The flood of electric cars coming from China shows no sign of slowing – if anything it is picking up speed judging by the number of recent launches.
The latest Chinese mid-size electric family car to arrive is the MGS6 SUV and it has just been officially launched here.
The sixth battery electric vehicle (BEV) from MG, it will be a keen rival for the likes of the Volkswagen ID.4, Skoda Enyaq, Toyota BZ4X, Kia EV5 and BYD Sealion 7.
Built on the Modular Scalable Platform(MSP) and powered by a long-range 77kWh battery, they claim a one-fill trip will get you 540 kms or thereabouts. Max charging speed is 144kW.
The buyers they most particularly want to attract are cost-conscious young families (but let’s not overlook larger families and (dare I say) taxi drivers who find the current models financially attractive as the brand has built a good history of keen pricing.
There is plenty of room – thanks to the extended wheelbase and the ultra-thin battery design. As you’d expect from that basis, the luggage area has loads of space (674 litres with rear seats up; and 1,910 litres with the rear seats folded). And there is up to 124 litres in the front trunk (frunk). Loads of room indeed.
There are five drive modes to suit how you want the car to go. And I’m glad to say there are four regeneration modes to take back power to the battery. I don’t know why a few EV makers don’t have a re-gen system that you can use at your discretion to work the way you want it.
There are three spec levels: Excite—from €39,495; Exclusive—from €42,495; and Exclusive DM (Dual Motor AWD)—from €46,495.
Standard trim includes dual-zone climate control, dual screens, MG Pilot safety systems, heated front seats and steering wheel, wireless smartphone connectivity and satellite navigation. Higher trims add items such as a head-up display, panoramic roof, ventilated seats and 360° camera.
Some nice design highlights include 20ins alloys with aero covers and full-length rear light bar with 3D lighting effect
Other spec includes integrated roof spoiler, silver roof rails and privacy glass.
Inside, they claim the new SUV’s soft-touch materials give it an edge on rivals. Design in the interior is focussed very much on the practical nature of everyday coming and going with young families especially.
There are two interior themes: grey or beige leather-style and suede-style upholstery/
They are alongside a 50w wireless phone charger, hidden air vents and tactile control dials for key car functions.
You can opt for rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
All versions have a twin-screen interior layout: 12.8ins floating HD touchscreen; 10.25ins configurable digital driver display. You get Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Autotimer connected services for remote vehicle control. The Exclusive version also has Head-Up Display.
MG Motors has enjoyed strong growth here since its market debut – and there are more models on the way.
