Chinese-owned MG Motors is gearing up to introduce an electric successor to its Marvel R SUV based on a new platform
December 24, 2023 at 11:32
Under the stewardship of Shanghai-based group SAIC Motor, the MG Motors revival is gathering momentum with a spectacular increase in sales across many markets. One of MG’s popular sellers, the electrified Marvel R mid-size SUV, is due for replacement with recently published patent images showcasing an all-new look.
Our sources also point to a potential new name for MG’s Tesla Model Y rival, with ‘eHS’ appearing to be the emerging nomenclature-or at least a part of it. So, want to know more? Read on as we illustratively explore everything we know about MG’s upcoming EV.
Contemporary Curves
Illustrations Josh Byrnes / Carscoops
MG’s marketing division places a strong emphasis on infusing its range with the design DNA of its British heritage. Noble aspirations, but sadly, they miss the mark with a lineup that could almost belong to any automaker – the styling is simply too generic. It’s not all negative news, though, as the eHS draws influence from the sharply styled and well-proportioned upcoming MG3 hatch.
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The front end sports a shark-nosed fascia with a dominant lower grille and slim Matrix LED headlights. Moving to the side, you’ll see subtly scalloped doors, front fender strakes incorporating side view cameras (I wonder where they got that idea from), and a glasshouse with more than a hint of Hyundai Tucson.
Out back, the SUV features a neat full-width LED taillamp arrangement with chrome detailing and a stylised Union Jack within the outer lenses. Moving further down, a contrasting inlay encompasses the rear deflectors and is garnished with a horizontal chrome band.
The Details Beneath
According to our sources, it’s possible that the next-generation model will transition to the Modular Scalable Platform (MSP), also known as Nebula. Unlike its predecessor, the eHS will be produced in right-hand drive due to MG’s strong demand in markets like Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
The MSP platform is optimized for single-motor, rear-wheel drive, and dual-motor, all-wheel drive configurations, promising versatility and enhanced performance.
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While there are no interior images, it’s anticipated the eHS will sport a higher-quality, 5-seat cabin featuring a floating 10.25″ digital touchscreen paired with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the ‘MG Pilot’ active safety suite of driver assists.
Empowering Performance
Patent drawings of the new MG electric SUV
The eHS will improve upon the current Marvel R’s powertrain options, which, for reference, include a rear-wheel-drive model boasting 178 hp (132kW) of power and 410Nm (302.4 lb-ft) of torque and a tri-motor Performance variant sporting 288 hp (212kW) and 665Nm (490 lb-ft). The latter is unlikely to return, with a higher-output dual-motor option set to become the range-topper.
The battery module size and charging capabilities are still unknown. Still, we know the new platform can accommodate battery capacities of up to 150kWh – more than twice the size of the 70kWh pack in the current MG Marvel R, which is good for up to 370km or 230 miles of claimed WLTP driving range.
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EV Rivals and Reveal
Set to carve a competitive niche in the electric SUV market, the eHS squares off against rivals such as Ford’s Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV5, Toyota BZ4X, Nissan Ariya, Volkswagen ID.4 and one of BYD’s bizarrely aquatic-named offerings, the Sea Lion 07.
An official reveal is likely within the next few months as a 2024 model entrant, while right-hand drive production will commence in 2025. Unfortunately, for now, North American consumption is still off the table for MG.
Should MG and its latest EV come to North America? We’d love to know what you think in the comments below.
Note: The independent renderings in this article are not endorsed by MG.