MG do not! Make sense???? Clearly you don't know my story 😂😂
@@peterarmstrong3853each to their own but BYD have absolutely no track record at all - how can you say they care about their customers when there are only about 1200 registered in the UK and I suspect half of them are demonstrators or press vehicles. They might turn out to be amazing but it’s a stretch to claim they have good dealer back up or care about their customers. Best of luck, sincerely 👍
@@MarthaMansbridge any questions I've had they resolved straight away. They replaced my ling long tyres after issues in the first week and always checked in with me. Mg had the MG4 in the garage for months just to replace the cable locking mechanism. After joining forums and reading up to really put me off. Also it wasn't a friendly experience trying to book a test drive.
Not just this car that has issues with LKA and beeping for collisions but don’t let that stand in the way of a negative review.
The VAG hot hatches have a much more sensitive collision avoidance system for example. Their head unit and software is also buggy and freezes just as much. The Nissan Leaf which has now been out what 7 years has the same issues with LKA and a sensitive collision avoidance system.
The infotainment system with the leaf for wired android auto is also a pain and loses connection every day.
Can somebody remind me what kind of mpg you'll get from a car that as a 0 to 60 of 3.7 secs and a 12 second quarter mile. Bet it ain't good.
MPG is zero, like all other electric cars. 😉
@@WonkoTheSaneUK woosh is the sound of op's comment going over your head 😂
Focus ST couldn't do that and got 25mpg according to my friend.
EVs could be better though, decoupling the second motor when cruising etc. can't do that with combustion engines really.
Well fairly reviewed I would say MG have some wsy to go especially for a niche version as the power consumption kind of takes the shine off but a lesser model used might tempt me down the line.
Hi James and Kate, Do you cover the South West of England, devon etc? Thankyou?
The colours should really be XPower Grey and Grass Green! I hope the next MG4 is refined a little!
LKA never did work on ours - but I didn't take it back to get it fixed...
More importantly, what did Flo think of the X-Power? 😀
That rear window looks like it needs a wiper!
2.8 mpkWh is awful. And the screen glitches are unacceptable in a car for that price. Thanks for the honest reviews. 🙂👍
2 things you can tweak the stereo to its buried within the settings, it sets up a virtual subwoofer and 3 d sound. The vibration issue on our December 2033 collection isn’t there, maybe it’s been fixed on later prod runs.
I have the MG4 LR which I love but it's the first 5-seater car I've ever had that doesn't have speakers in the rear, just a shocking saving.
Not just MG. Our VW ID3 also has no rear speakers just the 2 at the front
Great video both 👍 see soon 😊
I've been looking at the MG4 for a while to replace our aging BMW i3. Issue is, the base MG4 is missing several things I'd like. So, you move up a few models, and then it's getting very close to the price of a Tesla Model 3. (New Zealand pricing). Certainly close enough in weekly costs to make it a competitor. Once you compare to the Tesla, the MG looks like a poor choice, UNLESS you need the hatch. I'd even look at a second hand M3 performance, particularly over the XPower.
As we know the cost of insuring any vehicle at the moment (Elect or Ice) has seen vast increases. Surely the cost of insuring this type of vehicle with supercar acceleration must be daunting to say the least.
I am nearly 50 and a recent quote for myself and wife was £450 a year. Not bad for something that is this quick.
Enjoyable review, thanks! But remind me never to let you drive me anywhere - the speed you were hammering through flood water and puddles made me wince just watching it. You were lucky not to end up in a ditch.
Great video guys looks like a funmobile for the future kids once second hand 😂 ps Beaumont leys Tesco extra is getting....TWELVE rapid chargers meaning it beats the A50 Shell recharge TEN for biggest Bev hub in Leicester! Cheers
Great video and you have confirmed my thoughts. A one trick pony as such, where the Long Range trophy ticks all the boxes.
That flashing overspeed display is so annoying even if just 1kph/mph over the limit it still fashes and at night would be super distracting! Yes I know just like the terrible LKA it can be turned off but just like the LKA every time you start the car it resets. Have they fixed the one pedal driving where even if you change from like eco to normal it cancels the one pedal driving?
I noticed the flashing speed limit sign and it would drive me potty.
Good point. Lane departure systems suck. More dangerous than extra save. With lane merging and narrow roads with extra bicycle sides it's rally extra dangerous.
