2025 MG 4 Long Range 77 Review

I’ve driven a few different versions of the MG 4 since it first launched, but this was my first chance to spend some time in the big-battery version of the popular electric hatchback.

The MG 4 77 Long Range is essentially the same spec as the Essence grade below it, but with the largest capacity battery on offer and the longest driving range available.

Official WLTP claimed range is 530km, which is more than most other electric models in the sub-$50K range. For that reason, it could be the one to go for if you’re a long-distance driver. It also has better charging capability, too.

But is the best version of the MG 4 you can buy?

How much does the MG 4 cost?

The MG 4 range has seen numerous price changes over the time it has been on sale, but one thing has remained constant – the 77 is the most expensive ‘regular’ MG 4, not including the dual-motor MG 4 XPower speed machine.

And the price jump is something you must do the maths on, because the variant positioned below it is identically specified and costs a sizeable chunk less.

In my mind, you’ve got to think this way about this grade: “Is it going to be a regular occurrence that I will need the extra 95km of driving range?”

And also: “Will I need the faster charging capability that this model offers?” Further details are below.

If you know you’re going to regularly need the extended range and faster charging speed, the Long Range is the go. If not, there are plenty of more affordable MG 4 variants that will tick the box.

If you’re curious as to how the MG 4 compares against its rivals, use our comparison tool to see for yourself 

What is the MG 4 like on the inside?

I’ve labelled the interior of the MG 4 “austere” in the past, and I think that remains the case. Some newer rivals offer much more colour and, er, more to talk about in the cabin – for better or worse.

But this car’s simple interior design is hardly divisive, even if it doesn’t necessarily feel like it’s the most daring.

The dashboard is broad and simple, with a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and prominent 10.25-inch multimedia unit, thankfully backed with a row of buttons below for some of the controls. Annoyingly though, the buttons don’t nail it completely.

They don’t feel premium and, while there’s a fan on/off button, you don’t get a button to adjust the fan speed. Likewise, while there are volume up/down buttons, you don’t get a recirculation button for the A/C.

As such, you’ll have to get in tune with the menus of the touchscreen, because it does have a fair bit running through it – it shouldn’t take you more than a few days, though.

It has wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and while it’s pretty crisp and nice to look at, touch-sensitivity seems a bit slow – with commands often taking one or two ‘presses’ to activate. 

A rotary dial gear selector with stoppers to keep you from endlessly twirling is a nice touch, and it has an electric parking brake switch, too. In higher-spec models you get a wireless phone charger, otherwise it’s just a storage pad at the bottom of the dash.

Learning the steering wheel controls may also take a little time. The steering wheel icon is the cruise control trigger, the arrows and the joystick alongside it adjust the speed and distance, and on the other side there are menus and controls for media and the driver info display. 

Storage includes a pair of low-down cupholders – hopefully you don’t bump your coffee cup getting it out – and a covered centre storage tray with a netted section behind which is a good spot for your keys. There’s a covered centre armrest, bottle holders in the doors, and a reasonable glovebox too. 

The seats in the 77 Long Range are the same as in the Essence grade, meaning part-cloth, part-leatherette trim. There’s six-way electric driver’s seat adjustment, allowing good movement for different body types, and nice comfort for longer trips, too. 

There’s also reach and rake adjustment for the steering wheel, which has heating as well.

Rear seat space is good for a smallish hatch, too. I managed to sit behind my own 182cm/6’0” driving position without much hassle, with enough knee, foot, and head room. Shoulder space is also good, and the seat itself is pretty comfy.

There are no directional air vents, nor is there a centre armrest with cupholders in the back. But you do get USB charge ports as well as multi-pocket storage on the front seatbacks. There are bottle holders in the doors, too.

Parents will be able to make use of ISOFIX child seat anchor points in the window seats – with handy velcro covers to hide them away when not in use, or protect the seat base when you are using them – and there are three top-tethers, as well.

The boot in the Long Range measures 350 litres, which is a little small by hatchback standards. But, it’s a good rectangular shape, and that makes it easy to Tetris-hack this otherwise compact cargo area.

There is no spare wheel, however – you just get a tyre repair kit. Plus, the boot houses the emergency charging cable, because there is no frunk in the MG 4, despite clearly having space for it. 

If you’re curious as to how the MG 4 compares against its rivals, use our comparison tool to see for yourself 

What’s under the bonnet?

The MG 4 offers a number of battery and drivetrain variants.

It is clear then, that the 77 Long Range has some advantages, and it will be a top choice for those who know they will be using their MG 4 regularly and often.

With the best AC charging speed when connected to three-phase 11kW power, it will be a great fit for owners who have the capability to charge at home or work with a compatible wallbox.

The 77 Long Range also has the quickest acceleration of the ‘normal’ MG 4 models, despite being the heaviest single-motor variant at 1748kg kerb. As with all the other single-motor MG 4 variants, it can tow up to 500kg.

The Long Range variant got pretty close to its claimed efficiency figure over my week of mixed driving, including urban, commuting, highway and freeway runs. I achieved an indicated readout of 15.4kWh per 100km. 

