Field Test MGS6: What This SUV Offers for 50,000 Euros ($57,000)

Plenty of space, a refined atmosphere, a whisper-quiet powertrain, and a suspension that makes you feel right at home: The MGS6 offers ample comfort, modern technology, and excellent practicality for everyday use—all without breaking the bank.

For a few months, the MGS6—introduced in the spring—got to enjoy its status as MG’s new flagship model. But this summer, the IM6 arrived on the scene—a standout model even more focused on comfort and performance. It’s now clear: Chinese auto giant SAIC is increasingly setting its sights on the premium market with its formerly British brand, MG. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be an IM6 with 800-volt technology. For those seeking a refined electric driving experience, the MGS6 is a finely tuned ride that offers a great deal of comfort for the money.

MG looks back on a British heritage, which its Chinese parent company likes to reference with design cues in its newer models. In the case of the MGS6, however, these are barely recognizable, if at all. No one would be surprised if this stately electric car were actually a new Xpeng or Nio. The rear end, with its continuous light strip, is more reminiscent of a Mercedes SUV. It all looks pleasing, but comes across as a bit generic. In any case, the 4.71-meter-long (15-foot-5-inch-long), elegant-looking MGS6 doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

Numerous Large Screens

The interior is dominated by shades of black and dark gray, accented by metallic and glossy black surfaces. The center sections of the seats, with their suede-like finish, feature diamond-patterned stitching that is also repeated on the door panels. As an alternative to the black-and-gray interior, a more inviting light beige interior trim is available for 450 euros ($513). The build quality is remarkably good. The materials, surfaces, and transitions are a pleasure to both the eye and the touch.

The cockpit features two large screens and a head-up display that projects driving information directly onto the windshield. The central touchscreen measures a generous 12.8 inches. Below it is a floating center console with controls for the climate system, an inductive charging pad with cooling, cup holders, and a rotary knob for selecting the driving mode. One level down, there are several USB ports and plenty of space for small items.

MGS6 Offers Plenty of Space

Speaking of space: the MGS6 offers plenty of it. Passengers in both the front and rear can stretch out comfortably. In the back, you can sit comfortably and enjoy plenty of legroom and headroom. Add to that the flat floor. With ample storage space ranging from 670 to 1,910 liters (about 24 to 67 cubic feet), the trunk is surprisingly large. Combined with the 120-liter (4.2-cubic-foot) frunk under the hood, this results in a potential cargo volume of more than two cubic meters (about 71 cubic feet).

Although numerous functions are hidden within the touchscreen’s menu menus, you’ll find your way around surprisingly quickly. For us, the ability to connect our own smartphone via Android Auto was the most important feature anyway. That works without any hassle. Activating the adaptive cruise control via the steering wheel buttons required a bit more trial and error. The operating logic isn’t immediately obvious, especially since deciphering the button symbols requires eagle eyes. But even without consulting the owner’s manual, we soon got the hang of it.

SUV with a Relatively Low Weight

This large electric car glides along pleasantly quietly, delivering confident acceleration with its 180 kW, while the suspension smooths out the rigors of everyday driving on asphalt with surprising ease. While the conventional suspension doesn’t quite reach the level of a good air suspension, it’s not far off either. And when you want to take a corner a bit more aggressively, the rear-wheel-drive MG—which, at around 1.9 metric tons, is comparatively light for a large electric SUV—lives up to its sporty brand heritage. We didn’t miss the dual-motor all-wheel-drive system with 266 kW of system output, which is offered for an additional 4,000 euros ($4,560).

On the open highway, we kept the speedometer reading above the 200-km/h (124-mph)  mark for a few minutes. However, this causes wind noise to increase significantly, while the battery charge depletes rapidly. In any case, the MG is better suited to cruising briskly without rushing.

Powertrain with Good Fuel Economy—Average Charging Capacity

There is only one battery option available, with a capacity of 77 kWh. On our highway drives, which were mostly at a speed of 130, the MGS6 averaged 18.5 kWh per 100 kilometers (62 miles) in summer temperatures with the air conditioning on. Accordingly, a full battery should provide a range of a good 400 kilometers (249 miles). In city traffic, the range is even greater.

Don’t expect any charging miracles from the 400-volt technology. MG promises a maximum of 144 kW. At a 300-kW fast-charging station, with 20 percent remaining capacity, we were still able to draw 141 kW for a few minutes. However, the MG didn’t maintain that high charging rate for long. As the charge level rises, the charging power drops significantly. After 23 minutes, 38.5 kWh had been added, and the battery was back up to 70 percent capacity. The charging station recorded an average charging power of around 98 kW.

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Don't Yawn!

That’s more than enough for long-distance travel. If you take a 20- to 25-minute charging break every 200 kilometers (124 miles) along the way, you can make good progress without any stress. Even day trips on the highway covering more than 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) are feasible this way. On long trips, the onboard navigation system can suggest a route that includes charging stops and precondition the battery for fast charging before those stops. If you buy your electricity at a low rate, you can expect energy costs of six to eight euros (about $6.70 to $8.95) per 100 kilometers (62 miles). Compared to a comparable diesel SUV, this represents a significant savings on fuel costs.

One downside of this otherwise pleasantly laid-back travel companion is its somewhat intrusive driver monitoring. We’d already encountered this phenomenon shortly before while testing the MG4 Urban. If you let your gaze wander even for a moment, you’re promptly reminded to focus on the road again. And if you yawn, you’re prompted to take a break. The latter is particularly annoying. Based on our experience with the MG4, we’ve gotten into the habit of covering our mouths with our hands when we yawn. That usually spares us the annoying “please take a break” beep.

MG Offers One Trim Level and Two Powertrains

MG makes it easy for its customers to choose the right MGS6. There is only one trim level, called Luxury. The only choices are between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, various exterior colors, and a black or beige interior. This means the base price of 50,000 euros ($57,000) can also be the final price. In addition to the amenities already mentioned, standard equipment includes 20-inch alloy wheels, a large panoramic glass roof, heated and ventilated seats, and a navigation system. The Vehicle-to-Load function, which allows external electrical devices to be powered by the vehicle’s battery at up to 3.3 kW, is also included.

50,000 euros is certainly no small sum. But in return, the MGS6 spoils you with plenty of space, lavish features, and a level of comfort you’d normally expect to find in higher price ranges. By comparison, the slightly longer Audi Q6 E-Tron offers a bit more power and battery capacity in its base model, but it costs at least 64,450 euros ($73,473).