But, hey NCAP is all about bells and whistles nowadays.
❤😊 thank you. I think this is what BMW should have done with the i3S. 😊
I am surprised they used the 250nm front motor and not the 350nm as seen on the LR MG4, as our non high performance AWD EV6 has 5nm more torque than this MG4 performance model. Also, I would have thought the MG4 Xpower would get wider tyres 235 are the same as the smaller, less powerful MG4 models.
Almost all MG4 owners loathe the lane-keeping. Many customise the welcome screen to remind them to turn it off before driving away.
Love the music.
So, what were the bad tyre brand
Bridgestone - as shown in the video.
Did no-one else notice that the launch said dry conditions and the windscreen wiper was going, the ground was wet and there were puddles everywhere????????
Despite the sometimes poor sound quality of the reviews on this channel, the reviews themselves are always excellent, anyway that's the positivity out of the way ;-) I've driven all of the MG range so far, and owned a ZS EV for a year and IMO none of them are 'yet' acceptable although the MG4 is the best they have made yet, again IMO. After sales service is terrible , the warranty is boasted as 7 years, well it took me 1 of those years just to NOT get certain faults fixed. The cars themselves are ok, but the 'quality' that you at first thinks exists soon exposes itself to being quite poor after constant use. And whilst it has a 5 star NCAP, they clearly didn't test the safety systems because they are mostly useless....in fact the LKA on my ZS was incredibly dangerous. Yes i'll get accused of 'trolling' etc...but actually I feel a duty to try and warn people away from buying into the MG 'world' because quite frankly at the moment it's not fit for purpose.
Not sure that anybody buying the XPower would expect great efficiency particularly in those conditions. Surely as the hot version a buyer is interested because of its performance not frugality, nobody buys a Ferrari expecting 50mpg.........
Bridgestone must be offering some manufactures fantastic deals they can not afford to refuse.
I have seen these tyres fitted on some of the VAG group performance and EV models and I can not for the life of me, understand why they fit them ?.
I totally agree with James, they are made with a hard compound which is good for wear, but the traction on FWD cars is absolutely terrible and the road noise in the cabin is LOUD !.
Fitting them on an EV is a mistake ( ask me how I know ) but on the X Power is madness.
A set of Mich Pilot Sports would have been a much better option.
These were fitted to a new VW model I owned once, could not replace them quickly enough.
Good point. I wonder if they are the issue. With the power why don’t they come with Michelin Pilot Sport 4s or 5’s ?
I don’t think you fairly judge traction in January on cold roads with cold tyres, I’ve driven it in summer and traction was great, a ti y bit of front scrabble at most.
MG needs to get their software sorted out as a matter of urgency. Software issues really let the MG 4 down and spoil a otherwise great car.
Such as?
As a ex MG4 owner 100% Agree, software beyond bad and buggy +1
I class it as steaming turd software that the inept numpties still haven't fixed 18 months later. Budget car...budget software developers?
Had mine a year now and not not had any major issues with software, sure the lane assist is pants but I switch it off when activating the speed limiter function so has become a normal start up for me. Once the steering wheel buttons are set to your liking it’s simple to switch between the function used regularly, I’d like a direct button for switching speed limiter and cruise control functions on the steering wheel to save tapping through screen menus but I’m used to the screen menus now so not so bad.
We have an MG5 & had a recent update that fixed out lane assist beeping & pulling, but no other problems since. Be nice if we could set a default for the KERS as we have to change that every time we get in it.
If you had £36k, would you go with a new x-power or say a 2021/2022 Tesla M3P?
It's about time MG offered the UK market the "luxury" configuration that the EU market gets. No heat pump, no thanks.
I believe the latest update now allows you to turn it off permanently.
Yeah, echo your opinions. I have a couple of years to decide where to go after my TM3LR lease ends, and, frankly, it's currently not at all clear. Don't want to spend so much next time, and new models in the market are still catching up, so nothing stands out as a viable alternative at the moment. I won't go for another Tesla, due to the recent retrograde changes on the Highland, and the MG4 ER, which is what I want in o/a spec terms, is not quite where I'd want it to be in certain key quality areas. If they've sorted it out fully in 2 yrs time, I'd go for an ER version, without question.
