Beijing show: MG uncovers X-Motion Concept

MG MOTOR has revealed the X-Motion Concept at the Beijing motor show this week, with the exterior design study previewing a large SUV that will sit above the small ZS and mid-size GS when it hits Chinese showrooms next year.

While initially intended for China, the production X-Motion is expected to be offered in other global markets, such as Europe, after its initial launch.

GoAuto has contacted MG Motor’s Australian distributor, SAIC Motor Australia, to see if the X-Motion will join the local model line-up when it becomes available outside of China.

Drawing inspiration from the E-Motion Concept sportscar outed at the Shanghai motor show last year, the X-Motion Concept’s front end is a familiar proposition, featuring MG Motor’s signature ‘stellar field’ grille and ‘hunter eye’ LED headlights.

However, the hulking look is enhanced by LED daytime running lights (DRLs) that frame the large air intakes, while the front splitter features X-Motion branding – mimicking that of the E-Motion Concept.

The sleek side profile is punctuated by large ‘hurricane’ alloy wheels, silver roof rails and flush doorhandles, while the E-Motion Concept’s glasshouse shape is present once more.

The rear end has a decidedly sporty edge thanks to its pinched LED tail-lights, muscular haunches and aggressive diffuser element that integrates large oval-shaped exhaust pipes.

While the interior design has not been shown yet, MG Motor has confirmed that the X-Motion Concept is motivated by pure-electric powertrain, but its composition and outputs remain under wraps for now.

However, MG Motor has revealed that the X-Motion Concept is underpinned by the same platform as Roewe’s RX8 large SUV – another China-only model from parent company SAIC Motor.

This means the production X-Motion could also employ the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine found in RX8, which produces 165kW of power and 360Nm of torque.

Furthermore, the RX8 is exclusively paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, while front- and all-wheel-drive configurations are available.

Full connectivity is also promised, with the tech adopted from SAIC Motor, ensuring that it will be on the cutting edge of the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication movement.

MG Motor has big plans for the X-Motion as it attempts to carve out a stronghold in global markets, such as Australia, with a world-class, wider-ranging SUV model line-up.

“With a bold, dominant design, the X-Motion has a muscular appearance that conveys a sense of fluid motion,” it said.

“The X-Motion is also a world-leader in the field of mainstream SUV design as it utilises exceptionally sensual surface and shadow shoulder to add a sense of movement to the overall form.”MG Motor sales in Australia have boomed this year, with 252 vehicles finding homes to the end of March, representing a 56.5 per cent increase over the 161 units sold during the same period in 2017.

The recently-launched ZS currently leads the sales charge, at 114 sales, ahead of the MG6 Plus mid-size sedan (72), GS (49) and MG3 light hatch (17).