Stately EV: MG Marvel R

MG Motor Philippines launched the all-electric Marvel R compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) sometime in 2023. Its arrival was met with a warm welcome thanks to the growing electric vehicle (EV) community in the country as well as the increasing number of discerning car buyers looking to switch to a more sustainable means of mobility.

But is an electric drive all the MG Marvel R has to offer? Here’s what Zigwheels Philippines found out after spending some time with the stately EV.

Sleek, stylish

Outside, the MG Marvel R looks suave and sophisticated. Honestly, you’d expect some dashing debonair — or a drop-dead-gorgeous damsel — to come out of the vehicle after seeing it from afar.

At the fore is a clean-looking fascia with a long light bar that connects the two daytime running lights flanking the seamless facade. Just below are large clusters of light that house the headlamps. They sit close to a stylish chrome trim, which separates the lower portion of the bumper with horizontal slats and a sporty faux carbon fiber chin.

The MG emblem sits proudly on the center of the bonnet, which when opened, gives access to the Marvel R’s decent-sized “frunk.”

Its side profile — in my opinion — is the perfect example of “less is more.” Smooth and flowing is its beltline, accompanied by sexy contours on the lower door panels. The beefiness of its wheel arches adds a dash of athleticism to the overall dimensions of the vehicle.

The absence of traditional door handles further accentuates the flawlessness of its design while the matte claddings on the wheel wells and its side sill garnishes provide a stunning contrast to the compact SUV’s sheen finish.

From this similar angle, one can appreciate its 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels wrapped in 235/45 series tires from Michelin.

At the back, the MG Marvel R sports familiar features that were present at its front end. These include a long light bar connecting the taillamps and two vent-like accents that sort of mimic the electric car’s cheeks that house its front cluster of lights.

Rounding up its rear-end appointments is a discreet, yet sporty spoiler with an integrated high-mount stop lamp; the MG logo; a “Brit Dynamic” badge; the vehicle’s nameplate; some chrome accents; and of course, a power liftgate.

Overall, the design of the MG Marvel R offers an air of opulence. I love that the design slightly steps away from the sporty and aggressive appeal of the MG4 EV and the MG4 EV X Power.

Curated cabin

Impressive is the cabin of the MG Marvel R.

Greeting the driver are seats swathed in black leather with perforation and tiny “MG” branding. In theme is the three-spoke, multi-functional, flat-bottom steering wheel, which is not only finished in the same material but also has chrome appliques.

Past it is a digital instrument cluster accompanied by a larger-than-life 19.4-inch infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto as well as voice control and Bluetooth connectivity. The latter reminds me of the Mercedes-Benz GLC, which also boasts a large vertical screen.

Adding to the features I enjoyed while sitting behind its wheel is the large compartment in the center armrest, which can hold cards, wallets, and receipts. Also helpful is the cavernous space under the center console that can be used to keep cables, sunglasses, and other everyday carry items.

The MG Marvel R is as much a passenger’s car as it is a driver’s car.

People sitting at the back also get to rest on leather seats, plus, relish additional convenience features in the form of a pull-down center armrest with two cup holders and a pop-up compartment.

And if that’s not enough, the MG Marvel R also has dedicated air conditioning louvers, pop-up USB charging ports for occupants in the second row, and a panoramic sunroof that opens up to an amazing view of the sky above.

The wife and the kid loved how spacious the back row was, especially since it had a flat floor. The ride quality was also good, so them falling asleep — even on short trips — was a common occurrence.

Powertrain, performance

Propelling the MG Marvel R is a rear-wheel drive bi-motor. The electric powertrain draws power from an energy-dense battery and can dish out some 183 horsepower with 410 Newton-meters of torque.

When it comes to hitting the highways, the MG Marvel R performed admirably well and provided enough punch to quickly gain speed for overtakes or for when simply just matching the pace of other vehicles in the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

I did not feel that I had to floor the pedal to squeeze some power from the compact SUV, especially when in Sport mode. Performance, on the other hand, feels muted when in Eco mode, but is noticeably improved when in Normal mode.

Stopping power is facilitated by disc brakes, front and back. Additionally, the adjustable regenerative system that puts back power to the battery of the MG Marvel R aids in smooth deceleration, making it a vehicle that is easy to drive, mostly in stop-and-go city traffic.

In terms of range, the MG Marvel R offers approximately 402 kilometers of emissions-free driving, so I had more than enough power for errands in and out of the south. Charging is also easy as I had the option of juicing up the battery at home, getting some power back while shopping at an SM mall, or getting a quick battery top-up at Shell SLEX Mamplasan.

Safety

The MG Marvel R comes with a robust list of technologies that help bolster one’s safety while on the road. The two worth mentioning are its cruise control and automated emergency braking features.

I also found the 360-degree camera helpful, especially when going through narrow roads or when parking in tight spots. However, the tugging of the steering wheel when lane-keep assist is activated was too strong for my liking.

MG Marvel R yays, nays

Pros:

• Spacious
• Drives well
• Does not lack power, torque
• Packed with tech
• Robust safety features
• Economical

Cons:

• Trips do require some planning
• Lane-keep assist can be harsh

One of the benefits of driving the MG Marvel R is that it exempts you from the number coding scheme.

Additionally, I found it convenient that there are usually free charging stations inside the parking areas of most malls. These spots — typically located near an entrance — mean that lucky EV owners won’t have to circle around the parking lot to find an available slot.

Most importantly, the EV community in the Philippines is very welcoming. Probably because their numbers are still small, they treat fellow owners — which I have been at least for a week — like brothers.

They are more than willing to exchange experiences and share practices with other electric car drivers.

Also read:

SAIC Motor sells 285k NEVs from Jan.-Apr. 2024

WATCH: MG teases new HS ahead Goodwood Festival of Speed debut

MG PH updates ZS roster with refreshed trims