That would theoretically mean 483km of driving range, if you ran it down to a 0 per cent charge – a bit less than the eye-catching 530km claim.

Another plus for this EV compared to some other budget-focused options is that it has connected services, meaning you can tether to your phone and use MG’s iSmart app to control a number of functions at your convenience – way better than schlepping out to the car to check the charge rate, or turn on the A/C or heating.

If you’re curious as to how the MG 4 compares against its rivals, use our comparison tool to see for yourself 

How does the MG 4 drive?

I was a massive fan of the base Excite 51, and I stand by the notion that it’s the most enjoyable to drive of all the MG 4 models on sale in Australia… including the XPower.

But even this heavier MG 4 77 Long Range model is still a sweet thing to spend time in, despite the fact it feels a fair bit heftier than lower grade models with smaller, lighter batteries.

Much of that comes down to the rear-wheel drive layout that makes it feel more balanced and controlled than other cheap EVs that are front-wheel drive – I’m not talking about purely enthusiastic driving, but normal boring jobs you’ll do daily. 

There is a delightful driveability in a mix of situations. Find a quiet road and you’ll get a smile across your dial as you link corners together, because it really does have a natural feel to the way it handles.

Admittedly, it’s not as chuckable as the base grade, but it reacts more quickly than the models below it to sudden pushes of the ‘go’ pedal. 

It has a beautiful and normal feel to the steering, and comes with a set of quality tyres too – so it hustles and handles in equal measure. 

I did notice, though, that there’s a strange resonance at times that sounds like a low-frequency vibration at different speeds. 

As with many EVs, the body is stiff and the ride can be too. But the MG 4 offers a decent level of body control and comfort for people who like a solid-feeling drive experience. 

Another big plus is that the MG 4’s safety technology is more agreeable than you’ll find in some of the other new Chinese-made EVs.

You can disable things like lane-keeping and speed sign recognition if you wish, but you’ll need to do it each time you get back in the car. 

Even so, many other newer EVs are painful to live with, where the simpler MG 4 experience is a welcome one. 

Refinement is good, with some road noise to contend with on the highway – particularly on coarse-chip road surfaces. But it is otherwise pretty quiet at pace.

If you’re curious as to how the MG 4 compares against its rivals, use our comparison tool to see for yourself 

What do you get?

Here’s a rundown on what you get in each spec.

2025 MG 4 Excite equipment highlights:

• 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Keyless entry
• Automatic idle stop/start (no push-button required)
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Four-speaker sound system
• Black fabric upholstery
• 17-inch wheels with aero covers
• 4-mode regenerative braking
• Automatic high-beam
• Electric side mirrors with heating functionality
• 6-way manual driver’s adjustable seating
• Leather-lined steering wheel
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Climate control air-conditioning
• Electric parking brake
• iSmart Lite connectivity
• V2L vehicle-to-load charging capability
• AC charging – 6.6kW
• DC charging – 88kW

MG 4 Essence + Long Range add:

• 18-inch wheels
• Twin Aero rear spoiler
• iSmart connectivity
• 6-speaker sound system
• Satellite navigation
• Wireless phone charger
• Synthetic leather/cloth upholstery
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Height-adjustable load floor
• EV trip planner
• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• 360 degree view camera
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Auto up/down windows all four doors
• Active grille shutters

If you’re curious as to how the MG 4 compares against its rivals, use our comparison tool to see for yourself 

Is the MG 4 safe?

The MG 4 was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2022.

Standard safety features include:

• 6 airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Pedestrian detection
• Cyclist detection
• Junction detection
• Lane departure warning
• Lane-keep assist
• Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Front and rear seat belt reminders
• ISOFIX child restraint anchorage points – outer rear seats

MG 4 Essence adds:

• Surround-view camera
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic assist

If you’re curious as to how the MG 4 compares against its rivals, use our comparison tool to see for yourself 

How much does the MG 4 cost to run?

Since MG launched this range, there have been some significant value-adds in terms of the ownership considerations.

The brand now has a 10-year, 250,000km warranty for the vehicle itself, and that’s unconditional for private owners – meaning no matter where you service it, you will still have that warranty cover.

For business buyers there’s a seven-year, 160,000km vehicle warranty.

As for the battery warranty, it’s a 10-year/250,000km plan for private customers too, which is exceptional! But again, commercial buyers get a shorter seven-year warranty. 

Bundled into the ownership program from MG is a capped-price servicing plan that includes distance-friendly servicing intervals of 24 months/40,000km.

The first four services are priced as follows:

That works out at an average annual running cost of $334 over the first eight years – not bad at all. 

If you’re curious as to how the MG 4 compares against its rivals, use our comparison tool to see for yourself 

CarExpert’s Take on the MG 4

The MG 4 remains a compelling option for EV customers looking for a compact hatchback with competitive pricing and specifications.

If you regularly travel long distances but want to go electric, the MG 4 77 Long Range could well be a sweet choice. 

I’d just be asking myself whether you need that range all the time, because if not you could save thousands of dollars with one of the 64kWh variants and spend just a little more time charging on longer trips.

Interested in buying a MG 4? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

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