My Week with the 2024 MG4 Essence 77 Long Range: An Impressive Yet Quirky EV Experience

As someone who's driven their fair share of EVs, I was excited to get behind the wheel of the MG4 Essence 77 Long Range. This small electric hatchback has been making waves in the market, and I was keen to see if it lived up to the hype. After a week of daily driving, here's what I found.

First Impressions

The moment I laid eyes on the MG4, I was struck by its stylish design. The color options are fantastic, and it has a presence that belies its affordable price tag. However, my excitement was slightly dampened when I tried to get in - the small doors made entry and exit a bit of a challenge, especially for my taller passengers.

On the Road

Once I got moving, the MG4 really came into its own. It's quick, agile, and surprisingly comfortable for a car in this class. I particularly enjoyed playing with the customizable driving modes - Eco for my daily commute, Sport for those weekend jaunts, and Custom when I wanted to fine-tune my experience. The turning circle is phenomenal. I found myself relishing tight parking spots that would have been a nightmare in larger vehicles. And speaking of parking, the side cameras were a nice touch.

Range and Charging

One of the standout features for me was the range. With the 77kWh battery, I found myself needing to charge far less frequently than I expected. Even on longer trips, the MG4 stuck impressively close to its estimated range. However, I did have some frustrations with the wireless charger inside the car, which often struggled to detect my phone.

Interior Comfort

The heated steering wheel and seats were a godsend on colder mornings, responding almost instantly to my inputs. The sound system also impressed me - I wasn't expecting such quality audio in an entry-level EV. However, the limited rear-view vision from the mirror also took some getting used to.

Tech and Interface

Here's where things got a bit tricky. While the app was a breeze to set up and use, I found myself constantly frustrated by the in-car touchscreen system. It seemed to take far too many taps to find what I needed, and even after a week, I was still consulting the manual to figure out certain functions.

For those coming from a traditional combustion engine vehicle with physical buttons, it'll take a lot of sighing, and a lot more reading to understand how the system works and operates out of a touchscreen, especially for those who may have trouble with technology, but this does go across the board for most EVs.

Safety and Practicality

I appreciated that the safety features weren't overly intrusive. With a 5-Star ANCAP Safety Rating, unlike some cars I've driven, the MG4 didn't beep incessantly when lanes ended or on unpaved roads. The transition from park to drive was smooth and intuitive, which I imagine would be reassuring for those new to EVs.

Pricing

The MG Long Range 77 Essence, which is part of the MG ZS EV lineup, is priced at $55,990 drive-away in Australia. This price includes on-road costs, making it the total amount you would pay to drive the vehicle off the dealership lot. Key points about the MG Long Range 77 Essence:

It's the top-spec variant of the MG ZS EV range.
The vehicle features a larger 77kWh battery pack, offering an increased driving range.
This model provides an estimated driving range of up to 530km on a single charge.

It's worth noting that the MG ZS EV range also includes a more affordable Excite variant, priced at $44,990 drive-away. However, the Long Range 77 Essence offers additional features and extended range capabilities for the higher price point.

MG's Impressive 10-Year Warranty

MG Motor Australia has introduced a new, industry-leading 10-year warranty for vehicles registered on or after August 1, 2024. The specifics are:

For Non-Commercial Use:

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Vehicles: 10 years / 250,000 km (whichever occurs first)
Electric Vehicle (EV) & Hybrid Vehicles, including EV Battery: 10 years / 250,000 km (whichever occurs first)
Anti-perforation and paint: 7 years / Unlimited km

Final Thoughts

After a week with the MG4 Essence 77, I came away impressed, if not entirely won over. It's an excellent option for those entering the EV market, offering a compelling blend of range, features, and value. However, the ergonomic issues and complex interface did dampen my enthusiasm somewhat. For small families or individuals looking for an affordable entry into the world of EVs, the MG4 Essence 77 is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve, and maybe practice your contortionist skills for those small doors!