Your Tesla has easily 300 miles on tap, no servicing, long range with boost smokes this mg4 xpower by a long way on the 1/4 mile plus the Tesla puts the power down all weather. I'm in the same boat, got 20 months left and looking at this car but under 200 miles to a charge? No chance. One appeal though is android auto. I've got it in my Tesla via an app but it's poor phone signal in the wireless tray makes it unusable for signal sadly. Thoughts?
@@bloodstockvip2176 Frankly, right now, my only thought is to leave it for the two years, and see what the lease company want for my Tesla when it's 4+ yrs old. It might be worth buying outright? If VW put the new high-output/high efficiency ID4 rear motor in the 77kWh ID3/Born, with upgraded controls, for the price of the MG4 ER, I'd be all over it for a new lease, but I somehow doubt that would happen. The other Chinese models, incl. Volvo EX30 are just not there at the moment. Maybe the MG4 ER will be improved by then?
@@Roll_the_Bones no idea, I like the ex30 and that's under 40k too in UK for quick one. Trying it next week
@@bloodstockvip2176 Hey! Let us know how you get on with that - it was my only other option, but not having tried it, the reviews weren't convincing me. The proof of the pudding is always in the eating!
Hi there I'm a TH-camr too ha and my Tesla is broke so you do house calls?
Hi. We do.
@@Jamesandkate we spoke since an you don't come to Liverpool and the heater replacement requires the battery being dropped out
We have the MG4 x-power and could not disagree more with most of the comments. The lane assist is annoying but there is a software update due that makes it less agressive.
On cold, wet roads putting all the power down will cause vibration, this is true in any powerful car but especially in a very powerful EV such as this one. On dry roads this disappears.
The orange calipers are only caps that can be removed, we think it adds just a hint of its power, otherwise it looks like a standard MG4 on the outside.
The stereo is awesome, you clearly have not adjusted the settings enough, the bass and treble is great.
The satin green colour is getting all the comments and admiring looks, worth the extra few quid.
Leasing this car makes the most sense, some great deals available around 310 per month with 6 months deposit.
Finally, the range varies according to how you drive it, put in on full ECO mode and a decent weather day, you get a much better range on a longer run.
Our advice is get one, they are great value!!
I feel the need. The need for... 😂
Mad machine.
Vibration.... why there is no solutions ?
Thanks James & Kate an interesting & honest review. Makers should have a more basic range with maximum efficiency and cheaper price. I like how Tesla is bringing their prices down and they are so uncluttered with crap, have you seen the BMW five series EV! What steaming pile of expensive dead end metal! The Koreans seem to be doing a much better job than the Europeans.
yes i agree , however i see that y6ou cannot change the bulbs and i believe that you have to replace the whole headlight. ive also seen battery issues and the battery costs more than a new car.
Bit harsh to criticise the efficiency when, by your own admission, conditions were horrendous and we didn't get any sense of how aggressively you were driving it.
Efficiency is pretty easy to calculate, in comparison to other EVs, using WLTP and usable battery capacity. This won't tell you the variation in different driving conditions, but you'll never be able to accurately compare efficiency across these variables, so WLTP is the best we have.
THE WLTP is 234 miles. This test was 2.8 after hooning it around in bad weather. Even at 3 miles/KWH that is 61 x 3 = 183 mile range in bad/cold weather. Not too bad imo.
The MGs seem to fall down on their efficiency.It’s a pity for an otherwise good car.
Really think all these reviews of the xpower are extremely unfair. Would any serious car channel take a Golf R for a week and do a review that says: "It's got sports tyres that are awful in bad weather, it looks a bit boy racerish, it vibrates and makes noise when you put your foot down and I get more MPG in a van so if you're buying a golf I'd go get the TDI version" no they wouldn't.
I honestly think I'd end up getting the new shape Tesla Model 3 for the price difference.
MG just need to do what Polestar did and leave the Infotainment to Google
I routinely get 3.4Miles/kwh in dead of winter with motorway driving in my Ioniq 5. 2.5 -2.8 from a much smaller car like this is pretty shocking.
You don't buy a sports car for efficiency. Would you buy a Focus RS and worry about the MPG? I doubt it. Even in your 2.8 m/kwh that is a real world driving range of 170 miles. Considering most EVs drop by 20-30% in winter, it really is not that bad.
