MG Motor’s new fully electric crossover is set to go on sale later this month. Badged ‘Marvel R’, the compact SUV is said to be capable of covering 250-miles on a single charge.
Prices will start at £34,000 for entry-level ‘Comfort’ models and rise to £40,820 for top-spec ‘Performance’ versions. In addition, the company is going to build its Nissan Leaf and Kia e-Niro rival in both rear- and all-wheel-drive.
The firm claims the Marvel R – which is a direct replacement for the current HS SUV – is the “most luxurious” MG ever made, adding: “It has a clear focus on design, technology and performance.”
The ‘Comfort’ and mid-range ‘Luxury’ derivatives run a dual electric motor, rear-drive powertrain that produces 178bhp and 302lb ft. Both complete the dash from zero to 62mph in 7.9 seconds.
For the extra cash, ‘Performance’ adds a single electric motor onto the front axle, pushing the car’s total power output to 285bhp and 490lb ft of torque for a zero to 62mph time of 4.9 seconds.
Irrespective of grade, all come equipped with a 70kWh battery that has quick charging capability and can accept fast-charging of up to 92kW, meaning available range is taken from 30% to 80% in half an hour.
The Marvel R is the first to feature MG’s iSmart infotainment system. This is accessed through a 19.4-inch touchscreen that dominates the centre console, and a smaller 12.3-inch digital driver display.
In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, live traffic information, weather forecasts and Amazon Music are all built in, with over-the-air software updates also provided.
‘Comfort’ models have partial leather upholstery, a six-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and privacy glass on top of safety aids including adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assistance, Lane Keep Assistance, Rear Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, Intelligent High Beam Control and a Drowsiness Warning System.
‘Luxury’ and ‘Performance’ add a 360-degree camera, ambient interior lighting, heated front seats and a Bose stereo. Visually, LED technology is used in the headlamps and tail-lights, with wheel sizes measuring 18- and 19-inches.
In terms of practicality, the wheelbase of the largest MG in the range measures 2,804 mm, with this said to guarantee a “spacious interior” on top of “generous seating and practicality”.
The 357-litres of storage in the boot increases to almost 1,400-litres when the rear seats are folded, with rear-wheel-drive versions offering another 150-litres of space in the ‘frunk’, under the bonnet.
Details of a UK launch have yet to be announced by MG Motors, although the Marvel R’s arrival to Northern Ireland could be delayed initially as it would need to be modified to right-hand-drive.
