BMW i4 M50 Drag Races MG4 EV XPOWER, Budget Electric Vehicle Clocks Just Over 12 Seconds
Previously marketed as the Mulan, the MG4 EV is a compact-sized electric hatchback that can be had in performance-oriented flavor. Dubbed XPOWER, said version is available in the United Kingdom at 36,495 pounds sterling or circa 46,630 bucks.
Tang from CSL AutoTime has recently pitted the MG4 EV XPOWER against a Tesla Model 3 Performance-rivaling electric vehicle, and not surprising in the least, MG’s hatchback couldn’t better the BMW i4 M50 over the quarter mile. It posted a best of 12.09 seconds at 177 kilometers per hour, meaning 110 miles per hour in old money.
By comparison, the pricier and heavier Bavarian model clocked 11.59 seconds at 193 kilometers per hour (120 miles per hour). Any series-production car that posts 11 seconds in the quarter is tremendously quick, but 12 seconds is pretty quick as well. For reference, carwow squeezed out 12.1 seconds from the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ hot hatchback and 12.3 seconds from the Mercedes-AMG G 63 body-on-frame SUV.
Tang and his buddy also raced the Chinese hatchback and German liftback sedan from a roll. Once again, the BMW proved quicker than the MG, which is hardly a shock due to the i4 M50’s advantage in peak horsepower and torque.
Photo: CSL AutoTime on YouTube
Thailand’s CSL AutoTime quotes 544 ps and 795 Nm versus 435 ps and 600 Nm, as in 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet compared to 429 horsepower and 443 pound-feet. Another significant difference is curb weight: 2,210 kilograms (4,872 pounds) for the Bimmer against 1,850 kilograms (4,079 pounds) for the MG.
Despite its much superior tires, the i4 M50 struggled in the emergency braking test due to its higher curb weight. All in all, there’s no denying that SAIC-owned MG produced a veritable go-faster EV that should open the brand to new customers. Be that as it may, the brand that gave us some of the most iconic sports cars ever cannot dream of catching up to BMW anytime soon.
Nobody in their right mind will consider the MG4 EV XPOWER over the BMW i4 M50, and nobody will put an equal sign between the build quality of these vehicles. But as electric vehicle prices keep going up, Chinese automakers that specialize in budget EVs are primed to disturb the status quo.
Speaking of which, the Biden Administration has recently imposed a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles. Protecting the American electric vehicle industry is commendable, but looking at the bigger picture, American electric vehicle manufacturers need to learn from their Chinese counterparts. The European Commission is also considering high import duties due to unfair subsidies for Chinese automakers from the Chinese government.
