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This is Cupra Born Vs MG4 Electric comparison for 2024. These are not SUV comparisons that we usually do, these are technically electric hatchbacks. However we are on roll with electric vehicles of all sorts so these are the ones we’ve test driven hence worth a comparison writeup. Cupra is a boutique brand of VW which makes rebranded VW models but not necessarily cheaper than the VW donor model. MG is now a Chinese brand that was purchased from the British after it’s collapse as a manufacturer. Although there does not appear be any long term brand development beyond offering the cheapest models in various classes as possible. So is the Cupra Born worth it compared to the MG4 Electric?
Cupra Born Vs MG4 Electric exterior comparison: The Cupra Born is based on the VW ID3 but thankfully there are enough changes from the original donor that make the Cupra different and brand appropriate aka sporty. Sure none of the elements are anything we have not seen before and there is plenty to indicate that it is a VW underneath – which is a pity but at least it looks good. In comparison the MG4 looks cheaper in terms of paint quality and certainly it’s lines dated the appearance. However the MG4 still looks good just not premium.
Cupra Born Vs MG4 Electric interior comparison: Both interiors reflect their exterior styling but are surprisingly similar. T bar design with a little instrument display in front of the screen and a larger one for the stereo system. The difference between the two models is the quality of materials. The Cupra Born looks and feels premium in comparison to the noticeably cheaper MG4 interior.
Cupra Born Vs MG4 Electric engine and technology comparison: The Cupra Born has a great package which is similar to the MG4 but both have issues with in car stereo system and tech like regen without brakes or one pedal driving as examples. The Cupra Born is not particularly fast for an electric car in roll on or from standstill and the condition based performance is a little dodgy. Eg. they say the motor makes 170 Kw but only on a good day… It’s initial release in 2023 was a mix of the lower power and smaller battery and limited equipment inclusions. This was fixed in 2024 and now with one model but is still missing features you’d expect in a car in this price bracket. In fact the MG4 regardless of model grade would see the sports orientated Born languish in the background. Furthermore The subscription required for functions which can change with little notice is not something to commend buying the MG4 in particular. Both MG4 and Born also have quite inefficient electric motors using much more battery than a Tesla for example. In the end the only other difference is that the Cupra Born is rear wheel drive which makes it a nicer drive.
Cupra Born Vs MG4 Electric Street cred : It has to e said that the Curpa Born’s performance has clearly been limited due to VW Gold GTi. It is a Kodak moment for VW really. Will they be able to adapt and survive for the next decade or so and miss out of the rise of the electric car or will they try to limit their appeal by making deliberately dodgy electric cars? If the Curpa Born is an example VW is going to be on the losing side.
The conclusion and winner of the Cupra Born Vs MG4 Electric comparison is the MG4 Electric. It is due to price and performance that the MG4 wins this comparison. The Cupra Born presents really well, it has an upmarket interior and a nice ambience. However at the time of this post the Born is still packaged based for example, missing a decent stereo system, electric seats or even lumbar support is also missing – so you really need to check with the dealer as to what you are actually buying. Apart from it’s deliberately limited performance, the Cupra Born was and still is confusing to buy and one of the many reasons why we wouldn’t buy one.
| Cupra Born | MG4 Electric + XPower |
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| Engines | |
| Single Motor RWD Long Range Power 170 Kw Torque 350 Nm |
Single Motor FWD 1 – 125 Kw 250 Nm 2 – 150 Kw 250 Nm 3 – 180 Kw 350 Nm XPower Dual Motor AWD 1 – 150 + 170 Kw or 300 Kw Combined 2 – 250 + 300 Nm |
| Weight | |
| From Approx Kerb weight 1906 kg Towing capacity up to xxxx kg |
From Approx Kerb weight 1800 kg Towing capacity up to xxxx kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| Single motor Battery size 77 kWh Claimed range 457 Km (WLTP) |
Single motor 1 – Battery size 51 kWh Claimed range 350 Km (WLTP) 2 – Battery size 64 kWh Claimed range 435 Km (WLTP) 3 – Battery size 77 kWh Claimed range 530 Km (WLTP)X Power (Dual motor) Battery size 64 kWh Claimed range 400 Km (WLTP) |
| Other specifications | |
| 1 Speed Overall height/width 1540/1809 Overall length/wheelbase 4324/2766 4WD system: None ANCAP Safety: ?/5 |
1 Speed Overall height/width 1516/1836 Overall length/wheelbase 4287/2705 4WD system: FWD or AWD ANCAP Safety: ?/5 |
| Capability | |
| Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) xxx mm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) xxx mm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
| Performance | |
| Single electric motor 0-100kph 7 Secs (only on a good day) |
Single electric motor 0-100kph 6.5 – 7.7 Secs XPower Dual electric motor 0-100kph 3.8 Secs |
| Pricing | |
| 2024 $69,990 AUD (approx) | 2024 $39,990 – 59,990 AUD |
| *Specs change due to model grade and configuration. Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! | |