MG showcases global EV lineup, considering some for India | Auto Expo 2023
MG Motor has silently (pun intended) become one of the most visible faces of the EV revolution in India, especially with its MG ZS EV SUV. Now, the brand is making more moves as it has showcased 14 of its electric vehicle lineup from across the world at the 2023 Auto Expo in Delhi, to check whether the Indian market is feasible for launch, and for which models. Let’s take a look at the most prominent ones displayed at the Expo.
MG4 EV
Like the best movies, the MG4 EV was a sleeper hit last summer in Europe. The EV, with its reliable capabilities and extremely low price compared to competition in the same class, was a very good deal for what it offered. With 450km of combined range on the WLTP cycle, it offers plenty of juice for city driving. The 51kWh battery allows a power output of 201bhp, rocketing it from 0-100kmph in just 7.9 seconds, pretty good for an EV SUV. It is quite likely that MG will seriously consider launching the MG4 in India, having seen the good reception that the MG ZS EV got.
MG EHS Plug-in Hybrid
Perhaps another possible candidate for launch in India, the MG EHS Plug-in hybrid, although not fully electric, will make more sense for those that still suffer from range anxiety. The mid-size SUV, which holds more than a passing resemblance to the first-gen MG ZS, is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo petrol along with a 90kW electric motor to put out 254bhp, with a 0-100kmph time of 6.9 seconds. The battery allows it to have an electric-only range of 52km as well, which should be plenty for a daily commute.
MG5 EV
One can dream. India is not estate country, and yet there are those who will stand die hard for their love of (what is unquestionably the superior bodystyle for a car) the trusty wagon. For those nerds, MG has showcased the MG5 estate EV, a practical family car with 400km of combined range on the WLTP cycle, along with acres of space inside. 153bhp should also be enough to cover the daily needs that this car is expected to deal with while a 7.3 second 0-100kmph time is nothing to scoff at. One can hope.
MG Marvel R
The dreaded EV SUV. However, the MG Marvel R is a surprisingly capable display of what MG can do when it gets serious about performance. With a tri-motor setup and all-wheel-drive, the MG Marvel R has 284bhp and a massive 665Nm of torque that allows it to rocket from 0-100kmph in just 4.9 seconds. Pretty impressive for a big SUV. The Marvel R is also styled with more modern touches than recent MGs, including a hint of the new Toyota Prius in the nose section.
Other EVs
In total, MG showcased 14 of its global EVs at the 2023 Auto Expo, including the gorgeous eMG6, an electric variant of the MG6 sedan, which came with a fabulously over-the-top bodykit including splitters, side skirts, diffusers and more. The aggressive sedan will probably not be considered for India considering the low acceptance of sedans, although MG did not say anything. There was also the eRX5, a big burly EV SUV that can transport your whole family and your house, the MIFA 9, which is an electric luxury van competing with the likes of the Toyota Vellfire.
Overall, the MG electric vehicle showcase at the 2023 Auto Expo is impressive, to say the least. One can hold hope for more than one of these to join the Indian lineup soon as well. According to Rajeev Chaba, President, and Managing Director, MG Motor India, “Today, at the Auto Expo 2023, we are delighted to bring to our customers, these two globally acclaimed vehicles from our portfolio. The launch of these futuristic vehicles would be based on consumer research and market feedback.”
