SAIC’s MG brand began delivering its latest MG4 Anxin Edition hatchback in China. The latest version of the popular MG4 holds the title of being the first mass-produced passenger vehicle to use a semi-solid state battery. While many companies have promised this technology for years, MG managed to put it on the road first.
But looking closer at the specification, we realize that this new battery type reduces the liquid parts only by 5% compared to traditional lithium packs. It’s not the revolution the marketing department is pushing for, but at least it is a bridge toward the fully solid-state future everyone is talking about.
Buyers looking for efficiency will find plenty to like here. This specific MG4 model offers a driving range of 329 miles under China’s CLTC testing standards. The manganese-based battery pack has a capacity of 53.95 kWh, and it powers a 120 kW (184 lb-ft of torque) motor sitting at the front of the car.
For daily driving, it feels quick enough, reaching 31 mph from a standstill in just three seconds – oddly, the company hasn’t provided the 0-62 mph time. If you find a fast charger, the battery can go from 30% to 80% capacity in 21 minutes, thanks to its 2C charging capability.
The MG4 Anxin Edition fits right into the compact hatchback category. It measures 14.4 ft long, 6.04 ft wide, and 5.09 ft tall. The substantial wheelbase of 9.02 ft promises a stable ride and a decent amount of room inside. Even with the heavy battery tech, the car weighs 3,307 lb. Interestingly, this is only slightly heavier than the standard trims that use older lithium iron phosphate batteries, which weigh between 3,120 lb and 3,274 lb.
The interior of this new version feels modern without being overly confusing. Drivers sit behind a flat-bottom steering wheel and look at a digital screen for their speed and gauges. In the middle of the dashboard, a large 15.6-inch screen handles the music and maps. MG used a high-end Snapdragon 8155 chip to make sure the screen responds quickly. Storage is also a strong point for this small car. The trunk holds 16.6 ft³ of cargo normally, but if you fold the back seats down, that space grows to an impressive 48.1 ft³.
The Anxin Edition comes equipped with 12 ultrasonic sensors and five cameras that watch the road. These sensors connect to a Horizon Robotics chip that handles tasks like auto-parking and helping the driver on the highway. MG offers the car in six different colors: purple, green, white, red, grey, and blue. The entry-level MG4 starts at a very low price of RMB 68,800 ($9,800), but the tech-heavy Anxin Edition costs RMB 102,800, which is roughly $14,600.
For a car that costs less than many used gasoline vehicles in the West, the MG4 Anxin Edition packs in a surprising amount of innovation. It consumes about 11.9 kWh of energy for every 62 miles it travels, making it quite cheap to run. The car can reach a top speed of 99 mph, which is more than enough for pretty much any highway.
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