SAIC opened pre-orders in China for the new MG 4X, an electric SUV with a semi-solid-state EV battery, priced under $15,000. The new battery tech is set to launch in Europe by the end of 2026.
The MG 4X is an EV SUV with a semi-solid-state battery
After launching the new MG 4 at the Chengdu Auto Show last year, or “the world’s first mass-produced semi-solid-state” EV, SAIC is following it up with the MG 4X.
The 4X was unveiled in March as the first electric SUV to join the new MG 4 lineup. SAIC said all versions, even the entry-level model, will offer high-end features including a semi-solid-state EV battery, rear-wheel drive, a five-link independent suspension, and more.
Blind pre-orders opened on May 11, with a starting price of just 99,800 yuan ($14,700). While SAIC has yet to reveal full details, China’s MIIT batch of new energy vehicle filings revealed it will be available with two battery sizes.
The MG 4X will be available with a 53.9 kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery, which provides a CLTC range of 510 km (316 miles), and a 64.2 kWh semi-solid manganese-based lithium-ion battery that delivers a CLTC range of 530 km (330 miles).
The standard (53.9 kWh) battery model is equipped with a rear-mounted electric motor that delivers 125 kW (167 hp). Upgrading to the larger (64.2 kWh) semi-solid-state battery also gets you a more powerful 150 kW (201 hp) motor.
Inside, the cabin features a large 15.6″ central infotainment with 2.5K resolution and a smaller display in front of the driver. SAIC said the new electric SUV will feature its new intelligent cockpit system, developed in partnership with Chinese smartphone maker Oppo.
At 4,500 mm in length, 1,849 mm in width, and 1,621 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,735 mm, the 4X is about the size of the BYD Atto 3 (sold as the Yuan Plus in China).
According to SAIC, reducing the liquid electrolyte content to just 5% significantly reduces the risk of combustion and improves cycle life in semi-solid-state EV batteries.
To prove it, the company subjected it to two needle-penetration tests, during which the battery produced no smoke, fires, or explosions after 2 hours. SAIC claimed it was an industry first and exceeded industry standards by 20%.
SAIC is offering those who place a blind pre-order up to 12,599 yuan ($1,900) in benefits, plus an Oppo Watch X3 worth 2,599 yuan ($380).
The new MG 4X with a semi-solid-state EV battery will officially launch at the end of May. Check back soon for more details.
While SAIC is gearing up to launch the MG 4X in China, it will begin rolling out its new semi-solid-state EV batteries in Europe and other overseas markets by the end of 2026.
MG is “setting a new benchmark,” the company said as the first manufacturer to achieve mass production of semi-solid-state EV batteries. It’s new semi-solid-state battery tech, MG SolidCore Battery, has been “refined to accommodate regional road conditions, climate variations, and regulatory requirements” in Europe.
The MG4 EV Urban, as it will be named, is expected to launch in Europe with the same battery, but driving range will likely drop to around 400 km (248 miles) under WLTP conditions.
Source: CarNewsChina, SAIC MG
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