Compact Electric SUVs: MG4X Semi-Solid Battery Challenges Tesla

Three Chinese brands are rewriting the compact electric SUV playbook with never-before-seen battery tech and prices that sting the competition. MG's rolling out the MG4X with a semi-solid battery, while Kia fires back with the EV5 boasting 329 miles of range. The fight to dethrone Tesla and Volkswagen is getting seriously heated.

"We're putting a semi-solid battery on a production car right now—not some concept-car fantasy. That's never been done in this segment." — MG Motor Technical Director

MG4X: Finally, Real Innovation Under the Hood

Look, the folks at MG just dropped something genuinely interesting with the MG4X. I'm not talking about another cosmetic refresh here—this is the real deal. This 4.39-meter compact SUV builds on the MG4 you already know, but with a semi-solid 53.95 kWh battery tucked underneath.

I've heard about this tech on 200k-euro prototypes. Now MG's sticking it on a car you can actually walk into your local dealer and buy. Here's the kicker: they're blending solid and liquid electrolytes to squeeze out 517 km of CLTC autonomy (realistically 450 km on European roads). And get this—it holds up way better at -10°C or baking under 40°C. Changes everything.

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Inside, they partnered with Oppo for the "intelligent cockpit." Sounds like marketing fluff on paper. Behind the wheel? Different story. Your phone syncs instantly, the interface runs buttery-smooth with zero lag. The driving aids from Horizon Robotics promise Level 3 capability. I'm keeping my eyes open, but early demos are seriously impressive.

Kia EV5: The Korean Making Its Stand

Kia is bringing the heavy artillery with the EV5. No more playing second fiddle to Hyundai. This family SUV slots between the EV4 and EV6, and it's laser-focused. Available since November 2025 across the Channel, it's claiming 329 miles of range (529 km) with its beefy 81.4 kWh battery.

Sure, 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds with 214 horsepower won't set your hair on fire next to the MG S6 or the Tesla Model Y. But Kia's playing it smart: 460 liters of trunk space versus 400 for the BYD Atto 2. When you're cramming in two suitcases and the dog, that matters.

Standard kit is generous: 12.3-inch screens, navigation, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control. Kia gets it—nobody's buying a stripped-down car in 2026. The three trims (Air, GT-Line, GT-Line S) cover every base without emptying your wallet.

MG S6: Goodbye Budget Positioning, Hello Premium

Alongside the MG4X, MG's been pushing the S6 since late 2025. And here's the shocker: they've ditched the bargain-basement strategy. This 4.71-meter SUV is chasing quality with finishes that actually hold up. Starting price around 35,000 euros—they've shifted gears completely.

Two powerplants on offer: 241 horsepower rear-wheel drive for the Long Range (hits 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds), and a punchier Dual Motor with all-wheel drive for grip-chasers. Range tops out at 520 km WLTP on the base model. Now we're talking serious business.

Real Innovation Finally Arrives

The breakthroughs go beyond just autonomy figures. The MG4X debuts SAIC's E3 platform—a modular architecture that swallows both electric and hybrid powertrains. Its chassis integrates the battery into the structure to nail rigidity and weight distribution. Result: the driving dynamics feel sharper.

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Kia is rolling out bidirectional charging (V2L) on the EV5. Translation: your car becomes a giant outlet powering your gadgets. Game-changer for camping trips or blackouts. I've tested it—works like a charm.

Range: New Champions Arrive

These three are absolutely crushing the competition on autonomy. The Kia EV5 flexes 529 km with its hulking 81.4 kWh battery. The MG4X hits 517 km on the Chinese CLTC cycle (divide by 1.2 for European equivalents). The MG S6 maxes out at 520 km WLTP depending on spec.

They're obliterating the BYD Atto 2 (420 km) and nipping at the Tesla Model Y's heels (565 km). The days of choosing between range and an affordable price tag? Ancient history.

Price Wars Heating Up

Kia is swinging hard with 5,800 euros in discounts on the EV5 Air. The price drops below 30,000 euros. Cowboy tactics to slam the brakes on the Chinese invasion.

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