Review: MGS6 EV

MG has come a very long way since its Chinese owners set out to reinvent the one-time sports car specialist as a mainstream brand back in 2011.

Last year, its European sales soared by over 30%, exceeding 300,000 units as it secured 10th place in the UK sales charts. Furthermore, an already strong model line-up has gained four new models in recent months.

Entering a segment occupied by Skoda’s Enyaq, the Kia EV5 and Tesla’s Model Y, is the MGS6, MG’s eighth all-electric car to be launched in the UK.

Prices start at £37,995 for the 4.7m long SUV, which offers a range of up to 369 miles from its 77kWh battery, in rear-wheel-drive, single motor guise.

The range topping Dual Motor Trophy (£43,995) tested here claims a 301-mile range but will reach 62mph in just 5.1 seconds courtesy of 357bhp delivered via all four wheels.

As such, it is capable of defying its rather grown-up appearance.

Featuring the slightly drooping nose and squinting headlights of MG’s Cyberster roadster, the MGS6 is not without road presence, though.

Smooth contours and minimal shut lines add an air of grown-up quality. Inside, it more than matches the expectations this sets.

Heated and ventilated front seats are covered with a quilted suede-like fabric, which also covers the door liners, combined with leather-style side bolsters.

A broad, floating centre console features the rotary gear selector, cupholders and a deep storage cubby, with further storage beneath.

Ahead of that is a wireless smartphone charging plate – also lined with that suede-like fabric – below a dashboard featuring useful dials for the climate control and 11-speaker sound system. The dashboard is topped by a 12.8-inch infotainment screen.

Overhead, a large panoramic roof illuminates rear quarters which boast lots of legroom. The MGS6’s healthy proportions add to that a 674-litre boot and a 124-litre ‘frunk’, under its bonnet.

A 10.25-inch instrument display, accompanied by a head-up display, and a chunky, squared-off steering wheel are the driver’s main points of contact.

The MGS6 offers surprisingly neat handling. Its steering offers impressive feel for a large EV and its suspension avoids some of the crashiness of many electrified rivals. Furthermore, brake feel – another common EV hangup – is predictable and progressive.

Under most circumstances, the MGS6 Dual Motor does not feel instantly rapid. However, selecting ‘Sport mode’ provides access to strong mid-range acceleration.

Unfortunately, this involves delving into an infotainment system which is a little less intuitive than that of some rivals.

The system does, however, come preloaded with apps like YouTube and Spotify and feature wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.

Overall, the MGS6 encapsulates how MG has leveraged electrification to realise the ambitions it set, in very different times, some 15 years ago.

MGS6 Trophy Dual Motor

Price: £43,995

Engine: 77kWh battery

Power: 357bhp

Torque: 540Nm

Transmission: single-speed electric

Top Speed: 124mph

0-62mph: 5.1 seconds

Range: 301 miles

CO2 emissions: 0g/km