There’s a new budget EV making serious noise on the private hire circuit, and it’s got a slightly confusing name. The 2026 MG4 Urban has arrived in UK showrooms, and despite sharing a name with the existing MG4, it’s actually a completely different car built on an entirely different platform. The question for Uber and taxi drivers is simple — does it do the job?
So what exactly is it?
This is where it gets a little weird. The MG4 Urban sits alongside the standard MG4 in the range, but the two are barely related. It’s front-wheel drive rather than rear-wheel drive, rides on a new platform, and is actually slightly bigger than the car it sits beneath in price. Boot space comes in at 479 litres — significantly more than the standard MG4’s 363 litres — which makes a real difference on airport runs when luggage is involved.
Pricing starts from £23,495, though MG is currently offering a £1,500 discount to effectively mirror the government’s EV grant, which Chinese-built vehicles don’t qualify for. That brings the entry price to just under £22,000 — seriously competitive money for a car this size.
The specs that matter for drivers
Two battery options are available. The standard 43kWh version offers a claimed 201 miles of range, while the larger 54kWh Long Range model pushes that to 258 miles WLTP. For drivers doing full shifts, the Long Range is obviously the one to go for. Rapid charging from 10–80% takes around 28–30 minutes on a 150kW charger, which is reasonable if not class-leading.
A heat pump comes as standard across the range — and that’s a bigger deal than it might sound. In winter, EVs without heat pumps can lose a significant chunk of their range just warming the cabin. Having it fitted from the base model is a genuinely smart move for year-round working drivers.
Passenger comfort and practicality
Rear legroom is a genuine highlight. Tall adults can sit comfortably behind tall drivers, which is exactly what your passengers need on longer runs. The boot, as mentioned, is generous, and the overall driving position is higher than the standard MG4, giving it a light SUV feel without tipping into crossover territory.
The interior is functional rather than exciting — everything’s grey and black, and it’s not going to win any awards for character. But for a working vehicle, that’s probably fine. Physical climate control buttons have been included alongside the 12.8-inch touchscreen, which makes a real difference when you’re trying to adjust the temperature without taking your eyes off the road.
Is it the best budget EV for private hire?
At under £22,000 with the discount applied, with a five-star Euro NCAP rating, a heat pump as standard, and genuine rear passenger space, the MG4 Urban makes a strong case. Top Gear even described it as “a perfect minicab” — which, from them, is probably the highest compliment a working driver’s car could get.
It’s not flawless. The ride can be on the firm side over rough UK roads, and the standard range’s 201-mile ceiling will feel tight on longer days. But as a practical, affordable EV built for the realities of daily private hire work, it’s well worth a proper look. Check out the full video review above for the complete rundown.
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