2024 MG4 Long Range 77 review

Back in the day when car makers made homologation specials, designed to win on Sunday so they could sell more on Monday, an additional feature was often a bigger gas tank.

That meant the race car could go longer between pit stops, spending more time racing and less time refuelling. This was critical in long distance races.

That also meant the drivers could smoke a few more cigarettes during the race. While safety was a low priority back then, they probably didn’t allow smoking in the pits, at least when refuelling. Well hopefully not.

A long range gas tank usually gobbled up the boot space of the road car, but such was the compromise enthusiasts were willing to make to own the most exciting model in the range.

When it comes to electric vehicles, the long range model of the line-up usually features a bigger battery, the EV’s fuel tank if you will. While this usually doesn’t rob the car of interior room, it can add weight.

We say ‘usually’ and ‘can’ due to the oddities of battery chemistry. For example, the MG4 Excite 51 (for its 51kWh battery pack) weighs in at a stated 1635kg, whereas the MG4 Excite 64 is only a few kilos heavier at 1648kg.

This is because the 51 uses LFP chemistry, the 64 using NCM. But when talking about the difference between the MG4 64 and 77 models, it’s a case of the latter having more modules in the pack to add capacity.

Both these use NCM cathode material, so the step up to the 77kWh capacity means it’s heavier, the Essence spec 64 at 1672kg, the 77 at 1748kg.

However, the extra mass doesn’t mess with the performance since, along with the larger capacity battery, the 77 gains a more powerful motor, up 30kW and 100Nm on the 64, output totalling 180kW and 350Nm.

That gives it more urge, the sprint time falling from a quoted 7.2sec to 6.5. Not only that, but the 77 gets an on-board AC charger with more grunt, capable of 11kW on three-phase power.

At the DC charger it can take up to 144kW, which isn’t much more than the 64 model however. Anyhow, its WLTP range figure is 530km, a little over 100km more than the similarly specified MG4 Essence 64.

The 77 is 16 per cent more expensive than the 64 at $63,990, for a 21 per cent increase in range, so you at least get what you pay for. But is it worth it otherwise? Only if you’re a regular intercity traveller.

Like a big gas tank, this will get you further between fills, and perhaps remove the need to stop to recharge at a DC pump. And that’ll save you money as they aren’t cheap per kWh compared with charging at home.

With road user charges for EVs adding to their cost of operation, you want to recharge as cheaply as possible.

We noted this particular vehicle was taking advantage of the ‘grace period’, as it did not have an RUC tag. Penalties start to be applied in June for those non-compliant EVs.

We plugged in at a 75kW DC charger, the MG4 quickly reaching a peak flow of 74kW, which in half an hour raised the battery from 39 to 80 per cent, adding 200km of range and costing $23.

And you can add $15.20 in RUCs to cover that 200km. So plug in at home to save.

As to how the 77 drives, it’s much like the rest of the MG4 range but with added torque it accelerates in a more spirited manner. It’s quick away from the lights, and gets down the motorway on-ramp with a satisfying turn of speed.

Everything dynamically about the MG4 impresses; its steering is nicely judged, its ride and handling package is well balanced and it’s smooth and quiet.

Its braking characteristics are good too, the regen coming in calmly and, while there is no one-pedal mode, when you use the brake to bring it all to a stop, the action is smooth.

While we could do without the odd, oblong-shaped wheel, the MG4’s turning circle is commuter- and carpark-friendly.

The Essence spec means all the conveniences are present, from the helpful surround view camera to the seats and steering wheel with a warming function.

The MG4’s a useful size too, with enough room for three kids (two adults) in the back, and a well-shaped hold under the hatchback.

While some might like the brighter colours in the range, silver is more understated and the hue always works well with black accents, of which the MG4 has plenty.

The MG4 isn’t perfect; the plastic interior is particularly grating on a $64k car, the rear view isn’t great (but improved by removing the middle head rest and relying on the camera when backing) and there are superior infotainment set-ups out there too.

Overall it’s a good package but when it comes to the 77, you have to ask yourself: do you really need that extra range?

We reckon the 64 would suit most needs, especially if you rarely range far and wide.

This story first appeared in the June 2024 issue of NZ Autocar magazine.