In a move aimed at reshaping its electric hatchback line-up in Australia, MG Motor has revised and realigned its MG4 EV range so that the rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants sit alongside the newly introduced lower-priced MG4 EV Urban.

The MG4 EV Essence 64 and EV X-Power are now the only remaining versions of MG's electric five-door hatchback range launched in Australia in 2023. For 2026, both variants receive updates and price reductions as competition in the affordable EV segment increases. The MG4 EV X-Power remains positioned as a higher-performance variant within the range, while the updated Essence 64 is positioned against higher-specification versions of the BYD Dolphin and GAC Aion UT, with pricing starting from AUD 39,990 (US$ 28,970) drive-away.

The 2026 MG4 EV Essence 64 and EV X-Power are now on sale in Australia and are positioned above the all-new MG4 EV Urban as compact hatchbacks with higher performance outputs. The realignment of the range, with the EV Urban Essence 43 and Essence 54 joining the line-up, has resulted in the discontinuation of the previous entry-level rear-wheel-drive MG4 Excite 51 (51kWh battery) and the longer-range Long Range 77 (77kWh battery) variants.

Discounting remains common across MG's electric vehicle range, although based on previous recommended retail pricing, both the 2026 MG4 EV Essence 64 and X-Power are now priced lower than their predecessors.

The 2026 MG4 EV Essence 64 is priced from AUD 39,990 drive-away, which is AUD 3,000 lower than the 2025 model and approximately AUD 10,000 below the original 2023 launch price of AUD 47,990 plus on-road costs.

The 2026 MG4 EV X-Power is priced from AUD 47,990 drive-away, representing a reduction of AUD 8,000 compared with 2025 pricing and more than AUD 12,000 below its original 2023 launch price of AUD 59,990 plus on-road costs.

Both variants are positioned above the new front-wheel-drive MG4 EV Urban range, which starts from AUD 31,990 drive-away for the Essence 43. The larger-battery Essence 54 is priced from AUD 34,990 drive-away, leaving a price difference of AUD 5,000 to the rear-wheel-drive Essence 64.

MG's electric hatchback competitors include the BYD Dolphin (Essential from AUD 33,415 drive-away for Victorian private buyers and Premium from AUD 40,709 drive-away), GAC Aion UT (Premium from AUD 32,990 drive-away and Luxury from AUD 37,990 drive-away) and GWM Ora (Lux from AUD 33,990 drive-away and GT from AUD 36,990 drive-away). The Geely EX2 is also expected to enter the market soon.

Exterior paint remains the primary optional extra on the MG4 Essence 64 and X-Power. Dover White and Iris Cyan metallic are offered at no additional cost, while Camden Grey, Piccadilly Blue, Sterling Silver, Diamond Red and Black Pearl metallic finishes are available for an additional AUD 700.

Scheduled servicing for the MG4 is required every two years or 40,000 km, whichever occurs first, although some owners have reported that dealers requested more frequent workshop visits for routine maintenance. Servicing costs are also intended to be capped under MG's "Precise Price Service" programme. The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) has requested clarification regarding current servicing costs and programme details.

MG offers a 10-year/250,000 km new vehicle warranty in Australia, although this is conditional on servicing through an authorised dealer. The standard warranty remains seven years with unlimited kilometres, while the high-voltage battery is covered for seven years or 150,000 km. Different warranty conditions apply to light commercial vehicles.