MG PH electrifies with new MG4 and Marvel R EVs

MG Philippines is now going towards the direction of electrification with the introduction of its new fully-electric vehicle (EV) offerings in the market.

Now under the management of SAIC Motor Philippines (SMP), a direct subsidiary of SAIC Motor China, the brand’s parent company, the British-Chinese automaker has just introduced the MG4 EV hatchback and MG Marvel R EV crossover.

MG4

First is the MG4, initially revealed in June 2022 as the Mulan in China, it is the first vehicle to be based on SAIC’s Modular Scalable Platform (aka Nebula) for electric vehicles. We also first saw this ourselves at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show. For the Philippine market, the MG4 is available in two variants—the Standard and the Lux. 

Looking at its design, the MG4 follows a different design language as compared to other MG models available in the Philippines. It does however maintain a sharp aesthetic with its thin wraparound LED headlights and angular bumper design. The rear is also very modern with its wraparound LED taillights with a hint of sportiness given-off by its faux diffuser and tailgate spoiler.

Standard exterior equipment on the Standard variant are LED headlights and taillights, rear fog light, heated side mirrors, ducktail rear spoiler, 17-inch wheels with aero covers, and4-wheel disc brakes. The Lux variant adds automatic power folding side mirrors, larger 18-inch wheels with aero covers, and a twin aero spoiler. 

For its interior, MG seems to have focused on giving it an uncluttered look with its use of mostly horizontal lines. Found here are dual screens for the driver’s instrument cluster and infotainment system. Other features are a two-spoke steering wheel, and a rotary gear lever.

Standard interior equipment on the Standard variant are fabric seats, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4-speaker audio system, and automatic climate control. The Lux adds 6-way power adjust driver’s seat, polyurethane+fabric seat material, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming rear view mirror, and 6-speaker audio system.

Powering the MG4 is an electric motor paired with a 51 kWh battery on the Standard, or a 64 kWh battery on the Lux. The former pairing produces 170 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, while the latter produces 204 horsepower and also 250 Nm. It uses a Type 2 charger and can drive on a single full charge for 350 kilometers on the Standard variant, or 435 kilometers on the Lux. 

As for safety, the MG4 does come with some advanced driver-assistance features as standard, namely adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian warning system, lane keeping assist system, and blindspot indicator system.

The MG 4’s pricing starts at Php 1,468,888 for the Standard variant, while the Lux variant is priced at Php 1,738,888.

MG Marvel R

Next is MG’s first EV crossover for our market, the Marvel R. This was first unveiled in 2020 under the Roewe brand as the Marvel X, before being branded as an MG as well. For the Philippines, it is only available in one variant, the Alpha.

In terms of design, this isn’t as outgoing as the MG4 but instead wears a sleeker, more futuristic and cleaner look with its C-shaped daytime running lights connected by a lightbar. Its interior greets users with a mix of traditional modern and futuristic designs with a large center screen and sleek lines.

Standard exterior equipment are LED exterior lighting, daytime running lights, front and rear fog lights, automatic power folding and heated side mirrors, 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, power tailgate, and a panoramic sunroof.

Meanwhile, standard interior equipment are leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 19.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 8-speaker audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rear view mirror, and 64-color ambient lighting.

Powering the MG Marvel R is a 137 kW electric motor paired to a 70 kWh battery, that produces 186 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque, mated to a 2-speed automatic transmission. It also makes use of a Type 2 charger and can drive on a full charge for 402 kilometers.

For safety, it gets a handful of driver-assistance tech with adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian warning system, lane keeping assist system, blindspot indicator system, intelligent headlight control system, and intelligent speed alert system, all as standard.

The MG Marvel R Alpha is priced at Php 2,588,888.