The supercar-fast MG 4 XPower will be in Australian showrooms sooner than expected.
“Due to unprecedented demand for the new MG XPower from both the dealer network and customers, MG has fast-tracked demonstrators and pre-order vehicles for arrival in showrooms by the end of this month (October),” said a spokesperson for MG Motor Australia.
The electric hot hatch had been due to arrive in November.
MG has already taken the car to Sydney Dragway ahead of its launch, with the dual-motor XPower running a 12.016 quarter-mile last Wednesday.
Priced at $59,990 before on-road costs, it’s the most expensive car MG has sold in Australia since coming under Chinese ownership.
That’s $4000 more than the current flagship, the single-motor rear-wheel drive Essence 77, but the dual-motor all-wheel drive XPower pumps out a considerable 140kW more power.
It produces 320kW and 600Nm, with a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 3.8 seconds.
The XPower uses the mid-range 64kWh battery, which can be charged at up to 140kW using DC power, and offers 385km of range on the WLTP cycle.
Kerb weight is 1800kg, or roughly 200kg more than a Mercedes-AMG A45 S that’s just 0.1 seconds slower to 100km/h.
It will be MG’s first dual-motor all-wheel drive electric vehicle (EV) in Australia.
Over lesser MG 4 models, the high-performance variant gains orange brake calipers, a black roof, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, polished trim accents, Alcantara upholstery, and a unique Hunter Green exterior finish.
Other exterior colours comprise Black Pearl, Brixton Blue, Camden Grey, Volcano Orange, Diamond Red, Sterling Silver and Dover White. All are no-cost options, though Hunter Green commands a $1000 premium.
Australian-market models also get a lap timer.
All MG 4s are underpinned by MG’s new Modular Scalable Platform, but for the XPower the company has made various technical enhancements.
There are recalibrated springs and dampers and stiffer anti-roll bars, with MG claiming it has increased suspension stiffness by up to 25 per cent. It also claims the steering is sharper.
The MG 4 XPower debuts a new Dynamic Cornering Control System, featuring an electronically locking differential and Intelligent Motor Control that allows for torque vectoring between all four wheels.
There are uprated, ventilated 345mm four-wheel disc brakes sitting behind Bridgestone Turanza tyres.
MORE: Everything MG 4
