Is the MG MG4 Essence cheaper to run than the BMW 320i?

Yes. Based on 15,000 km/year over 5 years in NSW, the MG MG4 Essence costs $40,496 to run versus $70,795 for the BMW 320i — a saving of $30,299 (43%). The biggest difference is depreciation.

How much does it cost to run the MG MG4 Essence per year in Australia?

Around $8,099 per year ($1/km), covering energy, registration, insurance, servicing and depreciation at 15,000 km/year in NSW.

How much can I save switching from the BMW 320i to the MG MG4 Essence?

About $30,299 over 5 years — roughly $6,060 per year. Use the calculator above to adjust the state, annual distance and charging mix for your situation.

5-year running cost · 15,000 km/yr · NSW

MG MG4 EssenceVSBMW 320i

The MG MG4 Essence is cheaper to run — by $30,299 over 5 years (43% lower total cost), driven mostly by depreciation.

5-yr cheaper total: $40,496; MG MG4 Essence
Saving vs rival: $30,299; 43% lower
Cost per km: $1; vs $1
Saving per year: $6,060; on average

Tale of the tape

Headline specs and running costs side by side.

Metric	⚡ MG MG4 Essence	⛽ BMW 320i
Driveaway price	$46,990	$78,900
Powertrain	Electric (BEV)	Petrol · ULP 95
Efficiency	17.5 kWh/100km	7.2 L/100km
Battery / fuel	64.0 kWh battery	Petrol · ULP 95
Range	~360 km real-world	—
Annual energy / fuel	$580	$2,430

Run the numbers yourself

interactive

Pre-loaded with the MG MG4 Essence and BMW 320i. Adjust the state, annual distance, ownership period and charging mix to match your situation.

EV Running Cost Calculator

Compare the true 5-year ownership cost of an electric car vs its petrol equivalent in Australia.

⚡ Electric vehicle

⛽ Petrol equivalent

Annual distance15,000 km

Ownership period

State / Territory

EV charging mix

Home (grid)70%

Public charger20%

Home solar10%

Total: 100%

Over 5 years, the MG MG4 Essence costs $2,764 more than the BMW 320i — but fuel savings grow every year.

Electric

MG MG4 Essence

Energy / Fuel: $2,901
Registration: $2,500
Insurance: $7,500
Servicing: $1,750
Depreciation: $25,845

5-Year Total

$40,496

$1/km · $8,099/yr

Petrol

BMW 320i

CHEAPER

Energy / Fuel: $9,686
Registration: $2,500
Insurance: $7,500
Servicing: $2,750
Depreciation: $15,296

5-Year Total

$37,732

$1/km · $7,546/yr

💰 YOU SAVE $2,764

5-Year Cost Breakdown

Energy / Fuel

$2,901

PET

$9,686

Registration

$2,500

PET

$2,500

Insurance

$7,500

PET

$7,500

Servicing

$1,750

PET

$2,750

Depreciation

$25,845

PET

$15,296

Compare MG MG4 Essence vs BMW 320i in detail See all MG running costs

5-year cost breakdown

Every category, both vehicles, and the difference.

Category	MG MG4 Essence	BMW 320i	Difference
Energy / fuel	$2,901	$12,150	−$9,249
Registration	$2,500	$2,500	—
Insurance	$7,500	$10,000	−$2,500
Servicing	$1,750	$2,750	−$1,000
Depreciation	$25,845	$43,395	−$17,550
Total (5 yrs)	$40,496	$70,795	$30,299

Which is cheaper to run?

Over 5 years of average Australian driving (15,000 km/year in NSW), the MG MG4 Essence costs $40,496 to own and run, against $70,795 for the BMW 320i. That is a $30,299 difference — about $6,060 a year, or $505 a month.

The single biggest swing is depreciation: across 5 years the gap is $17,550. Energy is where electric cars usually win — charging at home (especially on solar or off-peak rates) costs a fraction of petrol per kilometre — while the BMW 320i's higher purchase price can narrow the gap through depreciation.

Estimates use average NSW electricity and fuel prices, typical insurance and servicing for this segment, and a 5-year depreciation model. Your numbers will vary with tariffs, driving style and resale values — use the calculator above for a tailored figure.

FAQ

Is the MG MG4 Essence cheaper to run than the BMW 320i?: Yes. Based on 15,000 km/year over 5 years in NSW, the MG MG4 Essence costs $40,496 to run versus $70,795 for the BMW 320i — a saving of $30,299 (43%). The biggest difference is depreciation.
How much does it cost to run the MG MG4 Essence per year in Australia?: Around $8,099 per year ($1/km), covering energy, registration, insurance, servicing and depreciation at 15,000 km/year in NSW.
How much can I save switching from the BMW 320i to the MG MG4 Essence?: About $30,299 over 5 years — roughly $6,060 per year. Use the calculator above to adjust the state, annual distance and charging mix for your situation.