New 450PS MG4 EV set for 2022 launch

The convincing new design – that hails from a studio in north London – is married to a new platform that promises to be just as convincing as the styling, as well as hugely significant for MG’s future.

Underneath that vibrant orange body is the brand’s all-new MSP (modular scalable platform) architecture that will underpin a new generation of battery-electric MG models.

And before you ask – yes, they are likely to include something sporty with two doors. Unconfirmed talk is that it will be a toned-down version of the oddly-named but dramatic-looking Cyberster concept. An MG video shows a graphic of a two-door coupe.

MG confirms the MSP platform is suitable for “hatchbacks to SUVs and sports cars” with wheelbases between 2,650-3,100mm. MSP cars can have a variety of battery sizes and one or two motors. MG says weight distribution is 50:50 which with a low centre of gravity, thanks to a low battery height of 110mm, delivers plenty of driver engagement.

The MG4 represents a relatively modest start to the MSP journey but does promise to be a substantially different proposition from existing MGs. As these first pictures show, the MG4 should easily be able to hold its own in the design stakes up against the slew of electric hatches such as the VW ID.3.

MG’s rebirth as a budget brand has been a hit with drivers – the brand has grown by 83 per cent in the first five months of 2022 – but has come with rather budget design. The MG4 puts an end to that, with a strongly premium look based around a sculpted body form with crisp crease lines and black detailing.

Like the base ID.3, the new MG has its motor at the back and is purely rear-wheel-drive. With a 64kWh battery it’s credited with 281 miles of range.  Other versions are sure to follow – there is speculation a top model will have two motors, all-wheel-drive and 450PS (331kW) for 0-62mph in under four seconds.

That – and the first electric MG sports car ­– would surely be a grand way to mark MG’s centenary in two years’ time.