MG's Bold Leap: Flagship Electric SUV and a Refreshed ICE Fleet Coming in 2024
by AutoExpert | 8 December, 2023
MG is gearing up to make 2024 a year to remember in the automotive world. With soaring sales figures, MG is set to introduce a fresh flagship electric SUV in the UK, alongside a revamped lineup of its ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles, including the new 3, 5, and ZS models.
At a recent event, MG's business unit general manager, Lu Jiajun outlined the company's strategy. "In the first half of 2024, we'll bolster our ICE fleet. Then, we're shifting gears to electrify the second half with our new electric models," he stated.
MG's dual focus on ICE and electric models highlights its ambition to cater to diverse market needs. "We're not abandoning the fuel-vehicle market. Many global markets still lean towards traditional vehicles," Lu remarked, underscoring MG's balanced approach.
Lu also revealed that MG is planning significant updates for its petrol-engined 5 estate and 7 saloon in select markets. The electric versions of the ZS and 5 are expected to transition to MG's new Modular Scalable Platform (MSP), promising a range of battery sizes and even battery swapping capabilities.
The centerpiece of MG's 2024 plans, however, is the launch of a new electric SUV. Poised as a successor to the Marvel R, this vehicle will be based on SAIC’s MSP, the same platform used by the MG 4. This move is a response to the UK and Australian markets, where demand for the Marvel R has surged.
Speaking about the new SUV, Lu Jiajun praised its design and competitive pricing. "It's not just about looks; we're setting a new benchmark in value," he said. UK commercial director Guy Pigounakis echoed this sentiment, reflecting on MG's growth: "Four years ago, we were a small player. Now, we're ready to launch a £45,000 premium SUV and change the game."
The decision to bring the second-generation Marvel R to the UK follows a remarkable rise in MG's sales of both EVs and ICE vehicles. Pigounakis noted, "If we had the Marvel R now, we could've easily sold thousands this year."
Additionally, the MG 4 EV is set for a major interior upgrade in the latter half of 2024, only two years after its European debut. These ambitious plans from MG signal a new era for the brand, as it rides the wave of its recent successes into an electrified future.
