Is the MG MG4 Essence cheaper to run than the BMW X3 xDrive20i?

Yes. Based on 15,000 km/year over 5 years in NSW, the MG MG4 Essence costs $40,496 to run versus $79,039 for the BMW X3 xDrive20i — a saving of $38,543 (49%). 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 X3 xDrive20i to the MG MG4 Essence?

About $38,543 over 5 years — roughly $7,709 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 X3 xDrive20i

The MG MG4 Essence is cheaper to run — by $38,543 over 5 years (49% lower total cost), driven mostly by depreciation.

5-yr cheaper total: $40,496; MG MG4 Essence
Saving vs rival: $38,543; 49% lower
Cost per km: $1; vs $1
Saving per year: $7,709; on average

Tale of the tape

Headline specs and running costs side by side.

Metric	⚡ MG MG4 Essence	⛽ BMW X3 xDrive20i
Driveaway price	$46,990	$89,900
Powertrain	Electric (BEV)	Petrol · ULP 95
Efficiency	17.5 kWh/100km	8.5 L/100km
Battery / fuel	64.0 kWh battery	Petrol · ULP 95
Range	~360 km real-world	—
Annual energy / fuel	$580	$2,869

Run the numbers yourself

interactive

Pre-loaded with the MG MG4 Essence and BMW X3 xDrive20i. 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 X3 xDrive20i — 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 X3 xDrive20i

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 X3 xDrive20i in detail See all MG running costs

5-year cost breakdown

Every category, both vehicles, and the difference.

Category	MG MG4 Essence	BMW X3 xDrive20i	Difference
Energy / fuel	$2,901	$14,344	−$11,443
Registration	$2,500	$2,500	—
Insurance	$7,500	$10,000	−$2,500
Servicing	$1,750	$2,750	−$1,000
Depreciation	$25,845	$49,445	−$23,600
Total (5 yrs)	$40,496	$79,039	$38,543

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 $79,039 for the BMW X3 xDrive20i. That is a $38,543 difference — about $7,709 a year, or $642 a month.

The single biggest swing is depreciation: across 5 years the gap is $23,600. 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 X3 xDrive20i'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 X3 xDrive20i?: Yes. Based on 15,000 km/year over 5 years in NSW, the MG MG4 Essence costs $40,496 to run versus $79,039 for the BMW X3 xDrive20i — a saving of $38,543 (49%). 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 X3 xDrive20i to the MG MG4 Essence?: About $38,543 over 5 years — roughly $7,709 per year. Use the calculator above to adjust the state, annual distance and charging mix for your situation.