I frankly can’t understand why on our dreadful roads, anyone would want or need a car that does 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. I’ll stick with my Kia Niro it’s better on electrons and 0-60 is 7.5 seconds plenty swift enough. I agree if I were to buy an MG I’d definitely go for the long range. As for those orange calliper’s 🤮 How on earth you find time to do these Vlogs along with servicing mine and other people’s EVs is unbelievably you must work night and day. 😅 Hailsham.
Boot is also tiny - about half the size of a Zoe, isn't it?
Nope
WHEN ARE MG4 MOVING TO SODIUM BATTERIES
Absolutely hate you two now 😂 as a xpower onwer in volcanic orange 🍊.
I remember my dad moning like hells gates had just opened because he had to start wearing a seatbelt lane keep assist is just the same, im now used to it as for the entertainment i got a wireless android auto adapter from ali express for about 25 quid.
It's odd in my mind that some other TH-cam channels do not really talk about the software shortcomings of the MG but bang on about it incessantly on the early VW EV cars. 🤔
Something I notice from this review is a third headrest in the rear of the MG4. This was missing in earlier models and rear seat comfort including space was one reason we decided not to go MG4 due to our need to transport oldies in the rear.
I know some folk just love a sub 4 second nought to sixty but I really don't see the point for everyday use. It's a gimmick which is rarely practical to use and mostly excites the driver and a few teenage boys.
I would be concerned about losing the main screen and about the power train judder. Here's hoping that these are not model issues but one-offs.
Ok lets just sit back and think about this, supercar performance, AWD is a big selling point, tyres and speakers are an easy fix. Again, cant be compared to a tesla rear wheel drive when the MG4 is AWD, and cheaper. If you want to compare to tesla, the model 3 performance is almost double the price. And, a heap of space when those seats are down in the mg4, Rear vibration is a recall so that can be fixed. cant be compared to a long range trophy, again not awd. you can disable the front motor in eco, yes i agree with brake callipers, range again its not a MP3 performance price bracket. I have MG4 trophy wheels, with aero covers, so will test out efficiency with those. Not buying this review, as there is nothing to compare it to for the money. its a a bit like buying a two seater and saying this is rubbish as i cant fit my ikea shopping in the back. let me know when u see a car with this performance in this price bracket and used for its intended purpose.
Till MG fix the vibration that they tried to fix with rubber dampeners. I cannot recommend if you intent on going over 100kmh. come on MG you know theres a fault. And refuse to fix or compensate customers.
7:51 Allah?🤔😉
For the reason I and most people buy this car it is incredible value. You will struggle to get anywhere near the performance at this kind of money in an EV. The stereo is terrible and mine is stuck on one station at the moment but I’m willing to overlook this.
I’ve also driven to Weston super mare and back from Poole on a full charge and achieved 3.9 kw. So if you’re willing to be gentle on the pedal and tickle along in eco mode you can get the range.
In terms of grip you’ve already answered your own observations. When I had an i30n from new it was night and day when I switched out the terrible Pirelli’s for Michelin pilot sport 4’s . That’s not the cars fault. Cannot see me getting bored with the insane acceleration. No cars are perfect and I love mine
𝕮𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖊𝖘𝖘 𝕽𝖚𝖇𝖇𝖎𝖘𝖍 !
Chinese rubbish its not a MG
Review is awful taking a car for small ride what can you say. I owned a car 6 months and its brilliant car.
Obviously you didn't listen, Kate said they had the car for a week! They strive to give real world reviews from their personal perspectives. Look at the comments and you will see the majority of them echoed.
You need winter tyres on any performance car. Can't judge a car on wrong tyres. But it is Chinese rubbish again.
Terrible review. You seem to conflate tyre grip and traction, speed and acceleration, power and torque. Stick with your day jobs!
You don't think traction and tyre grip are in anyway related? Power and torque makes no sense, do you know what you're talking about?
If would appear to be the case that understanding the differences between power and torque, grip and traction, and speed and acceleration (fast car as you call it) are not really your forte! Best of luck anyway!
It is ugly as fck. My neighbour got it for lease and it is standing right in front of my window and I aways think to my self how embarrising this car looks like.
Sure dude.
Coming from a Lada owner. 😂
@@davidspencer7254 If you need a picture I send it to you. 😘
@@CastleKnight7 I drive a Focus. Do you have some mental issues? A Lada complex, or something?1
It looks different, modern and eye catching. It’s not another god damn suv cartoon box car.
WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE
£450 a year when I did a comparison. Not bad for something that can leave a Porsche/ Audi in the dust.