Overview
The MG QS is MG’s biggest SUV yet — a full seven-seater aimed squarely at the Toyota Kluger (Highlander) but priced around $50,000 drive-away. That’s nearly half what you’d pay for a top-spec Toyota, which immediately raises the question: is it simply cheaper, or genuinely competitive?
After testing the top-spec Essence AWD, it’s clear the QS offers serious value, a roomy cabin, and surprising comfort — but it’s not without quirks.
Design and Exterior
MG’s latest design direction finally feels mature. The QS wears a bold front grille, sharp LED headlights with integrated running lights, and broad shoulders that give it presence.
In profile, it looks substantial but not bulky — helped by a sloping roofline, chrome accents, and flush glazing. The 21-inch alloy wheels with Michelin tyres add to the upmarket look, though they’re more for style than off-road ability.
Roof rails, a panoramic glass roof, privacy glass, and full-width LED taillights round out the exterior. Even small touches, like the MG logo embedded in the lighting strip, show attention to detail.
For a $50K family SUV, it looks like it belongs in a higher price bracket.
Interior Quality and Technology
Inside, the QS impresses straight away. The dashboard design feels premium, dominated by two 12.3-inch displays — one for infotainment, the other for driver information.
Soft-touch materials, ambient lighting, and contrast stitching make the cabin inviting. The design team has clearly benchmarked more expensive rivals.
Infotainment
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Built-in satellite navigation
- 12-speaker premium audio
- 360° parking camera with multiple views
The system is slick and responsive, though wireless CarPlay can be buggy — dropping connections occasionally. Still, for this price range, the QS’s tech suite is generous.
Comfort & Features
- Heated and cooled front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Dual-zone front climate + third-row vents
- Power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support
- Panoramic sunroof
Overall, it feels far more expensive than its sticker suggests.
Practicality and Space
MG nailed packaging. The QS feels massive inside despite not looking oversized from outside.
Second Row
Legroom and headroom are excellent. There’s ample foot space, rear USB-C ports, air vents, map pockets, and a fold-down armrest with cupholders.
Third Row
Adults fit in a pinch, but it’s best for kids. You get cupholders, a USB-A port, and ceiling-mounted vents.
Boot Space
- 200 L (with all seats up)
- ~500 L (with third row folded)
- ~1,000 L+ (with second row folded)
A 12V outlet and underfloor storage (with a space-saver spare) add practicality. It’s one of the better seven-seat load areas in this price range.
Engine and Performance
Under the bonnet lies a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder, producing 150 kW and 350 Nm, mated to an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.
On paper, the numbers are solid — but at nearly two tonnes, performance feels adequate rather than brisk.
Acceleration Tests
- 0–100 km/h: 9.11 seconds
- 80–120 km/h: 6.73 seconds
Those figures are actually quicker than the Toyota Kluger Hybrid, which costs almost twice as much.
However, throttle response and gearbox behaviour can feel laggy. From a standstill, there’s noticeable delay before power arrives — more patience than punch.
Fuel Economy
- Claimed: 8.8 L/100 km
- Tested: 10.0 L/100 km
It runs on 95 RON premium fuel, slightly raising running costs.
Ride, Handling, and Braking
This is where MG truly surprises. The QS rides far better than expected. Despite its size and 21-inch wheels, it’s comfortable yet composed — especially impressive given it hasn’t been locally tuned.
Ride Comfort
The QS soaks up bumps confidently, maintaining composure even on broken tarmac. At highway speeds, body control stays tidy with minimal bounce or float.
Handling
Steering lacks feel but remains accurate. Body roll is noticeable but well-managed for a big SUV. The all-wheel-drive system provides decent traction, though this isn’t an off-roader.
Braking Test
- 100–0 km/h: 39.66 metres
That’s within the “very good” range for a seven-seater — a few metres shorter than the Kluger.
Noise insulation is strong, though wind noise creeps in at highway speeds.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Standard kit includes:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keep assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- 360° camera system
However, some features feel overzealous — particularly lane assist, which can tug at the wheel unnecessarily. Thankfully, all can be disabled easily.
MG’s 10-year warranty (if serviced within its dealer network) remains a standout advantage for peace of mind.
Verdict
The 2025 MG QS proves how far MG has come. It’s comfortable, spacious, and loaded with tech that rivals from Japan and Korea charge tens of thousands more for.
It’s not perfect — the engine could use hybrid assistance, and some driver aids need polishing — but it’s remarkable value.
Pros ✅
- Huge value for money
- Luxurious interior and tech
- Excellent ride comfort
- Strong braking and practical cabin
Cons ❌
- Laggy gearbox and average engine response
- No hybrid option
- Overactive driver-assist alerts
Final Word:
The MG QS delivers 90% of what a Toyota Kluger offers for nearly half the price. If you can overlook the drivetrain’s imperfections, you’ll get a genuinely impressive family SUV that nails comfort, space, and affordability.
Pravin is a tech enthusiast and Salesforce developer with deep expertise in AI, mobile gadgets, coding, and automotive technology. At CarzCorner, he shares practical insights and research-driven content on the latest tech and innovations shaping our world.