MG Motor UK is hitting the brakes on the fully redesigned, second-generation MG 4 EV—at least for now. Instead, the brand will double down on what’s already working, rolling out a comprehensive facelift of the current MG 4, a car that’s become one of Britain’s quiet electric success stories.
The move marks a rare split in strategy between the UK arm of the SAIC-owned brand and its home market. China already received the all-new MG 4 back in March, riding on a next-generation EV platform and switching from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive. It’s 100mm longer, sports a Cyberster-inspired design, and packs a more modern cabin aligned with the newer S5 EV crossover. On paper, it looks like a clean-sheet sequel.
And when that Chinese-market design passed through European approval channels, it seemed like a sure thing the UK would get it. That’s usually how the playbook goes.
But MG Motor UK boss David Allison says the company is sticking with the original MG 4 for now—just giving it a proper refresh rather than swapping it for the new generation. “The 4 is now our oldest car, so it’s due a facelift, which will happen relatively soon,” he told Autocar.
Why the hesitation? Because the current MG 4 hasn’t just been successful—it’s been a smash hit. The rear-drive hatchback has carved out a loyal following by blending value, sharp dynamics, and usable range in a package that undercuts most competitors. In other words, the formula isn’t broken here, so MG isn’t rushing to fix it.
Meanwhile, the story is very different in China. There, the domestic-market 4 hasn’t had the same staying power, prompting SAIC to fast-track the next-generation model. “They have changed the car quite quickly,” Allison said, contrasting the two markets.
That doesn’t mean the UK will never see the newer platform. Allison confirmed that MG UK is positioned to adopt the next-gen architecture when it aligns with future model cycles: “It’s the next-generation platform, so for the next evolution or the next generation of EVs, that’s the platform we would get.”
As for timing? That’s still up in the air. “If it’s decided and we think there is an opportunity for that kind of car, we will certainly take it,” he added.
For now, MG loyalists can expect a refreshed version of one of the UK’s best-value EVs rather than a ground-up redesign. And given how well the MG 4 has resonated here, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The UK market gets stability—and a car that’s already proven itself—while MG buys time to roll out the next generation when the moment is right.
Source: Autocar