Exciting times are on the horizon for MG, as the innovative automaker spices up its all-electric lineup with the introduction of the upscale IM5 and IM6 models, while bidding adieu to the beloved MG5 estate. But hold on to your hats, because a thrilling new chapter is about to unfold! In an electrifying update, MG has teased the development of a mid-size electric SUV that promises to shake up the market. David Allison, MG UK's Head of Product and Planning, shared the company’s vision, emphasizing the need to “explore new segments to grow.” One of these segments? An “all-electric C-segment SUV,” slated to hit the roads in the next few years!
As anticipation builds, Allison also hinted at the potential competitors this upcoming SUV could face, stating that it may go head-to-head with the likes of the Renault Scenic, Volkswagen ID.4, and Nissan Ariya. This implies that the new SUV will occupy a strategic position in MG's lineup—nestled between the recently launched IM6 and the more compact S5 EV. Keeping these factors in mind, it’s likely that this mid-size SUV will leverage the versatile Modular Scalable Platform (MSP) that also supports the MG4 and S5 EV models. It seems that the cutting-edge 800V architecture employed by the high-end IM5 and IM6 won’t be utilized here.
The MSP offers the impressive capability of accommodating wheelbases extending to 3,100mm, signaling that MG is poised to elongate the existing 2,730mm wheelbase of the S5 EV, leading to a spacious interior. Proportionately, this should allow for a larger battery pack compared to the 64 kWh unit currently found in the S5 EV Long Range. In fact, we anticipate the SUV will likely sport the robust 77 kWh battery from the MG4 Extended Range, pushing boundaries and expectations even further!
Speaking of the S5 EV, this impressive vehicle employs the MSP architecture and boasts a commendable range of up to 480 kilometers on a single charge. With a larger battery in the new mid-size SUV, MG is expected to shatter that record—launching competitiveness against vehicles such as the Škoda Enyaq, which achieves an impressive 573 kilometers per charge. Even though the MG4 and S5 EV share a similar platform, they exhibit variance in charging capabilities—the hatchback can recharge at an exhilarating 150 kW, while the S5 EV peaks at 139 kW. We expect the same type of efficient charging dynamics for MG's forthcoming model.
Allison hasn’t just spoken about performance; he’s also given us a glimpse into the new model's aesthetics, which will be “aligned with the MG S5 EV.” This indicates that the design will mark a departure from the bold and visionary looks introduced with the IM6 and IM5. Back in March, MG's parent company, SAIC Motor, filed patent designs in Europe, giving us tantalizing clues about the SUV’s style. Drawing inspiration from the S5 EV, these patents suggest a sleek silhouette featuring a narrow upper headlight and a distinctive light cluster just below. The windscreen seems to be positioned further forward, and at the rear, we can expect a captivating full-width light bar similar to that of the S5 EV.
Although MG has previously dipped its toes into the C-segment electric SUV waters with the Marvel R—an offering that never made its way to the EU — this new model promises to make waves. In Europe, the Marvel R was priced around 44,000 euros, which places it neatly in a competitive bracket. If MG's new SUV aligns with this pricing strategy, it would comfortably fit alongside the S5 EV (starting at approximately 32,500 euros) and the IM6 (beginning at about 57,000 euros).
The electric SUV landscape is heating up, and there’s already enough buzz to signal that MG’s latest creation will bring plenty of competition to the fore. If you're eager to explore enticing family-friendly electric SUVs, now’s the time to start your search. In the realm of names, MG has already filed trademark applications for the MGS6 EV in Europe, indicating an obvious contender to place above the S5 EV.