MG Europe reveals Marvel R & MG5 Electric wagon EVs

MG MOTOR is not wasting any time building its global electric vehicle (EV) portfolio with the European division debuting the Marvel R SUV and MG5 Electric wagon overnight at a virtual event broadcast from Amsterdam.

Described by the brand as a “battery-electric SUV for a new generation”, the Marvel R dons a completely new design to what we have seen from the brand before even though it is based on the mid-sized HS.

Measuring in at 4674mm long, 1919mm wide and 1618mm tall, the Marvel R is motivated by a trio of electric motors generating 212kW of power and 660Nm of torque.

Nevertheless, MG Europe says its new electric flagship will launch from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds and push on to a top speed of 200km/h with an effective range of “more than” 400km on the WLTP, however the exact battery capacity is yet to be confirmed.

Regardless, brand has also revealed that hooking the Marvel R up to a DC fast charger will charge the battery up to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes, however it has not specified from what starting point.

An inbuilt 11kW three-phase charger meanwhile ensures AC compatibility.

Like many new-gen EVs, the Marvel R will also possess vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities, allowing the lithium-ion battery to an “external electric electrical system”, i.e. a laptop, electric scooter, mobile fridge or even, says MG, another EV.

While many of the standard equipment details are yet to be confirmed, some of the highlights for Europe include 19.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the MG Pilot safety suite.

Given the rear-axle mounted electric motors, boot space is rated at a reasonably conservative 357 litres with the rear seats in place, a figure that expands to 1396L when folded flat.

Rear-wheel-drive versions will up the total storage ante by an extra 150L thanks to the standard inclusion of a ‘frunk’, a feature afforded by the lack of front-mounted drivetrain components.

Due to hit the European market in May, those hoping for an Australian launch of the Marvel R will be disheartened to hear there are no current plans to offer the potent SUV Down Under, however an MG Motor Australia spokesperson has confirmed the local arm is “watching with interest.”

“We’re excited to see the potential of the MG Marvel R and its performance would certainly excite Australian buyers,” the spokesperson said.

While there seems to be interest in the SUV, the MG5 looks to be flying a little lower under the radar as Australia’s mass love affair with SUVs continues to rips sales away from traditional passenger cars.

Regardless, wagons – aka estates – are still big business in Europe with the MG5 Electric said to appeal to “more practical motorists” on the account of its wagon body shape which offers up 578L of luggage space (1456L with rear seats stowed).

Powered by a single electric motor, the MG5 Electric wagon produces 135kW/380Nm and has an effective range of up to 400km.

MG has not specified battery capacity however the current MG5 Electric pairs its electric motor to a 52.5kWh lithium-ion unit.

Far from being marketed as a performance car, the MG5 Electric wagon will reportedly go from 0-100km/h in a respectable 8.3 seconds and boast all of the same charging capabilities as the Marvel R, including its V2L functionality.

According to MG Motor Europe CEO, the two new offerings mark the start of a new chapter for the brand.

“Offering smart, practical, safe and technologically advanced cars is our main focus,” he said.

“These new MG models radiate the power, innovations and unprecedented possibilities of our time.”

Local MG sales are up 160.6 per cent year-on-year to the end of February – 5425 vs 2082 – with the ZS compact SUV leading the charge with a 291.9 per cent sales increase (2555 vs 652).