MG increases prices for various versions of the MG4 electric hatchback in Australia
Affordable Electric Vehicle Market Heats Up with MG4's Upcoming Front-Wheel-Drive Variant
After a price increase for the current All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) and Rear-Wheel-Drive (RWD) MG4 electric hatchback models, MG Motor Australia is set to launch a cheaper, front-wheel-drive (FWD) variant in the second quarter of 2026. This new model is expected to be priced below $40,000, aiming to compete aggressively with lower-priced EVs like the BYD Dolphin Essential and GWM Ora.
The current MG4 models, with prices starting from about $37,990 for the base MG4 Excite 51 RWD, have seen their prices increase by up to $3,000 since July 2025. However, the upcoming FWD MG4 is expected to offer significantly sharper pricing.
Here's a comparison of the current and expected prices, as well as the battery range, for the MG4, BYD Dolphin Essential, and GWM Ora:
| Model | Price (AUD, approximate) | Battery/Range | Notes | |------------------------|---------------------------|-------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | MG4 Excite 51 (current) | $37,990 (driveaway) | 51 kWh, RWD | AWD & RWD versions cost more, up to $55,990[1][2] | | MG4 FWD (2026 launch) | Expected < $40,000 | 43 kWh & 54 kWh battery options | Simpler front-driven model, tech update, very competitive pricing[1][4] | | BYD Dolphin Essential | ~$29,990 | Typically ~44.9 kWh, 320–405 km range | One of the cheapest EVs on the market | | GWM Ora | ~$33,990 | Varies, generally ~40–50 kWh | Affordable small EV |
MG's CEO, Peter Ciao, stated that the MG4 still delivers "unbeatable value" for Australian families. The new pricing, effective July 1, is up by $7,000 compared to the previous all-time low. All MG4 variants come with vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality and Android Auto & Apple Carplay, even in the base variant.
In contrast, the upcoming 2026 MG4 FWD is expected to undercut or closely rival the BYD Dolphin Essential ($29,990) and GWM Ora ($33,990) entry prices with improved battery technology and features, despite the current MG4 AWD and RWD variants rising in price.
The relaunch of the MG4 in China shows aggressive pricing starting at approximately $10,270 USD (~$16,000 AUD) with models featuring semi-solid-state battery tech, which enhances safety and longevity[3][5]. While this is the Chinese market pricing, the Australian model aims to follow with similarly competitive pricing, especially in the simpler FWD variant.
BYD Dolphin Essential and GWM Ora remain strong budget contenders, but MG’s new FWD MG4 entry targets offering a balance between affordability, modern tech (including the MG×Oppo infotainment system), and battery advancements[3][4]. This move should make the MG4 especially competitive in the budget small EV segment.
[1] MG website: https://www.mgmotor.com.au/mg4 [2] MG4 Pricing Update: https://www.mgmotor.com.au/news/mg4-pricing-update [3] MG4 China Launch: https://www.caradvice.com.au/738622/mg-4-electric-hatchback-launched-in-china-with-aggressive-pricing-and-sssb-tech/ [4] MG4 FWD Launch: https://www.caradvice.com.au/744387/mg-4-electric-hatchback-to-get-cheaper-front-wheel-drive-variant-in-2026/ [5] MG4 Semi-Solid-State Battery Tech: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a37119250/mg-4-electric-car-semi-solid-state-battery-tech-china/
The upcoming MG4 FWD variant is anticipated to offer a competitive price, aiming below $40,000, positioning it to challenge lower-priced EVs such as the BYD Dolphin Essential and GWM Ora within the affordable electric vehicle market. This shift in pricing strategy is expected to make the MG4 more competitive, particularly in the budget small EV segment, by balancing affordability with modern technology and battery advancements.
The launch of the MG4 in China showcases aggressive pricing, starting at roughly $10,270 USD (~$16,000 AUD), and features semi-solid-state battery technology, which enhances safety and longevity. Despite the differences in market, the Australian model aims to mimic this pricing strategy, especially for the simpler FWD variant, leveraging both affordability and technology to stay competitive in the industry and within the finance sector, while contending with rivals in the transportation and automotive sectors.
