New Chinese EV has a secret weapon: China-only 2026 MG4 officially revealed in China and it could have a semi-solid state battery to beat the BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora

MG has officially unveiled the new-generation Chiense MG4 electric hatch, which is a different vehicle compared to the MG4 sold in global markets such as Australia, and it could have a "semi-solid-state" battery.

Due to launch in China in September this year, the China-market MG4 is larger than the version sold here. It is 108 mm longer at 4395 mm in length, but shares the same Nebula EV platform that underpins our MG4.

MG Australia has advised that no decision has been made yet on whether this car will come to Australia.

The rounder, softer styling of this MG4 is in contrast to the aggressive and angular design of the previous model. There are short overhangs, redesigned headlights and taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels and traditional door handles. 

CarsGuide understands that there is a single motor driving the rear wheels and producing 120kW.

A lithium iron phosphate LFP battery is expected as well, but capacity has not been revealed at this stage. What has been hinted at is the China-market MG4 could use a semi-solid-state battery, which is found in sister brand IM Motors.

In December last year MG’s Brand Division Manager, Chen Cui, posted on Chinese social media platform Weibo that one of its new cars launching in 2025 would have a semi-solid-state battery as standard and that it wouldn't be pricey. 

Lithium-ion batteries use a liquid or gel electrolyte, which has charging speed and range limitations and is potentially flammable. Semi-solid state batteries, on the other hand, use a solid material suspended in a liquid electrolyte making them more stable. Fire-risk is reduced because leakage is less likely.

They are also more energy dense than conventional batteries, delivering more driving range from similar sized cells.

These aren't the much-hyped solid-state batteries, though.

The MG4 could be the car to gain a semi-solid state battery, given that the model has been a runaway success in Australia and the UK. Parent company SAIC has said that it wants to use its technological knowledge to its advantage to beat its competitors.

In Australia the MG4 has been an incredibly popular electric car with CarsGuide noting its very affordable entry price, good driving dynamics and practicality, and the larger China-market version could have similar success if it ever arrived here. In 2024 6,934 MG4s were sold in Australia making it the segment leader for small cars over $40,000.

In the last seven months more and more affordable electric Chinese cars and brands have entered Australia and put the pressure on MG. Brands such as BYD, Geely and Zeekr are becoming more popular in Australia.