Has The MG4 Lost its Crown as ‘The’ Affordable EV?

For several years, the MG4 EV rightly earned a reputation as the go-to answer when someone asked, “What’s the most affordable electric car I can get?”

It arrived with compelling range figures and prices that undercut almost everything else in its class. On paper, it looked like a breakthrough, a car that opened the door to electric vehicle ownership for thousands of drivers. Early adopters embraced it, and in our EV Salary Sacrifice Schemes, it quickly became one of the most requested models.

However, the electric car market doesn’t stand still.

What you need to be aware of

If we strip away anecdote and dig into the numbers, the MG4’s reliability record is at best mixed…and worrisome at worst!

In the 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey, the MG4 finished last in its category, with a reliability score of just 63.8 %, significantly below rivals and the average across the EV sector. Faults reported by owners spanned non-motor electrical issues, infotainment glitches, and occasional charging-related problems.

To put that into context, a score under 70 % in a survey designed to reflect real-world owner experiences suggests persistent issues that are more than isolated niggles. Compared with other electric hatchbacks, where scores frequently sit into the 80s and 90s, that’s a gap no one can ignore.

A survey referenced elsewhere found that 37 % of MG owners reported their car had gone wrong, and 58 % of those vehicles were off the road for more than a week. If you’re a daily driver, you don’t want your vehicle off the road for days because of recurring faults.

Now, let’s be fair. Many owner communities report positive experiences (one forum member I found noted over 16,000 miles with minimal issues). However, that sort of variation is precisely the problem: when reliability is inconsistent, it becomes hard to make confident, repeatable recommendations for customers.

My personal experience of driving the MG4

When I first drove an MG4, I was cautious. I had read the headlines and seen the data, and I knew perceptions were split. Like many drivers, I was taken by the strong range figures advertised, 280 miles WLTP is impressive for a car in this segment.

But in day-to-day use, particularly on motorway journeys, the real-world experience diverged from expectations. On one extended trip, a full charge returned around 180 miles, not the 280 promised. That gap matters on longer distances, because it means more charging stops and more planning,  and on busy work days that adds up. Personal experience reinforced the notion that the MG4’s real-world range is often noticeably below its claimed figures, especially in colder conditions and at sustained high speeds.

Alongside range questions, the software and infotainment systems also showed limitations. Cars with touchscreens that lag, buttons that aren’t intuitive, and UIs that can freeze make for a less polished user experience compared with many competitors.

And then there’s the little things that add up: warning lights that appear without clear cause, safety systems that can brake unexpectedly in low-risk scenarios, or charging frustrations at public rapid points where the vehicle simply refuses to start charging.

Individually, these might feel like inconveniences. Collectively, they eroded my confidence as an MG4 owner.

Our client’s experience with MG

The MG4 is one of the most common EVs we support across P+B. It has been hugely popular. Naturally, volume brings queries.

However, it is also one of the most frequent models our Client Services team deals with in relation to faults, warning lights, charging inconsistencies, and delivery complications. We have had instances where clients have waited months for delayed vehicles, only for delivery dates to move again. We have had customers sit at home all day expecting a handover, only to be told the car is now arriving weeks later.

This is a separate issue from the car itself, and supply chains are notoriously complex. The reality is that the operational burden around MG4s has been materially higher than many alternatives, and I feel it’s right to make you aware.

My picks for the best MG4 alternatives

I want to be clear: the MG4 is not a terrible car. It’s engaging to drive for the price, and it undeniably played a pivotal role in making EVs more accessible to a broader audience. Reviews consistently praise it for these strengths.

However, the EV buyer and the market are changing. Our clients demand more. With that in mind, I’ve selected a few alternatives that I think meet that demand for a similar price.

1. Cupra Born (Long Range)

This has become one of my personal go-to recommendations. It offers a similar, if not better, real-world range than an MG4, smoother software, and a more assured feel behind the wheel. Its build quality and infotainment responsiveness put it a touch above what you get in an MG4 at a similar monthly cost.

2. Kia EV4

The EV4 has rapidly established itself as a compelling choice in the same price bracket. Kia’s overall brand reliability and service network give drivers an added layer of confidence, and as an everyday car, particularly for business drivers, that’s hugely valuable.

A note for those considering an MG4 in the future

If the MG4 was a strong contender for your next EV, it’s understandable to feel a bit conflicted reading this. Today, some alternatives deliver comparably strong value, but with higher real-world reliability. That’s why we’re increasingly advising customers to consider stepping into something different, even if it’s slightly up in budget, because the long-term ownership experience almost always pays dividends over a multi-year lease.

If you’re considering an MG or alternative EV in the future, my team and I are on hand across EV Salary Sacrifice and Personal/Business Leasing to support you in your decision.