MG4 vs Volkswagen Golf: Running Costs UK 2026
Last updated: July 2026 · Based on current UK fuel prices
Running a MG4 in the UK costs approximately 6.5p per mile on home electricity, compared to 15.9p per mile for the Volkswagen Golf on petrol. At 10,000 miles per year with 80% home charging, the MG4 saves approximately £669 per year in fuel costs — breaking even on the higher purchase price in around 2.2 years.
At 10,000 miles/yr · 80% home charging
+£669/yr
The MG4 saves you approximately £669 per year in fuel costs.
Break-even on the higher purchase price: ~2.2 years
Volkswagen Golf fuel cost
15.9p/mile
44 MPG · 153.5p/litre
MG4 (home tariff)
6.5p/mile
4 mi/kWh · 26.1p/kWh
Annual fuel cost comparison
The table below uses real-world efficiency figures for both vehicles and current UK fuel prices. EV costs assume 80% home charging (26.1p/kWh) and 20% public rapid charging (79p/kWh).
| Miles/yr | Volkswagen Golf | MG4 | EV saves |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 | £1,269 | £734 | +£535 |
| 10,000(avg) | £1,586 | £917 | +£669 |
| 12,000 | £1,903 | £1,100 | +£803 |
| 15,000 | £2,379 | £1,376 | +£1,003 |
| 20,000 | £3,172 | £1,834 | +£1,338 |
Petrol: 153.5p/litre · Home electricity: 26.1p/kWh · Public rapid: 79p/kWh
MG4 cost by charging scenario
Charging behaviour has more impact on EV running costs than almost any other variable. Here's how the MG4 compares at 10,000 miles per year across four scenarios:
Overnight EV tariff
£175/yr · 1.8p/mile
Standard home (80% home)
£917/yr · 9.2p/mile
Mixed (50% home)
£1,314/yr · 13.1p/mile
Public charging only
£1,975/yr · 19.8p/mile
Saving vs Volkswagen Golf at 10,000 mi/yr and 153.5p/litre.
Key specs
MG4
Standard Range
Volkswagen Golf
1.5 eTSI Life
Get a personalised result for your actual mileage
The figures above use national average fuel prices. Enter your postcode to get live local prices, or adjust the MPG and efficiency for your specific trim level.
Open calculator pre-filled for this comparisonMaximize Your EV Savings
Motoring experts recommend checking these three high-value offers to lock in the lowest cost of ownership.
Intelligent Octopus EV Tariff
Charge your MG4 at the UK's lowest overnight rate of 7p/kWh.
- Save up to £800/yr vs standard rates
- Automatic smart home charging
- 100% green energy certification
Smart Home Charger Installation
Standard professional installation quote from £899 (Ohme, Pod Point, Hypervolt).
- Fast 7kW charging (3x vs wall socket)
- Lock, schedule & monitor via smartphone
- OZEV homeowner grant checker
EV Salary Sacrifice Lease
Lease a MG4 directly from pre-tax gross salary and save up to 45%.
- Zero upfront deposit required
- Includes insurance, road tax & servicing
- Locked 2% BiK company car rate
Frequently asked questions
How much does a MG4 cost to run per mile in the UK?
At a standard UK home electricity rate of 26.1p/kWh (the Ofgem price cap unit rate for July–September 2026) and a real-world efficiency of 4 miles/kWh, the MG4 costs approximately 6.5p per mile when charging at home. On a dedicated overnight EV tariff (around 7p/kWh) this falls to just 1.8p per mile. Relying entirely on public rapid charging — which averaged 79p/kWh in mid-2026 — raises the cost to 19.8p per mile.
Is the MG4 cheaper to run than the Volkswagen Golf?
Yes, for most UK drivers who can charge at home. The Volkswagen Golf costs approximately 15.9p per mile in petrol at current UK prices. At home on a standard tariff, the MG4 costs 6.5p per mile — a saving of 9.3p per mile. At 10,000 miles per year with 80% home charging, the MG4 saves around £669 per year in fuel costs.
How long to break even switching from a Volkswagen Golf to a MG4?
Based on an estimated price premium of £1,500 for the MG4 over the Volkswagen Golf, and annual fuel savings of approximately £669 at 10,000 miles per year (80% home charging), the break-even point is around 2.2 years. Drivers covering more miles will reach break-even sooner — at 15,000 miles per year the saving is proportionally larger.
What if I can't charge the MG4 at home?
Without home charging, the economics change significantly. Relying on public rapid charging — which averaged 79p/kWh in mid-2026, up sharply from a couple of years ago — puts the MG4 at 19.8p per mile — higher than the Volkswagen Golf at 15.9p per mile. EV running cost savings are almost entirely dependent on home charging access. Drivers without off-street parking should factor this in carefully.