The MG 07 electric sedan is priced starting below $16,000, indicating that the choices available in the US are not very good.

      Zero-gravity seats, LiDAR, and starting prices of just $16,000 make sedans exciting once more.

      At the 2026 Chengdu Auto Show, SAIC’s MG brand formally unveiled its new mid-size sedan, the MG 07, and the pricing may truly surprise you. According to CarNewsChina, this vehicle is offered in seven configurations, with prices between 108,900 yuan and 159,900 yuan, roughly translating to $16,000 to $23,500, positioning it as one of the most affordable electric vehicles available.

      A surprisingly upscale design for a $16,000 sedan

      The MG 07 distinguishes itself with a star-ring light setup in front and semi-hidden door handles for a sleeker appearance. It is 4,886mm long and has a wheelbase of 2,825mm, featuring frameless doors, two-tone wheels, and yellow brake calipers. At the rear, there is a continuous taillight and a 5-stage adjustable electric spoiler. Buyers can choose from six color options: Morello Purple, Notting Grey, Oxford Blue, Milia Pink, California Blue, and Salt Lake White.

      On the powertrain side, MG provides both EV and PHEV variants. The EV operates on an 800V platform that delivers up to 315 horsepower, with a maximum range of 845km, while the PHEV combines a 1.5L engine with an electric motor for an overall range of 1,745km. Interestingly, the 610km range EV versions utilize semi-solid batteries from Qingtao, whereas the other models rely on CATL’s well-known LFP cells.

      The interior is where things get particularly intriguing

      The interior is exceptionally well-designed. It features a wraparound cockpit with a 15.6-inch floating touchscreen powered by the 8295P chip. The driver's seat includes heating and ventilation, while the passenger side offers a "Queen" zero-gravity setting. Additional features include a multifunctional vanity mirror, a 21-speaker sound system, and mCDC active suspension, making the comfort package thoughtfully conceived. MG has also integrated LiDAR, powered by Momenta’s R7 world model.

      The MG 07’s price could be its greatest attraction

      If you're interested in the EV model, pre-sales began last month with a starting price of 125,900 yuan, about $18,600. Delivery times will vary based on the range selected: if you choose the 650km version, it should arrive by the end of August, while the longer 845km range will require a wait until October.

      Hyundai's new Ioniq V undercuts the lowest-priced EV in the US by over $10,000

      Hyundai has launched pre-sales for the Ioniq V, a stylish mid-size sedan and the first production vehicle under Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand exclusive to China. Pricing starts at 119,900 yuan, or roughly $17,600, and reaches up to 139,900 yuan ($20,600) for the fully equipped version. For comparison, America's least expensive EV, the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt, starts at $28,995, meaning the Ioniq V's highest trim remains over $8,000 cheaper than the most affordable EV currently available in the US.

      BYD’s $37,000 Da Han EV delivers range and features typically found in luxury cars in the US

      BYD recently introduced a sedan with features and range usually associated with luxury vehicles, priced lower than a base Tesla Model 3 in the US. In recent years, Chinese automakers have improved the standard for affordable sedans (and vehicles in general), and BYD's latest offering exemplifies this trend. The Da Han has begun pre-sales in China with a starting price below $37,000, comparable to entry-level pricing in the U.S., but boasting a feature set that resembles that of a flagship model.

      The absence of a $20,000 EV: Understanding why small, affordable electric cars are not seen on North American roads

      Within the last 24 hours, the Chinese market has welcomed three vehicles priced significantly under the $20,000 mark, including offerings from Volkswagen, Hyundai, and MG, all in the sedan category. Hatchbacks are even more economical. If you stroll through historic centers in cities like Paris, Milan, or Amsterdam, you'll quickly find yourself in a "minicar safari," where the narrow, age-old streets are filled with a variety of electric micro-vehicles. From the compact $6,600 Citroën Ami to the vintage Microlino, these small electric pods effortlessly navigate traffic and fit into tight parallel parking spots that would be impossible for a standard sedan or a full-sized SUV. The G-Wiz, once manufactured in India, was another notable small electric vehicle that, despite being criticized as a "Death Trap," gained popularity internationally but did not