Cut-price new EV confirmed for Australia

MG’s most affordable electric vehicle (EV) range in Australia will become a lot more complicated and cheaper next year.

The MG4 electric hatchback has been on sale locally in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants for about two years now, but in the second quarter of 2026 new front-wheel drive versions will arrive, badged as the MG4 Urban.

The front-wheel drive MG4 Urban is a completely different car from the existing rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive MG4. They’re built on different platforms and have drastically different styling.

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“The new for 2026 front wheel drive will be a completely different vehicle, perfect for the city,” said MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao.

“Balancing driver usage needs and production cost considerations of rear wheel drive, we saw the opportunity for an affordable FWD vehicle to complement the MG4 RWD and AWD."

This new front-wheel drive MG4 Urban will be offered locally with 43kWh and 54kWh battery options. The semi-solid battery option available in China won’t be offered.

The MG4 Urban will be positioned underneath the rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive MG4, which will only be offered locally with the 64kWh battery pack option.

2026 MG4 Urban

This shift in strategy means the entry-level MG4 Excite with the 51kWh battery pack and the MG4 Essence Long Range with the large 77kWh battery pack will be axed locally.

The former of these MG4 variants is currently on sale at $37,990 drive-away thanks to a limited-time drive-away pricing offer.

MG claims the MG4 offers a “dynamic driving experience” and “longer driving range” than the forthcoming MG4 Urban.

2026 MG4 Urban

The rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive MG4 will also have a higher price point and offer updated features. The Chinese carmaker hasn’t detailed what these will be just yet.

MG said full details and pricing on the MG4 and MG4 Urban line-up will be announced “in due course”.