2023 MG 4/MG Mulan detailed: Full overseas reveal of electric Toyota Corolla, Nissan Leaf, and Volkswagen ID.3 rival shows interior, performance

MG has fully revealed its next-generation ‘Mulan’ hatchback in China, a car which could be dubbed the MG4 when it arrives in Australia.

The Mulan/MG4 debuts a new electric drivetrain and platform for MG and its SAIC Motor parent company, and is said by the brand to be intentionally targeted at global markets like Australia.

The Mulan is longer and wider than the Volkswagen ID.3, but not as tall and with a slightly shorter wheelbase. The MG Mulan’s interior sports two floating screens for the multimedia suite and digital dash, a new-for-the-brand Volkswagen-look steering wheel, a set of floating fly-by-wire vehicle controls and a wireless charging bay, with a large cutaway below for storage and power outlets.

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The brand also revealed a top-spec all-wheel drive powertrain, capable of putting down 330kW/600Nm, placing it right at the top of the segment, and much faster than its key ID.3 and Nissan Leaf rivals in the EV space, sprinting from 0 - 100km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds.

This top spec version will also be joined by lower-grade versions with motors producing 125kW or 150kW.

The new battery system, dubbed the ‘Magic Cube’ battery, is designed to trim the thickness of individual cells, as well as increase energy density, in a similar way to how its Chinese rival, BYD’s Blade Battery, provides both density and packaging benefits.

In the top-spec 64kWh battery trim, the MG4/Mulan can travel up to 520km on the Chinese testing procedure. It seems there will also be lesser 44kWh or 51kWh versions available offering from 300km of range. Wheels measure 17 inches and are aerodynamically optimised, and multi-element LED headlights were also shown at the car’s reveal.

Although the Mulan/MG4 is aimed at export markets, we do not know when it might arrive in Australia, with local representatives most recently explaining that they are evaluating the new EV for our market. However, it is unlikely that it will arrive until the second half of next year.

While it adopts more of a crossover or chunky Nissan Leaf-style visage compared to the Toyota Corolla, the brand has made no mystery of its intent to take on the Japanese juggernaut’s popular hatchback in Australia with an electric vehicle. In the past MG has expressed desire in keeping the price low for its new electric vehicles.