- MG7 returns after decade-long hiatus
- 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter gasoline engines
- Will not be sold in the United States
Though it hasn't had a presence in the United States for decades, the MG brand is still alive and well in other corners of the world. The formerly British brand, under the stewardship of Chinese automotive conglomerate SAIC has been on a roll lately, showing off a new affordable electric vehicle called the MG4 and teasing an electric roadster called the Cyberster. MG's future is clearly electric, but the company isn't done with combustion engines just yet.
Earlier this month, MG teased a stunning four-door coupe model called the MG7 (a nameplate that went away in 2013). This new MG7 has nothing to do with the previous model and, based on the newly released images, that's certainly not a bad thing; this looks prettier than anything BMW makes right now.
The pictures show a stunning green car, which could pass for Alpina's signature hue. It features a low-slung, coupe-like roof with frameless doors, just like the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and Audi A5 Sportback. At 192.3 inches long, the MG7 is longer than the Audi and BMW by a considerable margin.
We particularly love the rear-end styling, which features a three-stage deployable spoiler. And based on the proportions, we believe the MG7 is a practical "liftback" just like the 4 Series Gran Coupe and A5 Sportback.
If the exterior wasn't attractive enough, the interior proves it's worthy of MG's "Black Label Series," which is reserved for upmarket cars. The seats are wrapped in unique turquoise leather with plenty of bolstering, both in the front and the back. A digital cockpit measures 33 inches wide, housing the infotainment screen, gauge cluster, and a screen on the far left to control various vehicle functions.
As expected from a luxury car, the cabin boasts ambient lighting to dazzle occupants at night. Our one complaint would be a lack of physical controls, as it appears the MG7 lacks a volume knob or any separate climate buttons.
MG will launch the MG7 with two gasoline engine options: 300 VTGI and 405 VTGI, with the numerical values tied to their torque outputs in metric newton meters. The 300 VTGI is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing just 183 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Power in the entry-level model goes out to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
A sportier 405 VTGI Trophy model gets a larger 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 254 hp and 298 lb-ft through a nine-speed automatic with a limited-slip differential sourced from ZF. Plug-in hybrid models will reportedly come later.
Pricing has not been announced, but there is zero chance the MG7 will be offered in North America.