Check out the MG Marvel R’s strengths, weaknesses

Morris Garages (MG) Motor Philippines has been engaged in the electric vehicle (EV) market for quite some time now. It has a wide selection of all-electric vehicles, the most expensive of which is the MG Marvel R. 

Practically speaking, the MG Marvel R is the flagship EV crossover of the Chinese brand’s local arm. As such, it was designed to entice buyers with plenty of notable strengths. Like any other model sold in the Philippines, however, it will also come with some weaknesses that would-be adopters should be aware of. 

So, what are the pros and cons of the MG Marvel R? Let’s find out here. 

Pros

Peppy powertrain

The MG Marvel R, especially the top-spec 4WD trim, is a notably powerful dual-motor setup. To be more specific, it uses two motors for each axle, and in total, the two can generate up to 298 horsepower. The aforementioned doesn’t sound too impressive at first glance, but drivers of the all-electric crossover can access a total of 665 Newton-meters of torque instantaneously. 

In addition to its mountain-moving powertrain, the MG Marvel R also boasts the usual accouterments. It features vehicle-to-load capabilities, enabling it to power small tools and gadgets, a regenerative braking system, and a direct current (DC) fast charging feature. 

For keeping stable, the MG Marvel R uses a MacPherson strut for the front and a multi-link system for the rear. Stopping power, on the other hand, is provided by front and rear discs. 

Loads of amenities

From the outside, all the way to its spacious interior, the MG Marvel R offers numerous amenities designed to make driving easier and keep everyone in the cabin comfortable. 

For starters, the exterior of the model was kitted out with LED headlamps, LED taillights, LED daytime running lamps, and LED front and rear fog lamps. Its frameless front wiper also has rain-sensing, and accessing its boot is made easy thanks to its power tailgate. 

With its rear seats folded down, the vehicle can provide up to 1,396 liters of space, which is more than enough for lugging around sports equipment like golf bags or even a full complement of camping gear. Additionally, the model features roof rails for increased cargo capacity. 

Speaking of which, road trips and even your daily drives can be made more festive thanks to the presence of a panoramic sunroof and an ambient lighting system.

Specific to the driver of the MG Marvel R is a number of cockpit gear that will make driving a lot easier. 

For starters, it comes with a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a push-to-start button, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an electronic parking brake, and a drive mode selector-among others. 

Everyone else inside the MG-made EV, on the other hand, are kept comfy by leather upholstered seats, and a dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system with rear vents. 

For the entertainment (and navigation needs) of everyone inside the vehicle, likewise present is a 19.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The said screen is connected to a nine-piece speaker system, while on-board charging is done via USB ports and a wireless smartphone charging pad. 

Other noteworthy features present inside the vehicle are as follows:

• Four-way adjustable steering column
• Interior air filter
• Cup/bottle holders
• Remote starting
• 60:40 split-folding rear seats
• Soft-touch interior doors cards
• Dome lamps
• 12-volt accessory outlet

Didn’t skimp on safety

While the MG Marvel R is on the affordable side of luxury EV crossovers, it doesn’t skimp when it comes to safety equipment.

For its standard kit, it has front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, anti-lock braking, cornering brake control, electronic stability control, traction control, vehicle dynamics control, ISOFIX, a security system, and many other safety features. 

The aforementioned are reinforced by a selection of advanced driver-assist systems, which include: 

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Intelligent speed alert system
• Pedestrian warning system
• Lane keep assist
• Intelligent headlight control
• Blind-spot indicator system
• 360-degree view camera

Cons

Relatively low range for top-spec trim

Considering its locally available competitors, such as the Tesla Model Y and the Kia EV6, the MG Marvel R’s top-spec 4WD variant  has a relatively low amount of range.

To be more specific, the MG Marvel R 4WD can cover up to 370 kilometers (km), at least according to the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). In comparison, the Kia EV6 has a WLTP range of 528 km, while the Tesla Model Y has 551 km. 

Make no mistake, though, it is still a significant amount enough for daily driving, and for such a powerful EV. But on the one hand, some may prefer an EV with more go-juice, especially if they regularly take out-of-town trips. 

MG Marvel R: specifications

Model	MG Marvel R 4WD
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,674x1,919x1,618
Wheelbase (mm)	2,804
Ground clearance (mm)	132
Wheel size	19-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Power-adjust front seats Push-to-start button Drive mode selector 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster Panoramic sunroof Dual-zone automatic climate control Wireless smartphone charging Nine-piece speaker set 12-volt accessory outlet USB ports Rain-sensing wipers Power tailgate Ambient lighting system Auto-dimming rearview mirror 60:40 split-folding rear seats
Infotainment system	19.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Motor setup	Dual motor
Drivetrain	All-wheel-drive
Range	370 km
Transmission	Two-speed automatic
Horsepower	298
Torque	665 Nm
Technology
Safety	Front airbags Side airbags Curtain airbags Anti-lock braking Cornering brake control Electronic stability control Traction control Vehicle dynamics control ISOFIX Security system
ADAS	Autonomous emergency braking Intelligent speed alert system Pedestrian warning system Lane keep assist Intelligent headlight control Blind-spot indicator system 360-degree view camera
Price	P2,888,888

Final thoughts

For its price, which ranges from P2,588,888-P2,888,888, and considering that it is geared as a luxury crossover EV, the MG Marvel R is well worth the money. Even with its low range, many would still find this ride enticing, considering that it is more affordable. This is in addition to the fact that it doesn’t skimp on creature comforts and safety gear. 

So, if you like what you’re seeing from the MG Marvel R, do visit the nearest MG dealership to give this EV crossover a test drive. Because who knows, this ride might just be the right one for you. 

Also read:

Toyota Avanza vs. MG G50 Plus vs. GAC M6 Pro: family feud

Toyota Raize vs Kia Sonet, Geely GX3 Pro, MG ZS

Cushy crossover clash: MG One vs. Ford Territory

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