Advantage, BYD Atto 3? MG axes Australia's cheapest electric SUV as 2023 MG ZS EV Excite makes way for new entry model

There's good news and bad news for those hoping to snap up an electric car at a bargain basement price, and both come from MG this week upon the announcement of the MG4 Excite 51 coming to Australia.

While the good news is that it'll become the country's cheapest electric car on sale at just $38,990 before on-road costs, the bad news is that anyone in the market for an electric SUV instead of a small car has to spend a little more now, as the Chinese brand is killing off the base model MG ZS EV Excite to clear some pricing space for the MG4.

"Australians are doing it tough amid cost-of-living pressures," said MG Motor Australia and New Zealand CEO Peter Ciao yesterday upon confirmation of the new base-model MG4.

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"Like I did when I launched the ZS EV, and as MG has done with our other models, we are creating affordable and accessible cars, and the MG4 is helping Aussies get into an electric vehicle sooner than later.

The ZS EV was not only the nation's cheapest EV SUV at $44,990 drive-away, it was almost the most affordable electric car available, beaten only by the GWM Ora at $44,490 drive-away.

Now, of course, the MG4 Excite 51 takes that title by a clear margin, becoming the only EV available for less than $40,000, made possible by its smaller battery compared to the standard MG4 - the 51's battery is of course 51kWh compared to the 64kWh battery in other versions, and thus has a 350km range and lower output of 125kW, instead of 450km and 150kW.

The ZS EV was not only the nation’s cheapest EV SUV at ,990 drive-away, it was almost the most affordable electric car available, beaten only by the GWM Ora at ,490 drive-away. (image credit: Tom White)

The outgoing MG ZS EV Excite comes with a 50.3kWh battery and 130kW drivetrain, though a ZS EV Essence (with the same battery and output for a 320km range) and Long Range will remain on sale for $48,990 and $55,990 respectively - the latter coming with a larger 72.6kWh battery and 440km claimed range.

The MG4 on the other hand has longer ranges for its 150kW mid-spec models, the $44,990 Excite 64kWh version of the car boasting a 450km range, the $47,990 Essence 64kWh with 435km of range, and a larger-battery 77kWh version with 530km and a 180kW output, but at $55,990, all before on-road costs.

MG Australia also says it's "strongly considering" a high-performance version of the MG4, called X-Power, with a 64kWh battery and a sports car-beating 300kW of power.

The outgoing MG ZS EV Excite comes with a 50.3kWh battery and 130kW drivetrain. (image credit: Tom White)

While the MG4 Excite 51 is currently set to be the country's cheapest car with confirmed pricing, rival brand BYD is planning to announce its next entry-level model later this week, claiming the BYD Dolphin electric hatch will be "Australia's most affordable, high-quality electric vehicle of all time".

In New Zealand, the Dolphin starts from NZ$49,990 (AU$45,355) before on-road costs, so it'll have quite a price disparity if it's to launch here for more than the equivalent of AU$6000 less. Its pricing will be announced on June 22nd.