Check out the MG G50 PHEV’s strengths, weaknesses

Morris Garages (MG) Motor Philippines now offers a plug-in hybrid variant of the G50 multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). And in its segment and price range, it technically has no competitors. 

With that said, the MG G50 PHEV, at face value, has a lot of strengths that would-be buyers would want. A majority of these, of course, were carried over from its platform sibling - the internal combustion-only MG G50 Plus. 

But, does the all-new MG G50 PHEV have any weaknesses to watch out for? Also, what are its specific strong points? Let’s find out here. 

Pros

Peppy, efficient powertrain

One clear strength of the all-new MG G50 PHEV is its powertrain. For its internal combustion component, the model uses a 1.5-liter inline-four gasoline mill. This is paired with a permanent-magnet synchronous motor, a lithium iron phosphate 18.65-kilowatt-hour battery, and a dedicated hybrid transmission. 

At its maximum, the said hybrid system can generate up to 294 horsepower (hp) and 280 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque, placing it near the turbodiesel output range, sans, of course, its peak torque. 

Additionally, the model has a very generous overall range of 1,415 kilometers, which is significantly more than other dominant PHEV models (regardless of body type) on the market right now. This is paired with a regenerative braking system, a Type 2 alternating-current (AC) charging port, and an electric-vehicle-only range of 95 km. 

For its other mechanical components, the newly introduced PHEV MPV utilizes a front MacPherson strut suspension and a torsion beam for the rear. It also comes with a front and rear disc brake setup. 

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Plenty of creature comforts

Yet another strong suit of the MG G50 PHEV is its abundance of creature comforts and interior space. 

For starters, the model comes standard with a three-row, seven-seater layout equipped with leather upholstery, automatic air-conditioning with second- and third-row vents, a panoramic sunroof, and captain seats in the second row. 

The captain seats, of course, are a nice touch as they give the otherwise affordable MPV with premium levels of space for legs and elbows. Each seat is likewise versatile, with the captain seats having slide and backrest adjustability, while the third row features 60:40 split-folding functionality for additional cargo space. 

Apart from the amenities mentioned above, the model also features numerous interior components that cater to its driver's needs. Among these, include, but are not limited to: 

• 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
• Leather steering wheel
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Smart entry with push-to-start button
• Drive mode selector
• Electronic parking brake with auto hold

Handling on-board entertainment and navigation for the MG MPV nameplate is a 12.3-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The said screen is connected to a six-piece speaker set, while topping up devices can be done via Type A and C USB ports and a wireless smartphone charging pad. 

Apart from its comfort-oriented bits, the MG G50 PHEV also boasts a comprehensive passive safety kit and a decent suite of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS). 

On the passive side, the model comes with anti-lock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, rear parking sensors, a 360-degree view camera, ISOFIX child seat anchors, an anti-theft system, tire pressure monitoring, and a total of six airbags. 

Its ADAS suite, meanwhile, comprises the following: 

• Adaptive cruise control
• Forward collision warning
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keeping assist

Attractive exterior design

Just like its gasoline-only sibling, the MG G50 PHEV is definitely an attractive-looking MPV. Specifically, it sheds the typical shoe-like shape of the traditional MPV and adopts an elegant outline with a modern front fascia. 

Up front, the vehicle gets a flatter and sleeker grille equipped with an appropriate amount of chrome trims on its lower front bumper, and a pair of slit-thin LED daytime running lamps. Its main LED headlamp cluster, on the other hand, is nestled on its fascia’s sides, surrounded by an angular-looking bezel. 

Similar to the older G50 Plus, the G50 PHEV gets a slick-looking side section with tall windows and an elegantly sloped roofline. It also comes with discrete-looking roof rails and some chrome accents. Its rear section, on the other hand, features wrap-around LED taillights, rear fog lamps, and additional chrome trim on the lower rear bumper. 

Other noteworthy exterior features of the MG G50 PHEV include power-folding/adjustable side mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, a glass printed antenna, and automatic headlamp functionality. 

Size-wise, the model measures 4,825 millimeters (mm) long, 1,825 mm wide, and 1,800 mm high. Its wheelbase also spans 2,800 mm, and it has a ground clearance of 180 mm. 

Cons

No DC charging

One slight disadvantage of the MG G50 PHEV is the lack of a direct current (DC) fast-charging port. This won’t be an issue for most users, but those who want to maximize the model's electric-only range will have to rely on its Type 2 AC port. 

Notably, its Type 2 AC port has a stated charge time of 2.8 hours, according to MG. This isn’t too bad, but having a DC port will be more convenient for people who want to charge their G50 PHEV units. 

MG G50 PHEV: specifications

Model	MG G50 PHEV
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,825 x 1,825 x 1,800
Wheelbase (mm)	2,800
Ground clearance (mm)	180
Wheel size	17-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Automatic air-conditioning 12.3-inch digital gauge Panoramic sunroof Power-fold/adjust side mirrors Automatic LED headlamps Roof rails Push-to-start button Tilt and telescopic steering column Six-piece speaker set Wireless smartphone charging pad Electronic parking brake with auto hold Smart entry system Drive mode selector 60:40 split-folding third row seat Second row captain seats
Infotainment system	12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Seven
Powertrain
Internal combustion engine (ICE)	1.5-liter gasoline inline-four
Electric motor setup	Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Electric vehicle range	95 km
Total range	1,415 km
Battery size	18.65 kWh
Peak output	294 hp and 280 Nm of torque
Technology
ADAS	Adaptive cruise control Forward collision warning Autonomous emergency braking Lane departure warning Lane keeping assist
Safety	Anti-lock braking Electronic brake-force distribution Brake assist Electronic stability control Traction control Rear parking sensors 360-degree view camera ISOFIX child seat anchors Anti-theft system Tire pressure monitoring Six airbags
Price	P1,398,888

Final thoughts

On paper, the MG G50 PHEV is a solid buy for those wanting a relatively peppy MPV with a spacious and comfortable interior. And considering its price, it is an attractive buy even compared to other PHEV options from larger (or even smaller) segments. 

Those thoroughly familiar with EV and PHEV nameplates, however, will lament the lack of a DC charging port. But for those who merely want an efficient, plush A-to-B family chariot, this is definitely a good buy. 

So, for those liking what they see in the MG G50 PHEV, do visit the nearest MG dealership and ask for a test drive. 

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