MPV showdown: MG G50 Plus vs GAC M6 Pro

MG Philippines has introduced the G50 Plus as its entry into the highly contested multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment. As such, the brand now offers a three-row ride many family-oriented Filipinos will find appealing. 

As mentioned above, the all-new MG G50 Plus will face stiff competition in its market segment. One of the aforementioned rivals it faces is the GAC M6 Pro.

So, the question is, how does the all-new MG MPV fare against the GAC MPV spec-wise? Let’s find out by comparing the two models' on-paper specifications. 

Of note, the comparison will focus on the MG G50 Plus Luxury (Lux) DCT and the GAC M6 Pro GL . The two are top-spec trims and, therefore, the best representatives of their respective lineups. 

Large and in-charge face off

When it comes to size, the all-new G50 Plus is 4,825-mm long, 1,825-mm wide, and 1,778-mm in height. The GAC M6 Pro meanwhile, is 4,793-mm long, 1,837-mm wide, and 1,730-mm in height. 

Concerning wheelbase lengths, the G50 Plus spans 2,800-mm while the M6’s wheelbase spans 2,810-mm.

The MG MPV model is longer, but the GAC is a bit wider and taller. To buyers, the latter may mean more elbow and head room. Conversely, a longer size might also mean more heft to deal with during parking and tight maneuvers.

Exterior

Looking at the MG G50 Plus and the GAC M6 Pro, the two's design directions clearly lean towards the upmarket. 

The G50 Plus's front end exhibits a sizable grille filled to the brim with chrome trimmings. The latter is paired with sharp LED headlamps and LED daytime running lamps, as well as an expansive hood. 

The MG MPV’s side, meanwhile, offers power-folding side mirrors and huge welcoming doors. It also gets additional chrome bits on the window line. More cargo space is provided by roof rails, while the rear is made more appealing thanks to an elegant, chrome-trimmed rear bumper and a pair of eye-catching LED taillights. 

The GAC M6 likewise sports a large grille, but the one fitted to it encompasses most of its front fascia. The latter is flanked by attractive LED headlamp clusters and is topped off by a sizable but rather flat bonnet.  

For its side profile, the M6 Pro also sports an elegant window line made more appealing with chrome trims. The latter is the quieter part of the vehicle, as its rear gets more eye candy thanks to a large LED taillight bar.

Regarding exterior features, the GAC is a step ahead of the MG model. It gets a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, and a heated windshield. The latter bits are absent on the MG.

In turn,  those wanting more cargo space up top may lean towards the MG MPV, as the GAC model doesn't come with roof rails. 

Interior

Step inside the MG G50 Plus, and one will find an expansive cabin generously appointed with soft-touch surfaces, tech, and plush seating. 

For its cockpit, the MG brand’s new MPV generously provides its pilot with niceties such as a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a push-to-start button, cruise control, an electronic parking brake, a day & night rearview mirror, and plenty of storage for one’s knickknacks and snacks. 

The rest of the vehicle’s occupants are likewise coddled by soft but durable PVC-wrapped seats, a pair of electronically adjustable captain seats for the second row, and automatic air conditioning with rear vents. Thanks to power first—and second-row seats, easy adjustability is also ensured inside the MG MPV. 

For tech, the MG features a digital and analog gauge cluster combo, as well as a 12.8-inch central infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Inside, the GAC M6 Pro has an equally attractive cabin filled with ample amount of decorative bits and soft-touch surfaces. 

The GAC MPV's driver is provided with an LCD instrument cluster, a push-to-start button, a leather steering wheel, an electronic parking brake, PVC upholstery, second-row captain seats, a power-adjust driver's seat, and cruise control. The said features are likewise found on the MG, but the GAC’s second-row captain seats do not have power adjustability.

On one hand, the MG gets a simpler air-conditioning system compared to the GAC’s dual-zone climate control system. 

For onboard entertainment, the M6 Pro gets a 10.25-inch infotainment system, which does have Apple CarPlay, but it lacks Android Auto. 

To sum up, the MG G50 Plus simply has more features than the GAC M6 Pro. Both do cover all the bases regarding comfort, but the MG model has a larger central touchscreen, more adjustability for its captain seats, and better connectivity options. 

Engine

Under the hood of the all-new MG G50 Plus is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine capable of generating up to 178 horsepower and 285 Newton Meters of torque. Power is sent to the vehicle's front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch wet-type (DCT) gearbox. 

The GAC M6 Pro, in turn, is propelled by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline four-pot that can produce 174 hp and 270 Nm of torque. A seven-speed DCT also handles gear changes aboard the M6 Pro.

Based on the output figures above, the MG gets a slightly spicier tune than the GAC model. More power and torque are a clear advantage, of course, especially for large three-row models that may need to carry a lot of weight if filled to capacity. 

Besides the difference in power, both use a McPherson strut suspension for the front and a torsion beam rear suspension. The two MPVs are also front-wheel-drive. 

Safety

As a family-friendly ride, both the MG G50 Plus and the GAC M6 Pro both get a comprehensive list of standard safety equipment. Fitted on the two model’s top-spec variants are anti-lock braking, stability control, hill-start assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, a reverse camera, rear sensors, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. 

The GAC model has an advantage in this category since it gets hill-hold control and hill-descent control.  Also, parking may be easier on the GAC MPV thanks to its 360-degree view camera. 

The all-new MG G50 Plus also lacks an advanced driver-assist system (ADAS) suite, which is present in the GAC M6 Pro. The M6 Pro's collection of preventive safety features includes adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and many others. 

Variants and pricing

MG G50 Plus:

• STD MT: P1,048,888
• Com DCT : P1,188,888
• Lux DCT: P1,288,888

GAC M6 Pro: 

• GS: P1,230,000
• GX Master: P1,598,000

Verdict

Clearly, the MG G50 Plus and the GAC M6 Pro were designed to entice a target market with a taste for well-equipped, attractive-looking MPV models.

Both are comfortable and roomy seven-seaters, making them family-oriented rides. However, buyers who want more safety might want to choose the ADAS-equipped GAC model.

As we always say, a buyer's final pick between the MG G50 Plus and the GAC M6 Pro boils down to preference and budget. But for those really serious about getting an MPV, you might as well give the two models a good ol’ test drive for a more informed choice. 

Photos from: Cesar Guiderone Miguel, Juan Paolo Papa, Astara Philippines

Also read: 

GAC Motor PH expands market reach with GenSan dealership

MG PH launches 3 hatchback, G50 Plus MPV

Spotting the differences: GAC M8 GL Master vs. GX Master