MG4 Urban Review | A Cheaper City-Focused Version of MG's Popular EV Hatch

The MG4 has been a hot seller for the Anglo-Chinese brand since its launch in 2022, with over 49,000 units sold in the UK alone. For 2026, the MG4 has been updated, and now there are two new '4s available to choose from.

MG4 vs MG4 Urban

So, you might have noticed another... 'less than obvious' naming strategy with another new MG (see also: MG IM models). I'll do my best to explain the difference between the two 4s. There is a new MG4 for 2026, which replaces the outgoing 2022 model... the new MG4 is best thought of as an updated, improved version of its predecessor, which has been MG's best-selling hatchback EV since 2022. The MG4 Urban, however, despite sharing the same model name, is a completely new car and is aimed at a different market.

The MG4 Urban uses an entirely new platform, called the E3, from its namesake, the original (and now updated) MG4. The E3 platform boasts advanced cell-to-body (CTB) technology, which delivers weight reduction, greater cabin space and better handling thanks to a lower centre of gravity. The other obvious difference between the two new models is the drive train. The (non-urban) MG4 still uses MG's 'Bespoke Modular Scalable Platform (MSP)', which allows for rear- and All Wheel Drive variations, but on the Urban, it's a Front Wheel Drive-only platform.

I'll cover the new and updated non-urban MG4 in a separate article soon.

MG4 Urban Pricing

As per the name and design brief, the MG4 Urban is a pleasantly versatile B/C-segment city car which is likely to tick a lot of boxes for the exact market it's aimed at. As is the norm with MG, the model is available in three trim levels: Comfort, Long Range and Premium Long Range.

Comfort is the cheapest of the three, at £23,495, and includes a pretty comprehensive list of equipment, including assisted cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels, wireless smartphone connectivity, 5 driving modes, a one-pedal driving mode, built-in navigation, and a reversing camera. The Comfort has the smallest battery (43kWh) and a 110kW motor, which grants a WLTP range of 201 miles.

Long Range is the next option priced from £25,495. For the extra money, in addition to everything on the comfort model, buyers are rewarded with a larger 54kWh battery and a 118kW motor, which increases the WLTP range to 258 miles.

Premium Long Range is the most expensive of the three at £27,995 and takes the larger battery and motor from the Long Range, however, adds on some further luxuries including: larger (17-inch) alloy wheels, tinted windows, an electronically adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, ambient lighting, a 360-degree camera and a wireless phone charger mounted on the centre console. The added luxuries do reduce the range slightly, with WLTP claiming 251 miles.

Dynamics and Performance

None of the three trim levels has been created with performance in mind; however, the MG4 Urban's drive is surprisingly rewarding. Both battery/power options deliver very similar 0-62 acceleration times (around 9.5 seconds), but the handling (thanks mostly to the low centre of gravity) is positively surprising. The ride can feel a tad firm, especially over potholes and speed bumps, but on smoother stretches of road, it's pretty typical for an EV of its size and weight. The steering feels light but responsive, and the brake feel is sharp and direct. On the road, the Urban offers a quiet driving environment with minimal road rumble or wind noise.

Size and Interior Space

Space and storage are the MG4 Urban's party trick. Despite only being 4.4 metres long and 1.8 metres wide, the interior of the 'Urban is very generous. The driving position felt very comfortable for me at 6'1/186cm, and rear legroom is still ample with the driver's seat in my position. The same applies to headroom in all seats. A positive feature of MG's E3 platform is that cabin space can be maximised in a way that wasn't possible in the non-urban MG4. The boot is potentially the most impressive feature, with a total available storage space of 577 litres - the sort of space you would expect from a large estate car or SUV.

Comfort and Luxuries

The 'Urban, in all trim levels, is very well equipped with tech features to appease the modern driver and keep the more expensive competitor models on their toes. The 'MG Pilot' system grants assisted cruise control and traffic sign recognition, and the interface of the 12.8-inch infotainment touch screen is simple and intuitive. There are a handful of physical buttons on the centre console, great for making quick adjustments to climate control and media volume, along with additional buttons on the steering wheel for controlling driving modes, cruise control settings and media without having to take your hands off the wheel. The seating is worthy of praise, too, with both front seats offering exceptional comfort for the price bracket.

Conclusion

The existing (and now recently updated) MG4 has been a huge hit for MG, and the new Urban is likely to be just as much of a hit in its own right.

Personal preferences on the styling differences between the two MG4 models will be decided in the showrooms; however, the added versatility and practicality of the Urban, plus a more attractive price tag, might clinch the win.

words: John Marcar
photography: Henry Faulkner-Smith