Two new affordable electric hatchbacks are giving budget-conscious buyers more choices in Australia’s growing EV market, with the MG 4 EV Urban and Geely EX2 both priced under $35,000 drive-away. Both models aim to prove that going electric doesn’t require sacrificing features, performance, or value.
Price and Trim Levels
The MG 4 EV Urban launched earlier this year with a single Essence trim available in two battery sizes. The entry-level Essence 43 is normally priced at $31,990 drive-away, but MG is currently offering $2000 cashback, lowering it to $29,990 until October 31, 2026. The larger Essence 54 retails for $32,990 after the same discount, down from $34,990.
The Geely EX2 arrived a few months later with two variants. The base Complete starts at $26,490 plus on-road costs, translating to around $29,319 drive-away in NSW. The higher-spec Inspire is priced at $30,990 plus on-roads, or about $33,954 drive-away.
Standard Features and Safety
These models come loaded with premium features. Shared highlights include LED lighting, keyless entry, synthetic leather trim, a digital instrument cluster, infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, embedded sat-nav, DAB+ radio, and wireless smartphone mirroring. The MG adds 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, a six-speaker audio system, and a wireless phone charger.
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Safety ratings are strong across both models. The MG 4 EV Urban earned a five-star ANCAP rating in 2025, while the EX2 followed in 2026. Both include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, lane-keeping assistance, and seven airbags. The MG also offers a standard 360-degree parking display, available only on the top-spec EX2 Inspire.
Interior Space and Comfort
Inside, the MG 4 EV Urban offers more room thanks to its longer wheelbase and overall dimensions. At 4395mm long with a 2750mm wheelbase, it provides ample legroom and headroom for five adults. The cabin features a minimalist design with high-quality materials, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Storage options include a large center console bin and a 382-liter boot with an additional 98L underfloor. The Geely EX2, measuring 4135mm with a 2645mm wheelbase, feels more confined. While still seating five, it uses harder plastics and has a rising center console that reduces front passenger space. However, it does offer a larger 14.6-inch touchscreen and 8.8-inch digital cluster. The 375-liter boot is slightly smaller than the MG’s, but a 70L front trunk adds extra storage.
Performance and Range
Under the hood, the MG 4 EV Urban uses a front-mounted motor powering the front wheels. The Essence 43 delivers 110kW and 250Nm of torque from a 43kWh battery, achieving 316km of WLTP range. The Essence 54 steps up to 118kW while maintaining the same torque, extending range to 405km via its 54kWh pack. The models support DC fast-charging at 82kW and 87kW respectively, with 10-to-80% charging taking under 30 minutes.
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The Geely EX2 takes a different approach with a rear-mounted motor driving the rear wheels. The Complete produces just 60kW and 150Nm, offering 252km of range from its 35kWh battery. The Inspire boosts output to 85kW and 150Nm, increasing range to 345km with a 47kWh pack. DC charging peaks at 60kW for the base model and 80kW for the Inspire, with no official fast-charge timing estimates provided.
Interior Quality, Storage, and Charging Capabilities
The T-shaped dashboard features a dual-screen layout with a 7.0-inch instrument cluster displaying essential information clearly, paired with a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen offering a straightforward menu system, wireless smartphone mirroring, and MG’s connected services. Physical controls below the screen manage climate and audio settings effectively. Front seats deliver comfort and support with ample adjustment, while storage includes a roomy center console and multiple bottle holders.
For long-term ownership, MG provides a 10-year or 250,000km warranty, contingent on following its service schedule. Annual maintenance for the MG is capped at $273.20 per year for the first five visits. Geely offers a seven-year unlimited-kilometer warranty overall, with an eight-year unlimited-kilometer guarantee specifically for the battery pack. Service intervals for the EX2 are set at 12 months or 20,000km, with a seven-year capped-price program totaling $2052.
Ride and Handling Characteristics
The MG 4 EV Urban prioritizes comfort over sportiness, with a suspension setup tuned for urban cruising. Its front-wheel-drive layout delivers predictable handling, while the electric motor provides immediate torque for confident acceleration. Ride quality absorbs most road imperfections, though larger bumps can feel firm at lower speeds.
