By Ian Strachan.
The range of fully electric and hybrid vehicles coming out of the MG stable is increasing at a giddying rate. One of the latest – and to my mind one of the best – is the spacious and well-equipped MGS6.
The fully electric MGS6 takes the Chinese-manufactured marque into new sectors of the competitive SUV market, and this car can hold its own.
The MGS6 looks fairly conservative from the outside, but tis car scores highly for its interior, which is stylish, refined and superbly equipped, wth a pleasing layout and high quality trim materials.
I tested the MGS6 EV in Trophy Dual Motor spec – an all-wheel-drive variant with great performance and added grip. You get an engaging and enjoyable ride.
The MGS6, as well as being fully electric with a 266kW power output, will propel you from 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds and has a range of up to 300 miles.
Of course if you take full advantage of the MG’s peppy performance, you won’t get the published range on a single charge. Being heavy-footed has a range penalty. But you’ll still get sufficient range for most journeys and this car has a rapid charge time from 10 to 80 per cent of just 38 minutes.
The design of the MGS6 may be fairly conservative by the standards of some of its electric competitors, but it’s still a good looker from all angles. My test car came in an attractive Dynamic Red. Its side-on appearance is enhanced with sporty 20-inch alloy wheels, twin silver load-bearing roof rails, roof spoiler and smooth, flowing lines. The split grille front-end design and integrated headlights add further design appeal.
The interior is where the MGS6 really scores. It’s modern and well laid out. You get pleasant trim and seat materials including soft-touch plastics, beige suede and faux leather. The Trophy spec also has heated and ventilated, electrically adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, heated, leather-trimmed multifunction and plenty of storage spaces around the cabin.
Specification on the MGS6 Trophy Dual Motor spec is good, with a central 12.8-inch HD colour touch-screen, navigation system with 11-speaker DAB radio and audio system with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity and a range of apps, cruise control and a range of safety technology including collision, lane keeping aid, active emergency braking and blind spot monitoring.
Other features include all-round electric windows and door mirrors, automatic windscreen wipers and headlights, rear parking sensors with 360 degree camera, head-up display, panoramic sunroof, smartphone charger and powered tailgate. This MG, in common with some other electric vehicles, also has some more idiosyncratic features – power is switched on when you get into the car and put it into drive, and switches off when you get out and lock it.
Handling on the MG is sure-footed and involving, with a five selectable drive modes, a lightweight chassis and a rear suspension set-up which ironed out bumps in the road effectively. Plus you get a pleasant single-speed automatic gearbox.
The MGS6 is competitively priced – my test car came at £43,995 on the road and you get a lot of car for your money. The range starts at £37,995 and the smugness from doing your part in saving the planet is a no-cost extra.
